What should I do if my cat ate Asparagus Fern?

Call your vet if vomiting or diarrhea persists past 12–24 hours, if your cat refuses food or water, if you notice blood in vomit or stool, or if a small kitten ate any quantity of berries. For mild, single-episode GI upset in an otherwise healthy adult cat, monitoring at home is usually sufficient — but call the ASPCA (888-426-4435) if you're unsure.

What should I do if my dog ate Asparagus Fern?

Call your vet if vomiting or diarrhea continues beyond 24 hours, if your dog can't keep water down, if you see blood in either, or if a puppy or small breed has eaten a notable quantity of berries. Single-episode mild GI upset in a healthy adult dog can usually be monitored at home; ASPCA Poison Control (888-426-4435) can confirm.

Asparagus Fern — (c) Tony Rebelo, some rights reserved (CC BY-SA), uploaded by Tony Rebelo — Photo by (c) Tony Rebelo, some rights reserved (CC BY-SA), uploaded by Tony RebeloiNaturalistCC BY-SA

Photo by (c) Tony Rebelo, some rights reserved (CC BY-SA), uploaded by Tony RebeloiNaturalistCC BY-SA

Pet safety reference

Asparagus Fern

Q: Is Asparagus Fern safe for cats?

Asparagus Fern is potentially toxic to cats. Ingestion of the berries or foliage can cause gastrointestinal upset and skin irritation upon contact. Please contact your veterinarian if your cat has ingested any part of this plant.

Q: Is Asparagus Fern safe for dogs?

Asparagus Fern is potentially toxic to dogs. Repeated skin contact may cause dermatitis, while ingestion leads to gastrointestinal distress. Consult a veterinarian if you suspect your dog has consumed this plant.

Asparagus densiflorus

The Asparagus Fern is a popular, feathery houseplant that is actually a member of the lily family. Despite its delicate appearance, it contains toxic compounds that can cause irritation if ingested by pets.

Check a list

Asparagus densiflorusAsparagus densiflorus 'Sprengeri'Emerald FernPlume AsparagusSprengeri Fern

Light: Bright indirect light
Habit: Trailing or mounding
Care: Moderate

Safety status

Cats & Dogs

Potentially toxic

Consulted references classify the plant as toxic or irritating for that pet type.

Verified against ASPCA/provenance audit 2026-05-06 on May 6, 2026.

Sources

ASPCA Toxic Plant List

If a pet has chewed or swallowed plant material and is showing symptoms, contact a veterinarian or poison resource immediately. This product is for structured reference, not diagnosis.

Cats — concern notes

Common signs

Vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal pain.

Escalation note

Ingestion of the berries or foliage can cause gastrointestinal upset and skin irritation upon contact. Please contact your veterinarian if your cat has ingested any part of this plant.

Dogs — concern notes

Common signs

Vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal pain.

Escalation note

Repeated skin contact may cause dermatitis, while ingestion leads to gastrointestinal distress. Consult a veterinarian if you suspect your dog has consumed this plant.

Safer alternatives

Safer pick

Boston Fern

Nephrolepis exaltata bostoniensis

Boston fern is a true fern that gives the same frothy look and is not on major toxic lists.

Uncertain for cats.

Generally safe for dogs.

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Source evidence

ASPCA Toxic Plant List

toxicology · 99% reliability

Open source

Asparagus fern is toxic to both cats and dogs, causing vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal pain.

NC State Extension Plant Toolbox

botanical · 94% reliability

Open source

Asparagus densiflorus is a perennial herb known for its feathery foliage and red berries, but it is considered toxic to pets.

cats safety page My cat ate Asparagus Fern dogs safety page My dog ate Asparagus Fern

Often compared with

Asparagus Fern vs Boston Fern

Same safety verdict

Other plants with the same verdict

Monstera

Monstera deliciosa

Monstera deliciosa is a popular tropical houseplant known for its large, fenestrated leaves and vining growth habit. It contains insoluble calcium oxalate crystals that can cause irritation if ingested by pets.

Potentially toxic for cats & dogs.

Snake Plant

Dracaena trifasciata

Dracaena trifasciata is a popular, hardy houseplant known for its stiff, sword-like leaves with striking yellow margins. It is widely appreciated for its air-purifying qualities and ability to thrive in various indoor conditions.

Potentially toxic for cats & dogs.

Philodendron

Philodendron spp.

Philodendrons are popular tropical foliage plants known for their lush, heart-shaped or split leaves. They contain insoluble calcium oxalate crystals that can cause irritation if ingested.

Potentially toxic for cats & dogs.

Peace Lily

Spathiphyllum

The Mauna Loa Peace Lily is a popular indoor plant known for its elegant white spathes and lush foliage. It contains insoluble calcium oxalate crystals that can cause irritation upon contact or ingestion.

Potentially toxic for cats & dogs.

Same growing conditions

Plants for the same room

Begonia

Begonia spp.

Begonias are popular ornamental plants known for their diverse foliage and vibrant flowers. They contain soluble calcium oxalates which can cause irritation if ingested by pets.

Potentially toxic for cats & dogs.

Cirrhopetalum

Bulbophyllum appendiculatum

Cirrhopetalum is a unique, exotic orchid known for its intricate, fan-like flower structures. It is generally considered safe for households with pets, though its fibrous nature may cause minor digestive discomfort if consumed in large quantities.

Generally safe for cats & dogs.

Cocktail Orchid

Cattleya forbesii

The Cocktail Orchid is a popular epiphytic orchid known for its unique, fragrant blooms and ease of care in indoor environments. It is considered non-toxic to pets, though its fibrous nature may cause minor digestive discomfort if consumed in large quantities.

Generally safe for cats & dogs.

Crossandra

Crossandra infundibuliformis

Crossandra is a vibrant, tropical flowering plant known for its bright orange, fan-shaped blooms and glossy foliage. It is considered safe for households with pets, though ingestion of large amounts of plant material may cause minor digestive discomfort.

Generally safe for cats & dogs.