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
Button Fern
Pellaea rotundifolia
The Button Fern is a charming, compact fern known for its small, round, dark green leaflets arranged along wiry stems. It thrives in humid, shaded environments and is a popular choice for terrariums and indoor containers.
Cliff BrakePellaea rotundifoliaRound-leaved Fern
- Light
- Indirect, low to medium light
- Habit
- Clumping, spreading
- 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, ingestion of large amounts of fibrous plant material may cause mild gastrointestinal upset such as vomiting or diarrhea.
Escalation note
This plant is considered non-toxic. If your cat consumes a significant amount and shows signs of distress, contact your veterinarian for guidance.
Dogs — concern notes
Common signs
None expected; however, ingestion of large amounts of fibrous plant material may cause mild gastrointestinal upset such as vomiting or diarrhea.
Escalation note
This plant is considered non-toxic. If your dog consumes a significant amount and shows signs of distress, contact your veterinarian for guidance.
Bring it home
Button 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
The Cliff Brake (Pellaea rotundifolia) is listed as non-toxic to both cats and dogs.
Plants of the World Online - Pellaea rotundifolia
botanical · 95% reliability
Provides the accepted botanical nomenclature and distribution for Pellaea rotundifolia.
Questions about Button Fern
Is Button Fern toxic to cats?
Button Fern (Pellaea rotundifolia) is considered non-toxic to cats according to the ASPCA provenance audit. Keeping it in your home is generally safe, though non-toxic does not mean harmless in large quantities.
What happens if my cat eats Button Fern?
No toxic effects are expected, but ingesting large amounts of fibrous plant material may cause mild gastrointestinal upset such as vomiting or diarrhea. Symptoms should be minor and short-lived.
How much Button Fern would make a cat sick?
Button Fern has no known toxic threshold for cats — the plant is non-toxic. Gastrointestinal upset is possible only if your cat eats a significant amount of the fibrous fronds, and even then the effect is expected to be mild.
What should I do if my cat ate a large amount of Button Fern?
Monitor your cat for vomiting, diarrhea, or lethargy. Because Button Fern is non-toxic, serious harm is not expected, but if your cat shows signs of distress or symptoms persist, contact your veterinarian for guidance.
Is Button Fern toxic to dogs?
Button Fern (Pellaea rotundifolia) is considered non-toxic to dogs according to a 2026 ASPCA provenance audit. It is generally safe to have in a home with dogs, though non-toxic does not mean harmless in large quantities.
What happens if my dog eats Button Fern?
No toxic effects are expected, but ingesting large amounts of the fibrous plant material may cause mild gastrointestinal upset such as vomiting or diarrhea. Symptoms should be minor and self-limiting.
How much Button Fern would make a dog sick?
Small nibbles are unlikely to cause any reaction at all. It is only larger ingestions of the fibrous fronds that may trigger mild GI upset like vomiting or diarrhea; there is no known toxic threshold because the plant contains no recognized toxic compounds.
What should I do if my dog ate a large amount of Button Fern?
Monitor your dog for vomiting, diarrhea, or signs of abdominal discomfort. If symptoms persist or your dog seems distressed, contact your veterinarian for guidance — Button Fern is non-toxic, so serious outcomes are not expected, but significant plant material can still irritate the gut.
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.