The silver table fern is not toxic to cats. In fact, it is recognized as a safe plant for felines by leading organizations such as the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA).
To ensure that this information is accurate and up-to-date, this article has been written in collaboration with a team of experienced DVMs (doctors of veterinary medicine). With their expertise, we’ve delved deep into the potential risks associated with various plants, specifically focusing on the Silver Table Fern and its effects on cats. Furthermore, our findings have been cross-referenced with high-authority websites like ASPCA and PetMD to guarantee reliability.
While the majority of ferns are deemed safe for cats, it’s always essential to be informed and cautious, ensuring the well-being of our beloved pets.
Can Cats Eat Silver Table Fern?
It will not poison your cats if they eat a silver table fern however, it is not suitable for their consumption. If your cat has eaten a tiny position of this plant, there are no crucial side effects. However, large amounts of this plant can cause an upset stomach in your cat.
If your cat is suffering from indigestion or an upset stomach, he may exhibit symptoms of vomiting and diarrhea. The symptoms will subside once the cat has ejected the plant particles from his body.
What is Silver Table Fern?
Silver table fern is known botanically as Pteris species. Pteris is a fern genus with approximately 300 species in the subfamily Pteridoideae of the family Pteridaceae. They are native to New Zealand, Australia, and South Africa, as well as Japan and North America’s tropical and subtropical regions.
Many have linear frond segments and some have sub-palmate division. The frond margin of silver table ferns is reflexed over the marginal sori. The single-layered epidermis without stomata forms the outermost layer.
Some Pteris species, like Pteris multifida, Pteris ensiformis, and Pteris vittata, have significant economic and ecological value. Pteris multifida and Pteris vittata can be utilized to regulate soil pollution.
Silver table fern is frequently cultivated as a houseplant. It has an erect to creeping habit and is terrestrial and rhizomatous. This plant is found in the subtropics and tropics and is a popular cultivar.
Keeping Cats Away From Silver Table Fern
Cats dislike and avoid a variety of safe, nontoxic scents, including black pepper, dry mustard powder, coffee grounds, used tea leaves, and orange peels.
Cats prefer to tread on soft, dry dirt or sand. Thus, anything pointy or bristly will keep them at bay. To keep digging cats away from your plants, cover the soil with pine cones or stone mulch.
Before planting, place physical barriers such as chicken wire on top of the soil or mulch across the planting bed. Cats despise chicken wire and bristly materials. Using wire cutters, make a hole in the chicken wire huge enough to install your plants.
You can also make a sandbox. This method will keep cats away from areas where you don’t want them. On the other hand, you may also plant catnip in an area where you want cats to be.
Plants to Avoid For Your Cats
If you are a cat owner and unsure if the plants growing in your yard are harmful to your cats, check out this list of toxic plants for cats. You can also check our list of non-toxic plants for cats.
