Pet safety
Is Macho Fern toxic to cats?
Nephrolepis biserrata 'Macho'
No — macho 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. ASPCA-listed as non-toxic to cats and dogs. Nephrolepis biserrata is a true sword fern in the same genus as the ASPCA non-toxic Boston fern, with no toxic principle such as calcium oxalates. Ingesting plant material may cause only mild gastrointestinal upset from fibre, not true poisoning.
Is macho fern toxic to cats? — FAQ
Is macho fern toxic to cats?
No — macho 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. ASPCA-listed as non-toxic to cats and dogs. Nephrolepis biserrata is a true sword fern in the same genus as the ASPCA non-toxic Boston fern, with no toxic principle such as calcium oxalates. Ingesting plant material may cause only mild gastrointestinal upset from fibre, not true poisoning.
Is macho fern safe for cats?
Yes — the ASPCA lists macho 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 macho fern toxic to dogs too?
The ASPCA classification Growli uses applies to both cats and dogs: Macho Fern is non-toxic to dogs as well. See the full macho 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 macho fern pet-safety
- Is macho fern toxic to cats and dogs? — the full guide for both pets
- Is macho fern toxic to dogs?
- Best cats-safe plants — the full ASPCA non-toxic list
- Complete macho fern care guide