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Pet safety

Is Hand Fern toxic to cats?

Doryopteris pedata

Non-toxic to cats

No — hand fern is listed by the ASPCA as non-toxic to cats. It is a sensible choice for a home with a cat; a curious nibble will not poison them, though no plant is meant to be eaten. This classification follows the ASPCA Toxic and Non-Toxic Plant List. Doryopteris pedata is not individually listed by the ASPCA as toxic to cats or dogs. The genus Doryopteris belongs to the family Pteridaceae (true ferns), which are broadly regarded as non-toxic, and no harmful compounds have been reported in this species.

Is hand fern toxic to cats? — FAQ

Is hand fern toxic to cats?

No — hand fern is listed by the ASPCA as non-toxic to cats. It is a sensible choice for a home with a cat; a curious nibble will not poison them, though no plant is meant to be eaten. Doryopteris pedata is not individually listed by the ASPCA as toxic to cats or dogs. The genus Doryopteris belongs to the family Pteridaceae (true ferns), which are broadly regarded as non-toxic, and no harmful compounds have been reported in this species.

Is hand fern safe for cats?

Yes — the ASPCA lists hand fern as non-toxic to cats and dogs. A cat that chews a large amount of any foliage can still get a mild, brief stomach upset, so discourage grazing, but it will not be poisoned.

Is hand fern toxic to dogs too?

The ASPCA classification Growli uses applies to both cats and dogs: Hand Fern is non-toxic to dogs as well. See the full hand fern pet-safety guide for both species.

What other plants are safe for cats?

Reliable ASPCA non-toxic picks for a cat home include spider plant, calathea, parlor palm, peperomia, and most true ferns. Browse the best cats-safe plants list to check more before you buy.

Full hand fern pet-safety