Is the Boston Fern Poisonous to Cats?

Rest easy if your cat took a nibble of your Boston fern. According to the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals this houseplant is nontoxic for cats and dogs. However, if she bit off more than she could chew, she may throw up a bit of your plant. Moving your houseplants out of her reach and putting out cat grass for your cat will keep your plants and cat healthy.

  1. Greenery-Loving Cats

    • No one knows why some cats enjoy snacking on house and garden plants. Some people believe cats eat plants for the nutrients they provide, while others propose plant-chewers have oral fixations. One popular theory espouses that cats eat plants to settle a churning stomach or induce vomiting. There's no proof that any of those theories is right or wrong; the only thing that's for sure is that some cats will chew, whether the plant is safe or not. If your feline friend is a plant chewer, the Boston fern is a safe choice to keep in your house -- at least for your cat. The fern may suffer the effects of her constant chewing, so consider keeping a supply of cat grass around the house that she can chew on to her heart's content. If you like having a little live greenery for your enjoyment indoors, try keeping your plants out of your cat's reach and make sure your choices are cat-friendly.