Is King and Queen Fern Toxic to Cats?

King and Queen ferns are popular houseplants, known for their lush green foliage and easy-care. However, many pet owners are concerned about the potential toxicity of these plants, particularly if they have cats in their homes. In this article, we’ll explore whether King and Queen ferns are toxic to cats and what you can do to keep your feline friends safe.

What are King and Queen Ferns?

King fern, or Nephrolepis biserrata, and Queen fern, or Nephrolepis obliterata, are two species of the same genus of ferns. They are native to tropical regions in Asia, Africa, Australia, and the Americas, and are commonly found in rainforests, riverbanks, and wetlands. They are also a popular choice for indoor plants, as they can adapt well to indoor environments and are relatively easy to care for.

Are King and Queen Ferns Toxic to Cats?

The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA) lists King and Queen ferns as non-toxic to cats, dogs, and horses. This means that if your cat ingests a small amount of these plants, it is unlikely to cause any serious harm. However, if your cat ingests a large amount of the plant or ingests other parts of the plant, such as the roots or stems, it could cause some gastrointestinal upset, including vomiting, diarrhea, or loss of appetite.

It’s worth noting that even if a plant is listed as non-toxic, it’s always a good idea to keep it out of reach of your pets. This is because some animals may have specific sensitivities or allergies to certain plants or plant parts.

How to Keep Your Cats Safe around King and Queen Ferns

While King and Queen ferns are generally safe for cats, it’s still important to take precautions to keep your pets safe. Here are some tips to help you keep your cats safe around these plants:

1. Keep the plants out of reach

The easiest way to keep your cats safe around King and Queen ferns is to keep them out of reach. This means placing the plants up high on shelves or hanging them from the ceiling, where your cats can’t reach them. If you have curious cats that like to climb, you may need to get creative with your placement, such as using a plant hanger that attaches to the ceiling or placing the plants in a room that your cats don’t have access to.

2. Supervise your cats around plants

If you can’t keep your plants out of reach, it’s important to supervise your cats when they are around the plants. While most cats won’t intentionally eat plants, some may be tempted to nibble on the foliage if they are bored or curious. Keep an eye on your cats when they are near plants and discourage them from chewing or playing with the leaves.

3. Train your cats to stay away from plants

If your cats are particularly curious or prone to eating plants, you may need to train them to stay away from your King and Queen ferns. One way to do this is to spray the leaves with a cat deterrent spray, such as bitter apple or citrus. These sprays have a strong smell or taste that cats don’t like and can help discourage them from eating the plants. You can also use positive reinforcement training to teach your cats that the plants are off-limits, such as rewarding them with treats or toys when they stay away from the plants.

Conclusion

King and Queen ferns are generally safe for cats, but it’s still important to take precautions to keep your pets safe. Keeping the plants out of reach, supervising your cats when they are around the plants, and training them to stay away from the plants can all help prevent any potential health risks. If you have any concerns about your cat’s health after they have ingested a plant, it’s always a good idea to contact your veterinarian.