Cats & Dogs
Generally safeConsulted references do not classify the plant as toxic for that pet type, while still allowing for mild GI upset if large amounts are chewed.
Verified against ASPCA/provenance audit 2026-05-06 on May 6, 2026.
Pet safety reference
Rabbit's Foot Fern
Davallia spp.
Also known as Davallia fejeensis
Ball ferns are popular, non-toxic houseplants known for their fuzzy, creeping rhizomes that resemble rabbit feet. They are generally safe for households with pets, though large ingestions of fibrous plant material may cause minor digestive discomfort.
Ball FernDainty Rabbits-Foot FernDavalliaDavallia fejeensisDavallia spp.Rabbit's Foot FernSquirrel's Foot Fern
- Light
- Bright indirect light
- Habit
- Epiphytic, creeping rhizomes
- Care
- Moderate
Safety status
If a pet has chewed or swallowed plant material and is showing symptoms, contact a veterinarian or poison resource immediately. This product is for structured reference, not diagnosis.
Cats — concern notes
Common signs
None expected; however, consumption of large amounts of fibrous foliage may lead to mild vomiting or diarrhea.
Escalation note
This plant is considered non-toxic. If your cat consumes a significant amount and shows persistent signs of distress, contact your veterinarian.
Dogs — concern notes
Common signs
None expected; however, consumption of large amounts of fibrous foliage may lead to mild vomiting or diarrhea.
Escalation note
This plant is considered non-toxic. If your dog consumes a significant amount and shows persistent signs of distress, contact your veterinarian.
Bring it home
Rabbit's Foot Fernis generally pet-safe in ordinary household exposure. If you’d like one for your space, here’s a starting point.
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Source evidence
ASPCA Toxic and Non-Toxic Plants List
toxicology · 99% reliability
Rabbit's foot fern is listed as non-toxic to both cats and dogs.
Plants of the World Online - Davallia
botanical · 95% reliability
Taxonomic record for the genus Davallia, confirming the botanical classification of these ferns.
Questions about Rabbit's Foot Fern
Is Rabbit's Foot Fern toxic to cats?
No, Rabbit's Foot Fern (Davallia spp.) is considered non-toxic to cats. It is generally safe to keep in a home with cats, though that doesn't mean it's beneficial for them to eat.
What happens if my cat eats Rabbit's Foot Fern?
Consumption of large amounts of the fibrous foliage may cause mild vomiting or diarrhea due to the plant material itself, not any toxic compound. Small nibbles are unlikely to cause any reaction at all.
Should I be worried if my cat chewed on my Rabbit's Foot Fern?
A small amount is not a concern — this fern is non-toxic. If your cat ate a significant quantity and shows persistent vomiting, diarrhea, or signs of distress, contact your veterinarian.
What are the fuzzy parts on a Rabbit's Foot Fern, and are they safe for cats?
The fuzzy, creeping surface growths are rhizomes — the plant's above-ground root structures — which give the fern its name. They are not toxic to cats; the same non-toxic classification applies to the whole plant, rhizomes included.
Is Rabbit's Foot Fern toxic to dogs?
No, Rabbit's Foot Fern (Davallia spp.) is considered non-toxic to dogs. It is generally safe to keep in homes with dogs, though non-toxic does not mean harmless in large quantities.
What happens if my dog eats Rabbit's Foot Fern?
Most dogs will have no reaction at all. If your dog consumes a significant amount of the fibrous foliage, mild vomiting or diarrhea is possible due to the plant material itself, not any toxic compound.
What should I do if my dog ate a large amount of Rabbit's Foot Fern?
Because this fern is non-toxic, no emergency treatment is needed in most cases. Monitor your dog for persistent vomiting or diarrhea; if symptoms continue or your dog seems distressed, contact your veterinarian.
Are the fuzzy rhizomes on Rabbit's Foot Fern safe for dogs?
Yes, the distinctive fuzzy, creeping rhizomes that give this fern its name contain no known toxic compounds. A dog that chews on them may experience mild GI upset from ingesting fibrous material, but no poisoning is expected.
Same safety verdict
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