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Which Indoor Plants Are Safe for Cats and Dogs?
If you share your home with pets, it’s essential to consider their safety when buying indoor plants. Many houseplants, such as the Peace Lily, Calla Lily, or the Sago Palm, contain toxins that can harm cats and dogs. By choosing non-toxic, pet-safe plants, you can enjoy the lushness of your indoor garden without worrying about your cat’s or dog’s well-being.
Lively Root’s selection of pet-friendly plants includes spectacular bloomers, like the Christmas cactus, and stylish air purifiers like the Money Tree. From pet-safe succulents to a range of non-toxic, easy-care plants, we’ve got you covered!
Choosing the Right Plants for a Pet-Friendly Home
Knowing which plants are safe for your furry friends is essential to keep them healthy and happy. Check whether the plant you intend to buy is on the ASPCA list of toxic plants to avoid bringing plants you’re unsure about into your home.
Many plants are safe for both cats and dogs. From the Boston Fern to the striking Peacock Plant, you can make your indoor garden pet-friendly with the right variety. Certain plants, however, might be non-toxic to dogs but can cause digestive issues in cats and vice versa. So, it’s important to double-check if your green companion is completely safe for your pet, especially if you have a dog and a cat at home.
Toxic Houseplants to Avoid Around Pets
If your cat or dog likes to nibble, avoid known toxic houseplants such as peace lilies, snake plants, sago palms, pothos, philodendrons, ZZ plants, and many true lilies. These plants can cause symptoms ranging from oral irritation and digestive upset to severe poisoning, depending on the plant and the amount ingested.
Safe for cats and dogs: Money Tree, Spider Plant, Neanthe Bella Palm (parlor palm), Boston Fern, Calathea Rattlesnake, Watermelon Peperomia, Peacock Plant, Ponytail Palm, Baby Rubber Plant (Peperomia obtusifolia).
Avoid in any pet home: peace lilies, snake plants, sago palms, pothos, philodendrons, ZZ plants, true lilies.
Our Top Pet-Friendly Plant Picks
Money Tree: A popular low-maintenance choice for homes with cats and dogs, with a sculptural braided trunk and lush green leaves.
Calathea Rattlesnake: A pet-friendly foliage plant with patterned leaves that adds texture without relying on toxic plant compounds.
Neanthe Bella Palm: A compact palm option for pet households that want soft, tropical greenery.
Chinese Money Plant: A cat- and dog-friendly tabletop plant with round, coin-shaped leaves.
Watermelon Peperomia: A compact pet-friendly plant with striped foliage and easy styling potential.
Spider Plant: A resilient option for shelves or hanging baskets, especially helpful if you want to keep trailing leaves away from curious pets.
Plant Care and Pet Safety
Houseplants and pets can coexist and thrive under the same roof if you take care to keep them safe from each other.
Pet-Safety Tips
Place your plants on high shelves or in hanging pots to prevent your pet from nibbling on your greenery. Some pets like to explore unfamiliar objects. So, try to keep plants that are mildly toxic to cats and dogs, like the ZZ plant, out of their reach, behind other plants, or in a room your pets have no access to. If you suspect plant poisoning symptoms in your beloved pet, consult with a veterinarian or a pet poison control center straight away!
Plant Care the Pet-Friendly Way
Pet specialists agree that plants provide additional stimulation for your pets. Your cat or dog can leave your plant looking worse for wear. As mentioned, the best way to stop your pets from destroying your plants is to place them out of reach. Dogs, for instance, will find it hard to nibble on hanging plants. Or keep your cat less interested in your houseplants by getting some cat grass!
Provide your pet-friendly plants with regular attention and care by meeting their specific light requirements and watering and humidity needs. Prune spent leaves and flowers, and dust the foliage to keep leaves shiny and clean.
Repot your green companions every couple of years or if you notice any issues, like drooping leaves or signs of root rot. Ensure your plants have all the nutrients they need by feeding them in the growing season.
Create a Safe Green Space Indoors With Pet-Friendly Plants
Attractive pet-friendly houseplants will help you make your home welcoming and cozy for you and your pets. Create an intriguing arrangement of dog-safe plants using stable, heavy planters that your dog won’t overturn easily. Putting pebbles on top of the soil can help discourage digging.
To help you choose the right dog- or cat-safe plants for your home, use Lively Root’s Plant Quiz anytime! You can also opt for our quarterly pet-friendly subscription and get a selection of surprise plants every 3 months. With a bit of planning, you’ll create a space where your pets and plants can coexist and benefit from each other’s company.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Are pet-friendly plants completely safe for cats and dogs?
No plant should be considered completely risk-free. Pet-friendly plants are generally selected because they are considered non-toxic, but eating leaves or soil can still cause mild stomach upset.
What should I do if my pet eats a houseplant?
Remove any plant material from your pet’s reach, identify the plant, and contact your veterinarian or ASPCA Poison Control if symptoms appear or if you are unsure whether the plant is toxic.
Which indoor plants should pet owners avoid?
Common plants to avoid include peace lilies, snake plants, sago palms, pothos, philodendrons, ZZ plants, and true lilies, especially in homes with curious cats or dogs.
How can I keep pets away from indoor plants?
Use hanging planters, high shelves, heavier pots, plant stands, closed rooms, or pet-safe deterrents. You can also offer cat grass or pet toys to reduce plant chewing.
Do I need different plants for cats and dogs?
Usually not. Most plants in this collection are listed by the ASPCA as non-toxic to both cats and dogs, so one list works in a home with both. The big exception is true lilies, which are far more dangerous to cats, so cat owners can also browse our Cat Friendly Plants collection.
