Plants / Christmas Dagger / cats

Is Christmas Dagger toxic to cats?

Christmas Dagger (Polystichum acrostichoides) is non-toxic to cats (S0 Safe): the ASPCA lists this plant as non-toxic to cats, dogs, and horses.

  • TOXINnone — no toxic principles on record
  • WHAT TO EXPECTno symptoms on record
  • CALL THE VETSee a vet if unusual or persistent symptoms follow ingestion.
S0S1S2S3S4

Nothing to do — really

S0 PROTOCOL
1
No action needed. Christmas Dagger (Polystichum acrostichoides) is safe to keep around cats.
2
When to call the vet: See a vet if unusual or persistent symptoms follow ingestion.
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Care at a glance

Lightmedium
Waterevery 3–7 days
Humiditymedium
Difficulty●●○

FAQ

Is Christmas dagger safe for cats?

Yes, for Polystichum acrostichoides: S0 Safe. The ASPCA Christmas Dagger entry reads "Non-Toxic to Dogs, Non-Toxic to Cats, Non-Toxic to Horses".

Which fern does this Christmas dagger verdict cover?

Polystichum acrostichoides. The ASPCA additional name is Christmas Dagger Fern. The family is Dryopteridaceae. NC State also lists Christmas Fern for that scientific name. Christmas Fern is not on the ASPCA entry. The grade follows the ASPCA entry. Check the scientific name on the tag.

Does the Christmas dagger entry name a toxic principle?

No toxic-principles field and no clinical-signs field are on the entry. The non-toxicity line reads "Non-Toxic to Dogs, Non-Toxic to Cats, Non-Toxic to Horses".

Is Christmas dagger safe for dogs?

Yes, for Polystichum acrostichoides: S0 Safe. The ASPCA Christmas Dagger entry reads "Non-Toxic to Dogs, Non-Toxic to Cats, Non-Toxic to Horses".

CITE THIS PAGE

Verdapaw Plant × Pet Safety Index, verdapaw.com/plants/christmas-dagger, reviewed 2026-11-04