Asparagus fern is a weed that grows in gardens and disturbed areas. It can be toxic to cats if ingested and can cause vomiting, diarrhea, and seizure.
Cats may experience these symptoms if they eat too much of the asparagus fern or are exposed to high levels of the weed’s toxins. Cats might try to eat the asparagus fern because they think it’s a toy or because they’re curious about it.
Why might cats try to eat the asparagus fern?
Cats typically like to eat crunchy things, so asparagus might not be their favorite food. However, some cats may try to eat the asparagus fern for the same reason they might try to eat a toy: because it is fun.
Asparagus ferns can grow very large and tall, making them an interesting and challenging prey item for some cats.
Some experts say that cats may try to eat the fern because they are attracted to its bright green color and unusual shape. Others suggest that cats may try to eat the fern because it smells like prey.
Whatever the reason, if your cat tries to scarf down an asparagus fern, be sure to discourage them before it causes any damage!
The risks of your cat eating asparagus fern
Are you worried about your cat eating asparagus fern? There are some risks associated with your cat eating asparagus fern, so it’s important to be aware of them. Here are the key points:
- Asparagus fern is a plant that can be harmful to cats if ingested in large quantities. Cats can develop intestinal blockages if they consume too much of this plant.
- Asparagus fern also contains toxins that could potentially cause irritation or even poisoning in cats. If your cat consumes large amounts of asparagus fern, it may need to be brought into veterinary care for treatment.
- Asparagus fern can also contain allergens that may cause an allergic response in cats if they eat it excessively. So if yours is susceptible to such things, it’s important to be aware of the risks and keep an eye on your pet while it’s eating this type of plant.
- The stalks of the fern can be sharp, so if your cat bites into one, it could suffer from a cut.
What to do if your cat eats asparagus fern
If you believe your cat has ingested asparagus fern, the first thing you should do is call your veterinarian.
If your cat is not showing any signs of illness, or if they have only consumed a small amount of the plant, there are some things you can do to try and get them to vomit the plant material:
- Give them water or milk mixed with activated charcoal orally.
- Try using a banana or apple to induce vomiting.
- Get them onto their bed for an hour or so so that they are not moving around as much. Ideally, if your cat does vomit the plant material, they will be OK.
What symptoms might signal that your cat has consumed too much asparagus fern
If your cat has consumed too much asparagus fern, they may exhibit some symptoms: vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy, and an increased appetite.
In some cases, cats may also experience a brownish-green coloration to their body and hair (due to the ingestion of plant pigments). If you notice any of these signs in your cat, it is important to seek veterinary attention as soon as possible.
How to get your cat to stop eating asparagus fern
There are a few things that you can do to try and get your cat to stop eating asparagus fern. One way to try and stop your cat from eating asparagus fern is to hide the plant.
If your cat is a determined eater, it may still try to find and eat the asparagus fern. Another option is to put the plant in a place where your cat cannot reach it, such as in a high-traffic area or near other food items that your cat may not be able to resist eating.
You can also try spraying the plant with bitter apple or pumpkin juice, making it unpalatable to cats.
Conclusions
If your cat eats asparagus fern, don’t panic. As long as there are no major health problems, you can treat the matter like any other food-borne illness: by inducing vomiting and giving your cat fluids and electrolytes. If these remedies don’t work, call a veterinarian.