The Lab / Pets & Plants
Pet-Safe Houseplants: 10 Plants for Cat and Dog Owners
Love plants and pets? You don't have to choose. Here are ten beautiful houseplants that are non-toxic to cats and dogs, plus the common ones to keep out of reach.
Plants and pets can share a home happily. You just need to choose the right plants. All ten below are listed as non-toxic to cats and dogs by the ASPCA, the American animal-welfare charity whose plant database vets and plant shops widely use. Each one links to its full care guide.
Good to know: "non-toxic" means not poisonous, not that it's a snack. Any plant can cause a mild upset tummy if a pet eats a lot of it. If your pet eats a plant and seems unwell, contact your vet.
The easiest pet-safe plants for beginners
1. Spider Plant
The classic choice for pet owners. It's forgiving, grows fast and produces little "babies" you can pot up and share. Hang it up high if your cat likes to chew its leaves.
2. Parlour Palm
A graceful palm that copes with lower light. Don't confuse it with the sago palm, which is extremely toxic to pets despite the similar name.
3. Cast Iron Plant
Nearly indestructible. It's happy in a dim hallway and forgives missed waterings, making it ideal for busy households.
4. Peperomia
Compact, with glossy leaves. Perfect for a desk or shelf.
5. Ponytail Palm
Its swollen trunk stores water, so it only needs a drink every few weeks. It likes a bright spot.
6. Haworthia
A small, striped succulent and a pet-safe swap for aloe vera, which looks similar but is toxic to pets.
Pet-safe plants for colour and pattern
7. Calathea
Painted, patterned leaves in endless varieties. It needs a little more attention: soft water and good humidity.
8. Prayer Plant
Its leaves lift and fold every evening. A lovely plant to watch, and safe for curious paws.
Pet-safe ferns
9. Boston Fern
Lush, feathery fronds that look wonderful in a hanging pot. It loves humidity, so a bright bathroom suits it.
10. Bird's Nest Fern
Wavy, glossy fronds that grow from a central "nest". Happy in lower light and high humidity.
The best pet-safe plant for…
- A dark room: Cast Iron Plant or Parlour Palm
- A hanging basket: Spider Plant or Boston Fern
- A sunny windowsill: Haworthia or Ponytail Palm
- A bathroom: Boston Fern, Bird's Nest Fern or Calathea
- Complete beginners: Spider Plant, Peperomia or Cast Iron Plant
Common houseplants to keep away from pets
Cat owners: never bring true lilies or daylilies into your home. According to the ASPCA, lilies of the Lilium and Hemerocallis families can cause kidney failure in cats, and even a small amount of pollen can be dangerous. Check bouquets before you bring them home. If your cat has been near a lily, call your vet straight away, because fast treatment matters.
These popular houseplants are toxic to cats and dogs if eaten. You don't have to avoid them completely, but keep them well out of reach:
- Peace Lily: not a true lily, but still toxic
- Golden Pothos and Heartleaf Philodendron
- Monstera
- Snake Plant and ZZ Plant
- Fiddle Leaf Fig and Rubber Plant
- Alocasia and Chinese Evergreen
- Aloe vera and sago palm
Tips for a happy home with plants and pets
- Check the Latin name. Common names can be misleading (parlour palm is safe; sago palm isn't). Search the botanical name on the ASPCA plant list before you buy.
- Go high. Hanging planters and high shelves keep even safe plants looking their best.
- Give them their own greens. Many cats love a pot of cat grass, which can distract them from your houseplants.
- Know what you have. Keep a note of every plant's name, so you can tell your vet quickly if needed.
Want more ideas? Use the Pet-friendly filter in The Sill, or let our Plant Finder suggest plants for your light and lifestyle.