I found out the hard way that playful dogs consider every new plant a personal snack. One dramatic session of throwing up and a very stressed phone call to the vet later, I learned that “pretty” and “pet-safe” are not the same thing. Turns out one of my favorite plants at the time (a peace lily) is mildly toxic to pets. Whoops.
If you’ve got a curious cat who treats your windowsill like a salad bar, or a dog who eats anything at nose height, building a home full of pet-safe plants isn’t optional, it’s just responsible plant parenting. The good news: there are dozens of gorgeous, genuinely pet-friendly plants that’ll do just as much for your space as the toxic ones, without the emergency vet visit.
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Quick Answer
Pet-safe plants are houseplants that aren’t toxic to cats and dogs if it is chewed or licked. Some of the most common pet-friendly plants are Spider Plants, Boston Ferns, Calatheas, Areca Palms, and Peperomias. None of these are listed as toxic by the ASPCA, but “pet-safe” means safe if consumed or licked in moderation, not an invitation for your pet to eat a whole plant.
What “Pet-Safe” Actually Means
Before we jump in to the list of plants, here’s a quick clarification: I’m not a vet, and this article isn’t a substitute for one. If your pet is a known chewer, or has already eaten something you’re not sure about, contact your vet or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center right away rather than guessing from a blog post.
“Pet-safe” generally means a plant isn’t classified as toxic to cats or dogs, so an occasional nibble won’t cause poisoning. It doesn’t mean a plant is fair game to eat freely though. Large amounts of any plant material can upset a pet’s stomach, and every animal reacts a little differently. In short, pet-safe plants are low-risk, not risk-free.
How I Check If a Plant Is Actually a Pet-Safe Plant
If something catches my eye at a nursery, I run it against the ASPCA’s toxic and non-toxic plant list. A quick search for the plant’s common and botanical name (nurseries love to relabel things, so the botanical name matters) will tell you exactly where it lands. Sometimes, I tend to forget because I’m swept away by how a plant looks. In this case, I just position the plant in a hard-to-reach spot. Usually these whimsy must-have plants will be something that does well as a hanging plant or in low-light areas.
Plants Safe for Cats
Cats tend to be pickier nibblers than dogs, but they’re also famous for using tall plants as their personal jungle gym. These cat safe plants can take a bit of batting around and won’t cause harm if a leaf gets eaten along the way.
- Spider Plant. Low maintainence, plenty of spiderettes, and a common houseplant. It’s (almost) indestructible and non-toxic to cats, which is lucky because cats are obsessed with the long, grassy leaves. Bright, indirect light and a weekly watering will keep it thriving. If you pay attention to the sprouting spiderettes or baby plants, you can snip them off and repot, to make more plants.
- Calathea (various species). Known as the diva of all plants, they’re dramatic, patterned and honestly very pretty to keep as house plants.The Calathea species is a plant safe for cats; not just in terms of toxicity but can tolerate the occasional swiping and scratching thanks to their hardy leaves. They are a bit fussy about humidity as compared to other plants on the list but a bathroom windowsill, a pebble tray, or a spot near a humidifier will do the trick.
- Boston Fern. A classic potted plant that’s verified as pet-safe. It’s feathery, puts out a full set of leaves and most importantly, non-toxic to cats and dogs. It likes consistent moisture and higher humidity, so it’s a great candidate for a hanging basket or in a more humid environment.
- Cat Grass (Wheatgrass or Barley Grass) If your cat is determined to chew on greenery no matter what you do, give them their own plant. Cat grass is grown specifically for pets to nibble, so it’s definitely harmless. In fact, it has health benefits relating to cat digestion. Get a kit to grow your own, your cat will thank you.
Plants Safe for Dogs
Adult dogs are less likely to snack on houseplant, but puppies or dogs that are bored or anxious will absolutely test that theory. Here’s a solid list of plants safe for dogs if you’ve got a chewer at home.
- Areca Palm, Ponytail Palm, and Parlor Palm. A bit of a show-stopper, but one of my favorites for sure. It can grow pretty big, has feathery leaves and a tropical feel. It’s forgiving with care and non-toxic to dogs.
- Rattlesnake Plant. A popular choice, this is generally a plant that has zero or low toxicity concerns for dogs. Keep it out of direct sun as harsh heat can burn the leaves and water when the top is dry. When thriving, it will put out nice, patterned leaves that makes for a great centrepiece or pop of color.
- Cornflower. Also known as Bachelor’s Buttons, these are easy, fuss-free annual flowers that loves sunlight and well-draining soil. If you have an outdoor patch you want to fill, this is a good choice for blooms that won’t harm your dogs.
- Orchids. Most true orchids are non-toxic to dogs, and they last for months once in bloom. They don’t need soil in the traditional sense, they latch onto moist bark or moss and a weekly soak in the sink is usually enough.
- Peperomia Obtusifolia. A tropical perennial, it’s a lovely addition to every home. The leaves are thick, glossy, and with the right care, it can reach a height of about 16 inches. It does well in medium or indirect light, chunky soil and pretty fuss-free with water. Oh and, non-toxic to dogs, of course.
Pet-Safe Plants for Both Cats and Dogs
If you’ve got a multi-pet household, these pet safe plants check the box for both species, which makes shopping a lot less stressful.
- Parlor Palm. Low light tolerant, non-toxic, and one of the easiest palms to keep alive indoors
- Peperomia (various species). Small, varied, and great for table tops, and room corners. Perfectly safe, and not exciting to pets.
- Prayer Plant (a relative of Calathea). Aesthetic and a common pet-safe plant. It needs some indirect light and humidity to thrive.
- Bird’s Nest Fern. A popular pick if you’re looking for that tropical vibe. This pet-safe plant puts out thick, glossy leaves with ruffled edges.
- African Violet. For a flowering option, this one blooms almost all-year round. You would just need to ensure it gets some gentle sunlight; either morning light or indirect light.
Popular Houseplants that are Not Pet Friendly
While it’s important to know the species of the pet friendly plants, it’s equally important to know which may be unsafe or harmful to your furry friends. Here’s a quick lsit of common houseplants that should be removed or moved away from your pets.
- Lilies
- Monstera
- Rubber Plant
- Pothos
- Snake Plant
- ZZ Plant
- Aloe Vera
- Dieffenbachia
- Jade Plant
- Fiddle-Leaf Fig
- English Ivy
These aren’t pet-friendly plants because the leaves, sap, or pollen contains harmful toxins. This doesn’t mean you can’t keep the plant though. Plenty of people do, they just ensure it’s out of reach from their pets. Either place them on a high shelf, protected behind specific objects, or in spaces your pet doesn’t access. This post isn’t meant to scare you, just to ensure pet parents are informed of the risks that come with certain plants.
Tips for Keeping Pets and Plants Happy Together
- Go vertical. Hanging planters and high shelves keep tempting leaves out of reach without sacrificing your jungle aesthetic.
- Distract with alternatives. A pot of cat grass or a dog-safe chew toy nearby gives pets something else to focus their curiosity on when in that specific area.
- Watch new plants closely. The first week after bringing a plant home is when pets are most likely to investigate it out of curiosity. Keep a close eye on them. If your pet doesn’t show interest in your plant, it might be okay (might – I’m no pet expert).
- Skip the fertilizer pellets on top of soil. Some slow-release fertilizers are appealing (and harmful) to pets who like to dig. Opt for fertilizers you can bury or use liquid fertilizer, then cover the top soil with coconut husk.
- Know the emergency number. Save the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center number in your phone before you need it, not after.
Frequently Asked Questions about Pet-Safe Plants
Spider plants, parlor palms, and Boston ferns are all forgiving to grow and non-toxic to cats and dogs, which makes them a low-stress starting point.
It depends on the type of succulents. Haworthia and echeveria are generally safe, but aloe vera, jade plant, and kalanchoe are toxic, so always check the specific variety before buying
Many pet owners do have toxic plants at home with no incidents to their pets. They keep toxic plants in rooms pets can’t access or on shelves well out of reach. It’s a personal risk call, just ensure everyone in the house knows which plants are off-limits to the pets and what to do if an incident happens.
Contact your vet or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center immediately, and try to identify the plant so you can tell them exactly what was ingested. Pro tip: point your Google lens to your plant to get a quick description.
