Pet safety
Is Silver lace ferntoxic to cats & dogs?
Pteris ensiformis 'Evergemiensis'
Quick verdict — at a glance
- Toxic to cats?
- No — non-toxic
- Toxic to dogs?
- No — non-toxic
- ASPCA classification
- Pet-safe · botanical name Pteris ensiformis 'Evergemiensis'
Is silver lace fern safe for cats and dogs?
Yes — ASPCA non-toxic to both cats and dogs. Silver lace fern is a sensible choice for a pet household; a curious nibble will not poison anyone. This classification follows the ASPCA Toxic and Non-Toxic Plant List, the most widely used reference for companion-animal plant safety in the US and the standard most UK vets cite as well. Not listed individually by the ASPCA under its species name, but the ASPCA lists the genus as "Silver Table Fern" (Pteris sp., family Pteridaceae) as non-toxic to cats, dogs and horses, and every Pteris brake/table fern the ASPCA lists is non-toxic with none toxic. Do not confuse it with the toxic bracken fern (Pteridium), a different genus. As with any plant, nibbling can still cause mild stomach upset, so verify with your vet if your pet is a known chewer.
| Pet | Toxic? | Per ASPCA |
|---|---|---|
| Cats | No | Pet-safe |
| Dogs | No | Pet-safe |
What happens if a pet eats silver lace fern?
Because silver lace fern is non-toxic, a curious nibble will not poison a cat or dog. That said, no plant is meant to be eaten: a large quantity of any foliage can still cause mild, short-lived stomach upset or vomiting simply through fibre and volume. Persistent vomiting, diarrhoea, or lethargy after eating any plant is always worth a call to your vet, because the reaction may be to soil, fertiliser, or a pesticide rather than the plant itself.
What to do if your pet ate silver lace fern
- Remove any plant material from your pet's mouth and move silver lace fern out of reach.
- Note how much was eaten and when, and watch for drooling, vomiting, or lethargy.
- Do not induce vomiting unless a vet or poison-control specialist instructs you to.
- Call your vet or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center on (888) 426-4435 and follow their advice.
- Bring a leaf or photo of silver lace fern to the appointment so it can be treated correctly.
This page is general guidance, not veterinary advice. Pets vary, and a reaction may be to soil, fertiliser, or pesticide rather than the plant. If you are worried, always contact a vet or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center on (888) 426-4435 — do not wait for symptoms to worsen.
Silver lace fern and pets — frequently asked questions
Is silver lace fern toxic to cats?
Silver lace fern (Pteris ensiformis 'Evergemiensis') is pet-safe to cats according to the ASPCA. Not listed individually by the ASPCA under its species name, but the ASPCA lists the genus as "Silver Table Fern" (Pteris sp., family Pteridaceae) as non-toxic to cats, dogs and horses, and every Pteris brake/table fern the ASPCA lists is non-toxic with none toxic. Do not confuse it with the toxic bracken fern (Pteridium), a different genus. As with any plant, nibbling can still cause mild stomach upset, so verify with your vet if your pet is a known chewer. It is a sensible pick for a cat household, though no plant should be a regular snack.
Is silver lace fern toxic to dogs?
The ASPCA lists the same toxicity status for dogs as for cats: Silver lace fern is pet-safe. Dogs that gulp large amounts of any foliage can still get a mild, brief stomach upset, so discourage grazing even on a non-toxic plant.
What happens if my pet eats silver lace fern?
Because silver lace fern is non-toxic, a curious nibble will not poison a cat or dog. That said, no plant is meant to be eaten: a large quantity of any foliage can still cause mild, short-lived stomach upset or vomiting simply through fibre and volume. Persistent vomiting, diarrhoea, or lethargy after eating any plant is always worth a call to your vet, because the reaction may be to soil, fertiliser, or a pesticide rather than the plant itself.
What should I do if my cat or dog ate silver lace fern?
Stay calm. Remove any remaining plant material from your pet's mouth and take the plant away so they cannot eat more. Note roughly how much was eaten and when. Do not make your pet vomit unless a vet or poison-control specialist tells you to. Call your vet or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center on (888) 426-4435 (a consultation fee may apply) and follow their advice. Bringing a photo or a leaf of silver lace fern to the appointment helps the vet treat it correctly.
Which other plants are safe for cats and dogs?
Reliable non-toxic houseplants on the ASPCA list include spider plant, areca palm, calathea, peperomia, and most true ferns. You can browse Growli's full pet-safety library to check any plant before you buy it, and every entry cites the ASPCA classification it is based on.
Full silver lace fern care
Pet-safety is one piece of the picture. For light, watering, soil, and troubleshooting, see the complete silver lace fern care guide, or browse the full pet-safe plant library to check another plant before you buy it.