Are all ferns safe for cats? No, but some ferns such as Carrot Fern (Onychium japonica), Christmas Dagger (Polystichum acrostichoides), Japanese Holly Fern (Cyrtomium falcatum), and Rabbit’s Foot Fern (Davallia spp.) are not toxic for cats. Keep reading to show you 14 of the best ferns safe for cats with facts about them.
If you wish for a lush greenery home with tropical décor and look for ferns, you should be concerned about your feline companion! Not all ferns are safe for cats to eat. Some ferns (especially fake ones (plants similar to ferns but not true) can be toxic to curious cats.
Here, based on the ASPCA® (American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals®), provided 13 ferns which are perfectly safe for cats. So, these indoor plants pose no health risks if your feline friend decides to nibble on a frond or two.
I recommend adding these ferns to your indoor plant collection not only because are safe for cats, but some may purify the air and increase humidity levels in your house. so, don’t waste time and come on find cat-safe ferns for your green thumb and furry friend!
Ferns Safe for Cats and their Benefits
Here, I focus on true ferns, however, some other plants similar to ferns may be safe for cats too but I won’t discuss them here. Most of them have several other common names too, so, you may not find your fern in titles, however it may have been mentioned with its other names. Hence, please note common names or search for the name of your fern in this article.
1- Bold Sword Fern
Common name: Crisped Feather Fern, Dallas Fern, Verona Fern, Verona Lace Fern, Tall Feather Fern, Sword Fern, Silver Table Fern, Roosevelt Fern, Whitman Fern
Scientific Names: Nephrolepis biserrata | Family: Dryopteridaceae
This fern boasts long, arching fronds (leaves) that can reach up to 4 feet in length (large indoor ferns). The fronds are deeply divided into numerous, glossy green leaflets. These leaflets are further divided into smaller lobes, creating a feathery and lacy texture. Compared to true sword ferns, the Bold Sword Fern has a more delicate and wispy appearance.
Similar to the Boston Fern, it may offer air purification and humidity benefits, but research may be more limited for this specific species. read more about large indoor plants safe for cats.
2- Boston Fern
Scientific Names: Nephrolepis exalta bostoniensis | Family: Dryopteridaceae
A household favorite, the Boston Fern has gracefully arching fronds that resemble feathers. The fronds are divided into many soft, overlapping leaflets with a vibrant to medium green color. This fern creates a lush and cascading effect, making it a popular choice for hanging baskets or containers.
A popular choice for its air-purifying properties. It helps remove common toxins and pollutants from indoor spaces while also increasing humidity levels, which can benefit respiratory health.
3- Carrot Fern
Scientific Names: Onychium japonica | Family: Polypodiaceae
This fern stands out for its unique, round, fan-shaped fronds. The fronds are deeply lobed, with individual lobes resembling the fronds of a carrot, hence the common name. The color can range from a bright green to a more bronze-green, adding a touch of textural interest.
Primarily an ornamental fern, but it may contribute slightly to air purification and humidity.
4- Christmas Dagger
Common name: Christmas Dagger Fern
Scientific Names: Polystichum acrostichoides | Family: Dryopteridaceae
This fern features upright, evergreen fronds with a leathery texture. The individual leaflets are oblong and have a pointed tip. The edges of the leaflets are coarsely toothed, adding a touch of ruggedness to its appearance.
Primarily an ornamental fern, but it may contribute slightly to air purification and humidity levels in the surrounding environment.
5- Cliff Brake
Common name: Button Fern, Green Cliff Brack, Cliff Break
Scientific Names: Pellaea rotundifolia | Family: Pteridaceae
In contrast to the larger ferns, the Cliff Brake has a miniature and delicate appearance. Its fronds are small and round, resembling buttons. These button-shaped fronds are typically green and leathery, and they grow in clusters on slender stalks.
Due to its small size, the air-purifying and humidity effects of this fern are likely minimal. However, it adds a unique texture and visual interest in terrariums or small gardens.
6- Common Staghorn Fern
Scientific Names: Platycerium bifurcatum | Family: Polypodiaceae
Unlike most ferns that grow in soil, this epiphytic fern is a showstopper in the world of mounted plants. It has two distinct types of fronds: flat, sterile fronds that attach to surfaces like trees or branches, and upright, fertile fronds that produce spores for reproduction. The sterile fronds are large and have a somewhat lobed or forked appearance.
Provides air purification benefits and a unique visual element when mounted on walls or trees (due to its epiphytic habit). It can also contribute to increased humidity in the surrounding environment.
7- Duffii Fern
Common name: Duffy Fern, Lemon Button Fern
Scientific Names: Nephrolepsis cordifolia ‘duffii’ | Family: Nephrolepidaceae
Cultivar of Boston Fern: This is a compact version of the Boston Fern, ideal for smaller spaces. The fronds are shorter and more tightly clustered compared to the original Boston Fern. The leaflets are also slightly rounder, giving it a denser and bushier look.
Likely shares the air-purifying and humidity-increasing properties of the Boston Fern, but research may be more limited for specific cultivars.
8- Dwarf Whitman Fern
Scientific Names: Nephrolepsis cordifolia plumosa | Family: Nephrolepidaceae
Another variation of the Boston Fern, this one is even more compact than the Duffii Fern (small indoor ferns). The fronds are short and densely packed with feathery leaflets. This creates a full and fluffy appearance, making it a popular choice for terrariums or as an accent plant.
Similar to the Duffii Fern, it’s likely beneficial for air purification and humidity, though specific studies on cultivars might be scarce.
9- Giant Holly Fern
Common name: Sword fern, Wester sword fern, imbricate sword fern
Scientific Names: Ploystichum munitum | Family: Polypodaceae
This fern lives up to its name with large, upright fronds that can reach several feet in height. The fronds are adorned with numerous, leathery leaflets. The leaflets are oblong in shape with entire margins (not toothed) and pointed tips. This combination gives it a somewhat sword-like appearance, hence some of its common names like Sword Fern.
Air-purifying properties and potential for increasing humidity. Due to its larger size, it might have a more noticeable impact compared to smaller ferns.
10- Hen and Chickens Fern
Common name: King and queen fern, Spleenwort, Parsley fern
Scientific Names: Asplenium bulbiferum | Family: Polypodaceae
This fern has elongated, arching fronds with lance-shaped, green leaflets. A unique feature of this fern is the formation of small plantlets on the edges of the mature fronds. These plantlets resemble chicks huddling around a mother hen, which is how it earned its interesting common name.
Primarily appreciated for its aesthetic value with its elongated fronds and formation of small plantlets on the edges. It may contribute some air purification and humidity benefits, but research might be limited.
11- Japanese Holly fern
Common name: Fern Holly, Fish Tail, Aspidium falcatum
Scientific name: Cyrtomium falcatum | Family: Polypodiaceae
This fern showcases upright fronds with a leathery texture. The numerous leaflets are glossy and a deep shade of green, adding a touch of elegance to its appearance. The leaflets have entire margins (not toothed) and a pointed tip, giving it a resemblance to holly leaves, which is reflected in its common name.
The potential for air purification and humidity increases, but research might be more focused on its ornamental value.
12- Rabbit’s Foot Fern
Common name: Ball Fern, Dainty Rabbits-Foot Fern, Squirrel Foot Fern, Deer Foot Fern, Hare Fern
Scientific Names: Davallia spp. | Family: Polypodiaceae
This fern has a creeping rhizome (underground stem) with upright, divided fronds. The most distinctive feature is the presence of fuzzy brown scales on the rhizome and undersides of the fronds. These fuzzy scales resemble the fur on a rabbit’s foot, which is where the common name originates from.
Similar to the Hen and Chickens Fern, its air-purifying and humidity effects are likely minimal, but it’s valued for its unique appearance with fuzzy brown scales.
13- Staghorn Fern
Scientific Names: Platycerium alcicorne | Family: Polypodaceae
Similar to the Common Staghorn Fern, this epiphytic fern has two types of fronds. The sterile fronds are the showstopper, boasting a large, rounded shape with prominent
Similar to the Common Staghorn Fern, it offers air purification and a striking visual element in mounted displays. It also likely contributes to some humidity increase.
Conclusion
Now you have a list of 13 ferns safe for cats including Bold Sword Fern (Nephrolepis biserrata), Boston Fern (Nephrolepis exalta bostoniensis), Cliff Brake (Pellaea rotundifolia), Common Staghorn Fern (Platycerium bifurcatum), Duffii Fern (Nephrolepsis cordifolia ‘duffii’), Dwarf Whitman Fern (Nephrolepsis cordifolia plumosa), Giant Holly Fern (Polystichum munitum), Hen and Chickens Fern (Asplenium bulbiferum), and Staghorn Fern (Platycerium alcicorne).
Was there your fern among them? Do think growing ferns indoors is easy? Do you know what is the pro tip for taking care of ferns? Humidity or Light? Please share your ideas and experiences with us below this page.
Elahe Rabiei
Hi, I’m Elaheh. My Academic major is plant protection, and houseplants are my expertise. As a houseplant lover, my house is full of indoor plants and it is my passion to take care of them. Hence, I’m here to share my knowledge and experience about growing healthy houseplants. I am also a plant protection advisor, so feel free to ask me any questions you may have.