Is Boston Fern safe for cats and dogs?

What the ASPCA lists for Boston Fern

The ASPCA records Boston Fern (Nephrolepis exaltata, family Dryopteridaceae) as Non-Toxic to Dogs, Non-Toxic to Cats. Read the ASPCA entry.

The ASPCA writes the scientific name as Nephrolepis exalta bostoniensis, which is their spelling of Nephrolepis exaltata. The same fern appears across their database under a long list of trade names, including Sword Fern, Dallas Fern, Verona Fern, Roosevelt Fern and Fluffy Ruffles, all recorded as non-toxic. Note the entry gives verdicts for dogs and cats only and states none for horses.

What this verdict does and does not mean

Being non-toxic does not mean a plant is chew-proof: even pet-safe houseplants can upset a cat's or dog's stomach if they eat a large amount, simply because it is plant matter. Most toxic houseplants cause irritant-level symptoms, such as drooling, mouth soreness, or a mild upset stomach, rather than a medical emergency. A small number of plants are a genuine emergency, most notably true lilies (Lilium and Hemerocallis species) for cats, which can cause fatal kidney failure from even a small amount of pollen or a nibbled leaf. If you are ever in doubt, or your pet has eaten part of a plant, call your vet or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center on (888) 426-4435.

More on pet safety

Read the full care guide for Boston Fern, browse the pet safety checker for other plants, or identify a plant from a photo first if you are not sure what you have. Verdicts here follow the ASPCA toxic and non-toxic plant list.