Is Boston Fern Safe for Cats?

Nephrolepis exaltata

Boston fern is listed as non-toxic to cats. It is also one of the few plants that tolerates a bathroom, so it can be hung out of the way of a curious cat.

The main problem is mess: a fern drops fronds constantly, and a cat will bat them around. That is harmless, just untidy.

What to watch for in the UK

• Popular in bathrooms and hanging baskets.
• Do not confuse it with asparagus fern, which has toxic berries.
• Misting keeps it alive; dried fern is a fire risk near cookers.
• Hanging baskets keep the plant out of reach entirely.

If your cat has already chewed it

1. Nothing to do.
2. Check the species if you are unsure — asparagus fern is a different plant.

Take a photo of the plant, and a cutting if you can do it safely — identification is half of the vet's decision. Out of hours, use your practice's emergency number. This page explains risk; it cannot diagnose your cat and it contains no home treatments.

If your cat has vomited after eating a plant, see the cat vomiting guide and, if there is blood, vomiting blood. For a general red-flag checklist, use sick cat symptoms. If the worry is food rather than a plant, the can cats eat guide covers 36 everyday foods.

Related plants

Browse the full UK plant checklist (72 plants).