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Pet safety

Is Ostrich Fern toxic to cats?

Matteuccia struthiopteris

Non-toxic to cats

No — ostrich 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 (Ostrich fern, Matteuccia struthiopteris). Note a human food-safety caveat: raw or undercooked fiddleheads have caused outbreaks of gastrointestinal illness (CDC), so for people they must be boiled about 15 minutes or steamed 10-12 minutes before eating. Pets may get mild GI upset from chewing foliage.

Is ostrich fern toxic to cats? — FAQ

Is ostrich fern toxic to cats?

No — ostrich 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 (Ostrich fern, Matteuccia struthiopteris). Note a human food-safety caveat: raw or undercooked fiddleheads have caused outbreaks of gastrointestinal illness (CDC), so for people they must be boiled about 15 minutes or steamed 10-12 minutes before eating. Pets may get mild GI upset from chewing foliage.

Is ostrich fern safe for cats?

Yes — the ASPCA lists ostrich 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 ostrich fern toxic to dogs too?

The ASPCA classification Growli uses applies to both cats and dogs: Ostrich Fern is non-toxic to dogs as well. See the full ostrich 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 ostrich fern pet-safety