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.
Sources
Pet safety reference
Boston Fern
Nephrolepis exaltata
The Boston Fern is a popular, lush houseplant known for its arching fronds and preference for high humidity. It is considered non-toxic to pets, though its fibrous nature may cause minor digestive upset if consumed in large quantities.
Boston Blue Bell FernNephrolepis exalta bostoniensisNephrolepis exaltataSword Fern
- Light
- Bright indirect light
- Habit
- Clumping/Trailing
- 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 typically expected; however, ingestion of large amounts of fibrous plant material may cause mild vomiting or diarrhea.
Escalation note
Generally considered safe. If your cat consumes a significant amount of foliage and shows persistent gastrointestinal distress, contact your veterinarian.
Dogs — concern notes
Common signs
None typically expected; however, ingestion of large amounts of fibrous plant material may cause mild vomiting or diarrhea.
Escalation note
Generally considered safe. If your dog consumes a significant amount of foliage and shows persistent gastrointestinal distress, contact your veterinarian.
Bring it home
Boston 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 Plant List
toxicology · 99% reliability
Non-toxic to dogs and cats.
NC State Extension Plant Toolbox
botanical · 94% reliability
Nephrolepis exaltata is a species of fern in the family Nephrolepidaceae, native to tropical regions of the world.
Questions about Boston Fern
Is Boston Fern toxic to cats?
Boston Fern (Nephrolepis exaltata) is considered non-toxic to cats. It is classified as generally safe, meaning exposure is not expected to cause poisoning or serious harm.
What happens if my cat eats Boston Fern?
Ingesting small amounts is unlikely to cause any symptoms. If your cat eats a large quantity of the fibrous fronds, mild vomiting or diarrhea may occur due to the plant material itself, not any toxic compound.
How much Boston Fern would make a cat sick?
There is no toxic threshold because Boston Fern contains no known cat toxins. Gastrointestinal upset, if it occurs at all, is a mechanical response to eating a large volume of fibrous plant material and should resolve on its own.
Should I call the vet if my cat ate Boston Fern?
A small nibble does not require a vet call. If your cat consumed a significant amount and shows persistent vomiting or diarrhea that does not resolve within a few hours, contact your veterinarian.
Is Boston Fern toxic to dogs?
No, Boston Fern (Nephrolepis exaltata) is considered non-toxic to dogs. It is classified as generally safe, meaning exposure is not expected to cause poisoning or serious harm.
What happens if my dog eats Boston Fern fronds?
Ingesting small amounts is unlikely to cause any symptoms. If your dog eats a large quantity of the fibrous fronds, mild vomiting or diarrhea is possible due to the plant material irritating the digestive tract.
How much Boston Fern would make a dog sick?
There is no documented toxic dose because the plant is non-toxic. Gastrointestinal upset is only expected with significant ingestion of fibrous foliage, and symptoms would be mild and related to bulk plant matter rather than any toxic compound.
My dog ate a lot of Boston Fern and has diarrhea — should I call the vet?
Non-toxic does not mean unlimited quantities are harmless — large amounts of fibrous plant material can cause persistent vomiting or diarrhea. If GI symptoms continue or worsen, contact your veterinarian; for general poison concerns you can also reach the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at (888) 426-4435.
Same genus
More from the Nephrolepis genus
Boston Fern
Nephrolepis exaltata bostoniensis
The Boston Fern is a popular, lush houseplant known for its arching fronds and preference for high humidity. It is widely considered safe for pets, though ingestion of any plant material can occasionally cause minor digestive upset.
Uncertain for cats.
Generally safe for dogs.
Giant Sword Fern
Nephrolepis biserrata
The Bold Sword Fern is a popular, large-growing tropical fern known for its long, arching fronds and lush appearance. It is generally considered a safe choice for households with pets, though ingestion of any plant material can occasionally cause minor digestive discomfort.
Uncertain for cats.
Not yet rated for dogs.
Same safety verdict
Other plants with the same verdict
Cosmos
Cosmos bipinnatus
Garden cosmos is a daisy-like annual usually treated as a pet-safe flowering option, though any large plant ingestion can still cause mild stomach upset.
Generally safe for cats & dogs.
Calathea
Calathea spp.
Calathea are popular tropical houseplants known for their striking, patterned foliage and rhythmic leaf movement. They are considered safe for households with pets, though ingestion of large amounts of fibrous plant material may cause minor digestive discomfort.
Generally safe for cats & dogs.
Dwarf Date Palm
Phoenix acaulis
The Dwarf Date Palm is a slow-growing, stemless palm species native to the grasslands of India. It is widely appreciated for its compact, architectural foliage that mimics the appearance of larger date palms in a miniature form.
Generally safe for cats & dogs.
Hanging Lobster Claw
Heliconia rostrata
Heliconia rostrata is a tropical perennial known for its dramatic, pendulous inflorescences. While generally considered non-toxic to pets, ingestion of any plant material can cause gastrointestinal upset.
Generally safe for cats & dogs.