Are Boston ferns safe for cats?

“There are many safe indoor plants that you can get,” said Sara Redding Ochoa, veterinary adviser for doglab.com. “Some ferns — such as Boston fern, bird's-nest fern, and staghorn fern — are safe for pets.” And because it makes such a nice hanging plant, it's easy to keep out of your pet's reach.

What happens if my cat eats a Boston fern?

Thankfully, most true ferns are safe for cats. If your curious kitty helps herself to a tiny serving, she's unlikely to be harmed. According to the ASPCA, the following plants are considered “true ferns” and are generally harmless to cats: Boston fern.

Can a cat eat a Boston fern?

Boston Fern

Boston ferns (Nephrolepis) are an enduring houseplant favorite, but their shaggy fronds might tempt cats and dogs to chew on them. The foliage is non-toxic to cats and dogs, so brighten up your guest room or bathroom with these lush plants. Boston ferns prefer humidity and lots of bright, indirect light.

Is Boston sword fern toxic to cats?

Boston Fern (Nephrolepis exalta bostoniensis)

If you're looking for a lush, draping fern that is non-toxic to pets, try the Boston Fern. Despite it's name, this plant is actually native to Florida, Central America and South America.

What fern plants are toxic to cats?

Asparagus fern (also called emerald feather, emerald fern, sprengeri fern, plumosa fern, and lace fern) is toxic to dogs and cats.

Are Ferns Safe For Cats?

Are Boston ferns toxic to pets?

Boston Fern

Your kitty can bat at the ferns all he wants and your puppy can even take a bite—this plant is safe for cats and dogs. Care instructions: Keep these in a cool place with indirect light and high humidity.

Why is my cat eating my fern?

A cat that constantly eats grass or plants also may be exhibiting signs of a displacement behavior. This occurs when your cat is trying to cope with stressors in her life.

Can I put my Boston fern outside?

Although Boston fern is often grown as a houseplant, it thrives outdoors in warm, humid climates in USDA zones 9 to 11. With adequate moisture, the plant may tolerate drier climates. Frost may kill the fern to the ground, but it will rebound in spring.

Are Boston ferns indoor or outdoor plants?

Equally at home on a wrap-around porch or in the living room, Boston ferns are incredibly popular houseplants. Here's how to grow them. Grow Boston ferns indoors in bright, indirect sunlight or outside in filtered shade.

Do Boston ferns need direct sunlight?

Boston Ferns are adaptable plants that thrive in medium and bright, indirect sunlight. Prolonged exposure to bright direct sunlight may burn and scorch their leaves.

Do Boston ferns purify air?

They Purify the Air Quality

The Boston Ferns not only spruce up the indoor air quality but also improve the humidity levels by restoring moisture to the air naturally, which gives a soothing effect.

What plants are good for cats?

Felines enjoy attractive edible flowers such as zinnias, marigolds and Johnny-jump-ups, as well as catnip, cat thyme, oat grass, rosemary and bean sprouts. Although catnip has a reputation as a cat favorite, you might want to try some on your cat before you plant it, because not all cats like it.

Are Boston ferns carcinogenic?

According to the EPA, at certain exposures, formaldehyde can cause a variety of adverse health effects, including eye, nose, and throat irritation, as well as other respiratory symptoms. The National Toxicology Program recently classified formaldehyde as a known human carcinogen.

Is Lavender toxic to cats?

Fresh lavender is not toxic to felines, only the essential oils derived from the plants are.

Are Boston ferns easy to care for indoors?

The Boston fern is the most popular of all ferns grown indoors and has been found to be one of the easiest to care for and maintain. Compared to most other ferns your going to find this plant a lot easier to care for in regards to light, humidity levels and propagating (see care instructions below).

Is Spider plant toxic to cats?

Unlike peace lilies and pothos, Chlorophytum comosum is one houseplant that can be safely nibbled by your kitties without requiring a trip to the emergency animal hospital. According to both the ASPCA and the National Capital Poison Center, aka Poison Control, spider plants are non-toxic to both cats and dogs.

Where should I put Boston fern?

Boston fern does best when grown in a location with bright, indirect light. Too much shade can result in sparse fronds that appear lackluster, and too much sun can burn the fronds. For this reason, Boston fern is a good choice for a porch plant that receives filtered sun in the morning and afternoon shade.

How long do Boston ferns live?

Indoor ferns can last for many years – even decades – with proper care and attention. One family in Virginia claim to have maintained their Boston fern for over 114 years! With re-potting and propagation, single plants can be regenerated again and again, making such advanced ages possible.

Do Boston ferns come back every year?

We've answered the question, can Boston ferns stay outdoors in winter. Overwintered plants resume growth in early spring and should be lush and full again in the second year.

Should I trim my Boston fern?

An ideal time for pruning is during repotting, when plants can be dramatically cut back. In fact, Boston fern responds well to severe pruning, which encourages more prolific, bushy growth and corrects dull, leggy growth. When pruning Boston fern always use clean, sharp pruning shears or scissors.

How often should you water a Boston fern?

Many people fear they will overwater their fern but Boston ferns crave water and need daily watering when outdoors, especial on hot summer days. On really hot days it's a good idea to water your fern twice a day.

Can I bring my Boston fern inside for the winter?

Position the Boston fern indoors in a spot where it will receive about two hours of indirect sunlight each day during the winter and where the temperature remains between about 65 and 75 degrees Fahrenheit during the day and about 10 degrees cooler at night.

How do I keep my cat from eating my plants naturally?

If you have a plant in your home that isn't toxic but your cat never seems to leave it alone, a good way to keep him or her away is by sprinkling chili powder on the leaves. Lightly dust the plant with the spice and you'll soon notice that your cat will avoid it altogether.

How do I stop my cat from eating poisonous plants?

Place a citrus essential oil around the area where you keep your plants, or on each individual pot. This should deter your cat from wanting to play with, eat, or otherwise destroy your plants. Give your feline friends their own cat grass, catnip, edible foliage or wheat grass!

Are ferns pet safe?

True ferns, like the Boston Fern, are typically non-toxic to dogs, and they make wonderful houseplants. These graceful, easy-care ferns make wonderful hanging plants or the perfect accent to the top of a bookshelf.