Is Boston Fern Safe for Cats and Dogs?

Boston fern (Nephrolepis exaltata) is non-toxic to both cats and dogs.

Why

Boston fern (Nephrolepis exaltata) is non-toxic to cats and dogs and is a good choice for a pet-friendly home.

Be careful with names, though. Some plants called ferns are not true ferns. For example, asparagus fern is toxic to pets.

How to recognize it

Boston fern has full, arching fronds made of many small, bright green leaflets. Asparagus fern, which is not a true fern and is toxic to pets, has soft, needle-like foliage and small red berries, so check the label before buying.

What to do

• Confirm the exact species before buying any plant called a fern.
• Eating a lot of any plant can cause mild stomach upset, so discourage heavy chewing.

Which "ferns" are toxic to pets?

The word fern is used loosely at garden centers. The most common trap is the asparagus fern (Asparagus densiflorus), which is not a fern at all. It is sold under several names, including emerald fern, foxtail fern and plumosa or lace fern for a close relative. The ASPCA lists these as toxic: the berries can cause vomiting, diarrhea and abdominal pain, and repeated skin contact can cause irritation.

Outdoors, bracken fern is a true fern that is known to poison grazing livestock over time, according to the Merck Veterinary Manual. It is a field and woodland plant, not a houseplant, but dogs on hikes may pass through it. A dog that nibbles a frond on a walk is not the typical case; the problem in livestock comes from grazing on it for weeks.

Are other true ferns sold as houseplants safe too?

Several popular indoor ferns are listed as non-toxic to cats and dogs by the ASPCA. Look for these botanical names on the tag:

• Maidenhair fern (Adiantum)
• Bird's nest fern (Asplenium nidus)
• Staghorn fern (Platycerium)
• Sword fern, a close relative in the same genus

How do you keep a Boston fern that your cat keeps shredding?

Boston ferns shed small leaflets constantly, and cats and puppies often treat the soft, moving fronds as a toy. Eating a few leaflets is not a poisoning risk, but a cat that swallows a lot may vomit.

The plant usually suffers more than the pet. Hanging it from a ceiling hook keeps it out of reach and also suits its drooping shape. Choose a secure hook, because a wet fern in a large basket is heavy.

Ferns like damp soil, and some owners use water-retaining gels or slow-release fertilizer pellets in the pot. Keep those products out of reach, and don't let pets drink from the saucer underneath.

Toxic plants to tell apart from it

These look similar or are often sold alongside it. Check the label before buying.

• Mildly toxicPothos (devil's ivy)
• Mildly toxicPhilodendron

Common questions

Is Boston fern safe for pets?

Cats: Non-toxic. Dogs: Non-toxic. Yes. Boston ferns are non-toxic to cats and dogs.

Is it safe to keep Boston fern in a home with cats and dogs?

Yes. It is listed as non-toxic to both cats and dogs. Confirm the exact species before buying any plant called a fern.

What should I do if my pet chews Boston fern?

There is usually no emergency, because Boston fern is listed as non-toxic. Eating a lot of any plant can still cause mild stomach upset, so call a vet if vomiting continues.

Which toxic plants look like Boston fern?

Watch out for pothos and philodendron: they look similar or are often sold alongside it. Check the botanical name on the label before buying.

← All plants

Sources

• ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center. Toxic and Non-Toxic Plant List (dogs, cats).
• Merck Veterinary Manual. Toxicology section.

If your pet has eaten a toxic plant, contact your veterinarian or an emergency animal hospital right away and bring a photo or piece of the plant. In the US you can also call the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at (888) 426-4435 or the Pet Poison Helpline at (855) 764-7661 (fees may apply).