- Not a substitute for professional veterinary help.
For a refreshing burst of greenery, you can’t go wrong with ferns. Whether you keep them indoors or outdoors, this plant’s cascading fronds always stand out. Plus, they’re fairly easy to care for. But are these lush plants safe for the feline members of our families? Are ferns poisonous to cats?
According to the ASPCA, the majority of ferns are harmless to cats. Here’s where things can get confusing: it’s tricky to distinguish between “true ferns” and plants that resemble ferns or simply have the word “fern” in their name. Unlike true ferns, many of these plants pose a serious threat to cats.
Not to worry—we’re here to clear up any confusion regarding fern toxicity in cats.
Since it’s our duty to protect our furry friends from harm, let’s take a closer look at potential fern toxicity, and what you can do to keep your cat safe.
Are Ferns Toxic To Cats?
Thankfully, most true ferns are safe for cats. If your curious kitty helps herself to a tiny serving, she’s unlikely to be harmed.
According to the ASPCA, the following plants are considered “true ferns” and are generally harmless to cats:
- Boston fern
- Sword fern
- Button fern
- Mother fern
- Carrot fern
- Maidenhair fern
- Staghorn fern
- Rabbit’s foot fern
- Button fern
- Bird’s nest fern
While these plants aren’t considered toxic to cats, ingesting high amounts of any plant can cause unpleasant reactions in felines. If your cat eats too much of a Boston fern, for instance, she’ll probably experience an upset stomach. In most cases, however, symptoms from ingesting a true fern aren’t severe enough to warrant medical attention.
The problem here lies in the confusion over which plants are considered true ferns and which ones simply have the word “fern” in their name. Unlike true ferns, which are largely innocuous, certain plants that resemble ferns in appearance or name can be toxic to cats. The most common example of this is the asparagus fern—a plant that is highly poisonous to cats.
Asparagus ferns (aka emerald ferns, sprengeri ferns, or lace ferns) are a popular houseplant, but the ASPCA tells us they’re harmful to cats. The leaves of this wispy plant are toxic, and the berries can cause vomiting, diarrhea, and stomach pain if your cat ingests them. With repeated exposure, skin inflammation can also occur.
Additional fern-like plants that are toxic to cats include foxtail ferns, winter ferns, and hemlock ferns.
What Are The Signs Of Fern Poisoning In Cats?
If your cat happens to nibble on an asparagus fern, her symptoms can range from mild to severe. She may experience the following side effects:
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Stomach pain
- Drooling
If your cat accidentally rubs up against the plant’s leaves, it can also cause swelling, inflammation, and blisters.
What To Do If Your Cat Has Ingested A Fern
For the most part, you can rest easy if your cat has recently snacked on a true fern plant. Unless she helps herself to a particularly greedy serving, consumption of true ferns is unlikely to hurt your cat, and veterinary intervention isn’t usually required.
If, however, your cat munches on an asparagus fern, it’s time to consult your vet. If you can, bring a sample of the plant to the clinic to confirm its toxicity. A quick snapshot on your phone will also work.
When you bring in your cat, your vet may rinse off her skin and/or mouth to remove all traces of the plant. To combat dehydration caused by excessive vomiting or diarrhea, your vet may also administer intravenous fluids. Prescription-strength topical creams can help with skin irritation as well.
What Should I Do If I Have Ferns In My Home Or Garden?
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.
Luckily, ferns lend themselves to hanging planters. Breathe life into a dull room by placing hanging baskets throughout your space, making sure the plants are always out of your cat’s reach. A vibrant fern can also look right at home on a high shelf, away from curious paws.
Hands down, the easiest way to ensure your cat doesn’t eat a toxic plant: don’t bring a toxic plant into your home! Households with cats should steer clear of toxic plants like the asparagus fern. To keep outdoor cats safe, gardeners who grow asparagus ferns should use fencing or netting.
Additional House Plants That Are Safe For Cats
For plant lovers with a cat at home, there are plenty of ways to safely introduce greenery into your home. Spruce up your space with one or more of the following cat-friendly plants:
- Money tree
- Banana tree
- Bamboo
- Spider plant
- Areca palm
- Friendship plant
- Polka dot plant
- Orchids
- Mosaic plant
- Ponytail palm
Ultimately, it’s our responsibility as cat owners to keep our furry pals out of harm’s way. To that end, we need to create a safe environment free of dangerous plants and other toxins. To learn more about plant toxicity and cats, check out our comprehensive database of poisonous plants to dogs and cats.