Many indoor cats love to nibble plants, but what’s a home without plants? My friend Shenandoah had a good idea: Just tell me which plants are safe for cats so I don’t have to worry about this behavior. Most plants can weather some nibbling.
So I did some research at the aspca.org database and ended up with a few common houseplants that are safe, and four common ones that are not. I think that many cats show an instinct to avoid poisonous plants, but there is no guarantee of that. (Case in point: Our cats pulled down the Pothos recently, so we had to get rid of it.)
TIP: Some people find it helpful to spray Grannick’s Bitter Apple Spray on a houseplant for a few weeks so that your cat is deterred and decides to leave them alone thereafter.
Indoor Boston Fern Care: A Guide To Keeping Your Fern Healthy
With ferns, according to the aspca database, you need only avoid : The very toxic Cycads (not really a fern, but also known as “Fern Palm” and
) and the mildly toxic Asparagus Fern (aka Asparagus, Emerald Feather, Emerald Fern, Sprengeri Fern, Plumosa Fern, Lace Fern, Racemose Asparagus, Shatavari, Asparagus densiflorus cv sprengeri).
** IMPORTANT: Do not confuse the above bamboo plants with with the toxic plants “Lucky bamboo (Dracaena sanderiana)” and “Heavenly Bamboo (Nandina domestica)” — neither of which are lucky or heavenly for cats!
Your Guide To Growing And Caring For Your Boston Fern
And what about the Christmasy Poinsettia? Well, it goes on the unsafe list, but turns out it’s not that deadly: “Irritating to the mouth and stomach, sometimes causing vomiting, but generally over-rated in toxicity.”
CAT TIP: Sometimes indoor cats just really seem to be obsessed with eating something green. I think they are craving grass. The chlorophyll is cleansing and may even help preventcancer. When we have cat grass around, our cats don’t seem so interested in the plants.Disclaimer: Some links found on this page might be affiliate links. If you click an affiliate link and make a purchase, I might earn a commission. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
) are beautiful houseplants. Due to their long green fronds and mesmerizing foliage, they make one of the best additions to your interior decor.
Nephrolepis Exaltata (bostonfern, Boston Fern, Dwarf Feather Palm, Fluffy Ruffles)
This is, however, not the only reason Boston Ferns are everyone’s favorite. These plants don’t need much sunlight and only need to be planted somewhere humid to thrive.
Moreover, Boston Ferns are highly beneficial for dry nostrils or dry skin because they can act as a humidifier. They can also absorb formaldehyde, which is a common indoor air pollutant.
If you’ve recently purchased a Boston Fern, you probably witnessed your pet suspiciously going around it or trying to gnaw at it.
Pet Friendly Houseplants That Are Safe For Cats And Dogs—and 10 Toxic Plants To Avoid
This may have got you wondering: Are Boston Ferns toxic to pets? The answer is no, they aren’t. However, that doesn’t mean you can let your pet munch on it because too much Boston Fern can be harmful.
Keep scrolling to learn more about Boston Ferns, their relationship with your pets, and if they could possibly be of any harm to humans.
You’ve definitely heard that some fern species are toxic to animals. While that’s true for many ferns, Boston Ferns fortunately aren’t among those toxic varieties.
Boston Fern (nephrolepis Exaltata 'bostoniensis') Guide
That said, you shouldn’t let your pet consume large amounts of the plant. If you have pets or kids around the house, it’s best to consider placing your Boston Fern somewhere they can’t reach.
Pets, as well as children, are always drawn to attractive plants. They enjoy touching, playing with, and sometimes even eating the leaves.
Naturally, cats like chewing on plants. It’s nothing personal with your Boston Fern, though its foliage and fronds can be more irresistible than other plants.
Non Toxic House Plants For Children, Cats, And Dogs
When cats have trouble coughing up hairballs, they tend to chew on grass or any plant they can get their paws on to help them throw up.
It can be tiring having to clean up after your cat. In addition, having your favorite plant destroyed can be quite saddening.
Aside from damaging the plant, ingesting too much of the Boston Ferns can harm your cat. If your cat eats too much of the Boston Fern, she may experience some side effects. Those side effects may include:
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In that case, you’ll need to pay a visit to the vet. The vet will assess the situation and determine the best treatment for your pet’s case. You’re also required to send the vet a sample of the plant to check its toxicity levels.
You wouldn’t think that a seemingly harmless plant could be poisonous to your beloved canine. Unfortunately, there are many kinds of ferns that are toxic to dogs.
Boston Ferns, however, are safe to keep in your house and around your pets. Still, for the sake of the plant’s health, you should keep your Boston Fern out of reach.
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Similar to cats, dogs shouldn’t ingest a large amount of Boston Ferns. Consuming too much of the Boston Ferns can cause similar symptoms, like vomiting, diarrhea, and drooling.
As a Boston Fern lover, you’d be glad to know that The University of Nebraska has listed Boston Ferns among the non-toxic plants to humans.
Due to children’s curious nature, they may be tempted to taste the pointy leaves of the Boston Fern. That’s why parents may worry about having a Boston Fern around the house.
My Cat Loves My Boston Fern More Than He Loves Me 😭😂
Rest assured that you can get as many Boston Ferns at home as you wish without having to worry about your kids’ safety.
Keep in mind that, although Boston Ferns are non-toxic to humans, they may cause some skin irritation or unusual reactions, such as dermatitis.
Though unlikely, it’s better to contact your local doctor if you or your kid show any unusual symptoms after coming in contact with a Boston Fern.
How To Plant And Grow Boston Fern
Boston Ferns or any other plants are also likely to be a choking hazard for kids. That’s why it’s better to keep them out of reach.
Although Boston Ferns are non-toxic to pets, you still want to discourage your pet from eating them. After all, you wouldn’t want your pet to ruin your cherished Boston Fern.
Hang your Boston Fern from the ceiling in a hanging basket. This way you can add a new flair to your home while also keeping the plant out of your pet’s reach.
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You can also place your Boston Fern on top of a shelf or a high surface. Although not useful if you have a cat, this tip is best for keeping dogs and children away from your Boston Fern.
The safest and easiest option would be to place the plant in a room where your pet isn’t allowed to go into.
Additionally, you can find other products for repelling cats and dogs. These repellents usually have a strong scent, so spraying them on your Boston fern will cause your pet to sneeze and avoid the plant.
Best Plants Safe For Cats And Dogs
There are also alternatives to bitter apple spray that you can make at home. Spray your Boston Fern with a mixture of water and vinegar. A water and scented soap mixture works well too.
These solutions won’t harm the plant, but they’ll keep your pets away. That said, never sprinkle cayenne pepper on your plant as a repellent.
If pepper gets into your pet’s eyes, it can cause severe pain. Some cats may even try to claw their eyes out to get the pepper out.
Boston Fern Care Indoors
Keep a water spray or a water gun near you. Spray your cat whenever she gets too close to your Boston Fern. This method requires your full attention, but it’s worth the try.
We all love our cats, but tidying up the mess they make sometimes can get tiring. When cats are bored, they can literally flip the house upside down, breaking stuff and digging up plant pots.
What’s more, cats are natural diggers. They like to dig in the dirt and bury their poop. That’s why your cat may dig out your Boston Fern’s soil and cause havoc.
Plants That Are Safe For Children, Cats And Dogs
Cleaning your cat’s litter box regularly and putting the box in a convenient place will help limit your cat’s need to dig around.
If your cat is still messing around with the soil, you may want to consider adding a layer of pebbles to the soil’s surface.
Covering your Boston Fern’s soil with pebbles, seashells, or any other decorative items will protect your plant without affecting the water flow.
Plants Safe For Cats: A List Of From A Z
Your pet munching on your Boston Fern may be a sign that you should add something green to its diet. Plants are packed with nutrients, minerals, and vitamins that can elevate your pet’s health.
If you need something for your cat to nibble on other than your Boston Fern, consider growing wheatgrass seeds. Adding wheatgrass to your dog’s diet can be highly beneficial too.
Attract your pet’s attention with its favorite toys, and always make sure that its toys are accessible. A chew toy is perfect for dogs and will keep them occupied.
Plants That Are Safe For Cats And Dogs
Cats also like playing with toys. Maybe a scratch pole will keep them busy. If pets are surrounded by their favorite toys, they will be busy enough not to destroy other things.
There are thousands of different fern species. Some of them are toxic, while others are harmless. If you’re wondering what other types of ferns you can grow safely at your home, we’ve