Pet-Safe Plants: What's Safe and What to Avoid

Cats and dogs love chewing on plants. Here's your guide to pet-safe houseplants and the toxic ones you should keep out of reach.

Many popular houseplants are toxic to cats and dogs. Pets chew on leaves out of curiosity, and ingesting the wrong plant can cause anything from mouth irritation to serious organ damage. Always check before you buy.

Safe Plants for Cats and Dogs

• Spider Plant — safe for both cats and dogs; also purifies air.
• Areca Palm — non-toxic; excellent for humidity regulation.
• Calathea — beautiful patterned leaves; completely pet-safe.
• Peperomia — dozens of varieties, all pet-friendly.
• Tillandsia (Air Plants) — no soil needed; hang them out of reach anyway.
• Maranta (Prayer Plant) — non-toxic with stunning folding leaves.

Toxic Plants to Avoid

• Lilies — extremely dangerous for cats; can cause kidney failure.
• Poinsettia — irritating sap causes vomiting in both cats and dogs.
• Monstera & Philodendron — contain calcium oxalate; causes mouth and GI irritation.
• Snake Plant — mildly toxic; causes nausea and vomiting if ingested.
• Aloe Vera — toxic to dogs; causes vomiting and lethargy.
• Peace Lily — causes oral irritation and vomiting.

If You Have Toxic Plants

Place toxic plants on high shelves or in rooms your pet doesn't access. Hanging planters are another safe option. Reserve floor-level and low shelves for only pet-safe varieties.

Check the ASPCA's full toxic plant list at aspca.org before introducing any new plant. GreenPic's Encyclopedia also shows pet safety ratings for each species.