Is Boston Fern toxic to cats?
Boston fern is non-toxic to cats (S0 Safe): the ASPCA lists Nephrolepis exaltata as safe for cats and dogs — a true fern with no toxin on record, unlike the asparagus 'fern' that mimics it.
- TOXINnone — no toxic principles on record
- WHAT TO EXPECTno symptoms on record
- CALL THE VETSee a vet only if unusual or persistent symptoms follow ingestion.
Nothing to do — really
Care at a glance
FAQ
My cat treats the Boston fern like a toy and chews the fronds — is that a problem?
Not for the cat. The ASPCA lists the Boston fern (Nephrolepis exaltata bostoniensis) as "Non-Toxic to Cats" and non-toxic to dogs — there is no toxin on record, which is why it anchors our fern family guide's safe side. The dangling fronds are irresistible to batters and chewers, so the plant will show damage long before your cat shows any. One check first: make sure it really is a Boston fern — the look-alike 'asparagus fern' is a different, toxic plant. Ours has soft spore-bearing fronds and never berries; see the fern guide for the split.
Is a Boston fern safe for cats and dogs?
Yes, for both. The ASPCA lists Nephrolepis exaltata bostoniensis as "Non-Toxic to Dogs, Non-Toxic to Cats," with no toxic principle and no clinical signs on record — that is the whole entry, and it is why the grade is S0 Safe. The one thing to check is that your fern really is a Boston fern: the feathery asparagus fern sold beside it is not a fern and is S2 Irritant for cats, with berries that cause vomiting and repeated skin contact that causes dermatitis. A Boston fern has flat, sword-shaped fronds and never carries berries. If yours does, read the other page.
Is an asparagus fern the same as a Boston fern for my dog?
No — they are different plants, and only one of them is graded for dogs here. A Boston fern is Nephrolepis exaltata, which the ASPCA lists as "Non-Toxic to Dogs, Non-Toxic to Cats." The feathery asparagus fern is Asparagus densiflorus, which is not a fern at all, and our index has not yet graded it for dogs; we publish its verdict for cats only, where it is S2 Irritant (asparagus fern for cats). A Boston fern has flat, sword-shaped fronds and never carries berries. If your 'fern' has berries, it is not a Boston fern — keep it away from your dog and ask your vet rather than assume it is safe.