Are Ferns Safe For Cats And Dogs?

by | Last updated on January 24, 2024

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Some ferns — such as Boston fern, bird’s-nest fern, and staghorn fern — are safe for pets

.” And because it makes such a nice hanging plant, it’s easy to keep out of your pet’s reach.

Are ferns safe around cats?

Even though

true ferns aren’t considered toxic to cats

, the ASPCA urges cat owners to keep their pets from nibbling on any houseplants—regardless of toxicity. That’s not to say you need to yank every plant from your home or garden. It just means you need to be smart about where you place your plants.

Are ferns toxic to dogs and cats?


True ferns, like the Boston Fern, are typically non-toxic to dogs

, and they make wonderful houseplants. These graceful, easy-care ferns make wonderful hanging plants or the perfect accent to the top of a bookshelf. They do best with indirect sunlight and moist soil.

What ferns are toxic to dogs?

  • Asparagus fern.
  • Lace fern.
  • Sprengeri fern.
  • Plumosa fern.
  • Racemose asparagus.
  • Emerald feather.
  • Shatavari.

Can ferns make cats sick?


Ferns are not toxic for cats

, although you should try to stop your four-legged friend from eating entire fern plants. Some fernlike plants are toxic, too, including some plants that have fern in the name, even though they aren’t true ferns.

Is a fluffy ruffle fern toxic to cats?

Toxicity:

Non-toxic to cats, dogs and humans

. Potting Mix: Fast draining all purpose mix. Additional Care: Brown crisp fronds are a sign of low humidity or not watering often enough.

Is fern poisonous?


Some species of Ferns release spores that can cause poisoning through oral ingestion

. The spores can contain toxins which endanger the health of humans and animals. The severity of the toxic effect depends on the type. The ill effects in people can range from nausea to cardiac issues.

Are all ferns pet safe?


Most true ferns are considered non-toxic to dogs

, according to the ASPCA. Even so, dog owners should exercise caution when it comes to bringing ferns into their homes. While the majority of ferns are harmless to dogs, ingesting too much of any foreign plant matter can wreak havoc on your pup’s system.

What happens if a cat eats a fern?

There may be many degrees of reaction if your cat eats a fern ranging from mild to severe. For example if your cat nibbles on Asparagus Fern, which is a common house plant, the leaves are mildly toxic but the berries can be poisonous. Your cat will probably suffer from

stomach pain, drooling, vomiting and diarrhea

.

Is Aloe toxic to cats?

Aloe juice and pulp can be used to treat a variety of conditions in people, but

it is highly toxic to cats

. Keep aloe plants away from cats, like on your refrigerator or in your bedroom, and spray the plants with vinegar to make them less tasty to curious felines who find them.

What does a Boston fern look like?

Its

sword-shaped, blue-green foliage

contains tiny leaflets and grows erect, arching only when fronds grow larger. Like several other fern species, Boston fern is a slow grower and is best planted outdoors in the fall or spring or indoors year-round.

Are staghorn ferns toxic to cats?

10. Staghorn Fern.

Some ferns are non-toxic to cats and dogs, while others could be poisonous

. That’s why it’s important to check both the common name (like Staghorn Fern) and the scientific name (like Platycerium bifurcatum).

Are spider plants toxic to cats?

Unlike peace lilies and pothos, Chlorophytum comosum is one houseplant that can be safely nibbled by your kitties without requiring a trip to the emergency animal hospital. According to both the ASPCA and the National Capital Poison Center, aka Poison Control, spider plants are

non-toxic to both cats and dogs

.

What if my cat eats an asparagus fern?

Should your cat eat the berries or leaves of the asparagus fern, it may experience vomiting, diarrhea and gastrointestinal upset, warns the ASPCA. If your kitty has had any contact with an asparagus fern and has munched on its leaves or possibly eaten asparagus fern berries,

contact your veterinarian right away

.

Are jade plants toxic to cats?

Jade. A common succulent plant found in households –

the Jade plant (or Chinese Jade) is considered toxic to cats if ingested

, however, the toxicity is considered mild and self-limiting (resolves without treatment).

Why do cats like to eat ferns?

Why Do Some Cats Eat Plants? Although cats are primarily carnivores, in the wild they also nibble on plants,

for added nutrients or fiber, or perhaps just because they like the taste

.

What is a frosty fern?

Frosty fern is actually

more of a moss than a fern, and is commonly also referred to as spike moss or clubmoss

. Its scaled leaves resemble conifer leaves. It can grow 4 to 12 inches in height. Its active growing season is mid to late summer, with the correct environment it actively grows year round.

Is Blue Star fern toxic to dogs?

Is the blue star fern toxic to cats and dogs?

Nope! Phlebodium aureum, like many related fern species, is not toxic

. This makes it a great option if you’re worried your pets might take a bite out of your plant.

Are blue ferns toxic to cats?

Pets: this plant is

not toxic

to cats and dogs.

Are garden ferns poisonous to dogs?

We’ve broken them down into groups, ranging from zero to high risk for your dog. Plants with zero risk to dogs:

Ferns (the exception is the Asparagus fern which is toxic to dogs

) Mother-in-law’s Tongue or Snakeplant (Sanseveria)

Are ferns poisonous UK?

Due to changes in farming practices over the past hundred years, bracken has proliferated and now it sprawls across much of Scotland and northern Britain.

For a long time scientists have known that bracken contains a carcinogenic compound called ptaquiloside (PTQ), but thought it dangerous only if eaten

.

David Martineau
Author
David Martineau
David is an interior designer and home improvement expert. With a degree in architecture, David has worked on various renovation projects and has written for several home and garden publications. David's expertise in decorating, renovation, and repair will help you create your dream home.