Is boston fern toxic to cats?
Nephrolepis exaltata
No
No. Boston fern is listed non-toxic to cats by the ASPCA. Eating a large amount of any plant can still upset a cat's stomach.
If your cat has eaten some
- No specific treatment is needed for the plant itself.
- Watch for vomiting or loose stool, which any plant material can cause in quantity.
- Call your vet if signs persist beyond a day, or if your cat seems unwell in any other way.
What each authority says
What each authority says
- ASPCA — entry for a cultivar of this species: Nephrolepis exalta bostoniensis
- Non-toxic to cats and dogs
- NC State Extension
- Entry exists and records no poison data.
The other animal
Looking for dogs? See is boston fern toxic to dogs. Full care details are on the boston fern species entry.
Sources
- ASPCA Animal Poison Control — Nephrolepis exalta bostoniensis Checked 2026-09-11.
- North Carolina Extension Gardener Plant Toolbox — Nephrolepis exaltata (consulted; entry exists and records no poison data.) Checked 2026-09-11.
- Royal Botanic Gardens Kew, Plants of the World Online — Nephrolepis exaltata Accepted name and family. Checked 2026-09-11.
- Wikidata entity Q136883 — entity identity, so this record can be matched against other databases.
- Missouri Botanical Garden Plant Finder — Nephrolepis exaltata Cultivation record. Checked 2026-09-11.
- ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center, (888) 426-4435 — emergency line, fee applies
Compiled and edited by Tony Valcarcel · 2026-09-11
Tony Valcarcel is the editor and publisher of this database, not a veterinarian.
Severity is reproduced from the authority that published it and is never
originated here. How this is sourced.
This page is a reference, not a diagnosis. In an emergency, call rather than read.