Pet-Safe Houseplants: 20+ Non-Toxic Plants for Cats & Dogs

As a plant lover and pet parent, you shouldn't have to choose between your green thumb and your furry friends' safety. This comprehensive guide will help you create a lush, pet-friendly home with beautiful houseplants that won't harm your cats or dogs.

Looking for pet-safe plants that match your home's lighting? Use our Plant Finder tool to discover safe options perfect for your space and your furry friends.

Why Pet Safety Matters

According to the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center, plant-related calls account for over 25,000 cases annually. Many common houseplants contain toxic compounds that can cause:

• Mild symptoms: Drooling, vomiting, diarrhea
• Moderate symptoms: Lethargy, loss of appetite, mouth irritation
• Severe symptoms: Difficulty breathing, kidney failure, seizures, death

The good news? Hundreds of beautiful plants are completely safe for pets!

Top 20+ Pet-Safe Houseplants

1. Spider Plant (Chlorophytum comosum)

Why pets love it: Non-toxic and produces fun, dangling "babies" cats love to bat around (though you may not love that part!). Learn complete Spider Plant care in our detailed guide.

• Pet Safe: ✅ 100% safe for cats and dogs
• Light: Low to bright indirect light
• Water: Weekly
• Care Level: ⭐ Very easy
• Special Feature: Air purifying, produces plantlets

Pet Parent Tips:

• Hang high if you don't want cats playing with babies
• Can cause mild stomach upset if eaten in large quantities (non-toxic but fibrous)
• Brown tips are normal, not from nibbling

Shop Spider Plants on Amazon →

2. Boston Fern (Nephrolepis exaltata)

Why it's perfect: Lush, feathery fronds, loves humidity, completely safe if nibbled.

• Pet Safe: ✅ Yes
• Light: Low to medium indirect light
• Water: Keep soil moist
• Care Level: ⭐⭐ Moderate
• Humidity: High

Boston Ferns are classic Victorian-era plants that create a jungle vibe.

Pet Parent Tips:

• Likes humidity - perfect for bathrooms
• Fronds are harmless if eaten
• Can be messy (drops leaves)
• Non-toxic but high fiber

Shop Boston Fern on Amazon →

3. Parlor Palm (Chamaedorea elegans)

Why it's perfect: Adds tropical elegance, air purifying, and completely non-toxic to pets.

• Pet Safe: ✅ Yes
• Light: Low to bright indirect light
• Water: When top inch is dry
• Care Level: ⭐⭐ Easy
• Growth: Slow to 4 feet

Pet Parent Tips:

• Cats may nibble tips (harmless)
• Slow-growing means less mess
• Brown tips indicate dry air, not toxicity
• Safe for curious kittens

Shop Parlor Palm on Amazon →

4. Calathea (Prayer Plant Family)

Why it's perfect: Stunning leaf patterns, moves throughout the day, pet-safe.

• Pet Safe: ✅ Yes (all varieties)
• Light: Low to medium indirect light
• Water: Keep moist
• Care Level: ⭐⭐⭐ Moderate
• Humidity: High

Popular varieties: Calathea Orbifolia, Rattlesnake Plant, Peacock Plant.

Pet Parent Tips:

• Leaves are safe to chew
• Needs high humidity (may crisp otherwise)
• Movement can intrigue cats
• Use distilled water

Shop Calathea on Amazon →

5. African Violet (Saintpaulia)

Why it's perfect: Beautiful blooms, compact size, pet-safe, easy to grow.

• Pet Safe: ✅ Yes
• Light: Bright indirect light
• Water: Bottom watering preferred
• Care Level: ⭐⭐ Easy
• Blooms: Year-round possible

Pet Parent Tips:

• Small size perfect for high shelves
• Flowers won't harm pets
• Fuzzy leaves (cats may not like texture)
• Water from bottom to avoid leaf spots

Shop African Violets on Amazon →

6. Peperomia (Multiple Species)

Why it's perfect: Over 1,000 varieties, all pet-safe, low-maintenance, compact.

• Pet Safe: ✅ Yes (all varieties)
• Light: Low to bright indirect light
• Water: When soil is dry
• Care Level: ⭐ Easy
• Size: Compact (4-12 inches)

Popular varieties: Watermelon Peperomia, Baby Rubber Plant, Ripple Peperomia.

Pet Parent Tips:

• Thick leaves safe if nibbled
• Compact size fits anywhere
• Rarely needs water (store water in leaves)
• Easy to propagate

Shop Peperomia on Amazon →

7. Areca Palm (Dypsis lutescens)

Why it's perfect: Large, impressive, air purifying, completely non-toxic.

• Pet Safe: ✅ Yes
• Light: Bright indirect light
• Water: Keep slightly moist
• Care Level: ⭐⭐ Moderate
• Growth: 6-7 feet indoors

Also called Butterfly Palm or Golden Cane Palm.

Pet Parent Tips:

• Large size deters casual nibbling
• Safe for large dogs
• Needs bright space
• Non-toxic fronds

Shop Areca Palm on Amazon →

8. Friendship Plant (Pilea involucrata)

Why it's perfect: Textured leaves, easy to share cuttings, pet-friendly.

• Pet Safe: ✅ Yes
• Light: Medium indirect light
• Water: When top inch is dry
• Care Level: ⭐ Easy
• Size: 6-12 inches

Pet Parent Tips:

• Low-growing (cats can't knock over easily)
• Safe leaves if chewed
• Easy to propagate and share
• Compact footprint

Shop Friendship Plant on Amazon →

9. Polka Dot Plant (Hypoestes phyllostachya)

Why it's perfect: Colorful leaves (pink, red, white spots), fast-growing, non-toxic.

• Pet Safe: ✅ Yes
• Light: Bright indirect light
• Water: Keep moist
• Care Level: ⭐⭐ Easy
• Colors: Pink, red, white variegation

Pet Parent Tips:

• Colorful but safe
• Grows quickly (replace easily if damaged)
• Pinch back to keep bushy
• Safe if nibbled

Shop Polka Dot Plant on Amazon →

10. Cast Iron Plant (Aspidistra elatior)

Why it's perfect: Nearly indestructible, tolerates neglect, pet-safe.

• Pet Safe: ✅ Yes
• Light: Low light tolerant
• Water: Every 2-3 weeks
• Care Level: ⭐ Very easy
• Durability: Extreme

Pet Parent Tips:

• Tough leaves resist nibbling
• Grows slowly (survives pets)
• Can tolerate low light
• Forgiving of inconsistent care

Shop Cast Iron Plant on Amazon →

11. Ponytail Palm (Beaucarnea recurvata)

Why it's perfect: Fun, sculptural, stores water in bulbous base, pet-safe.

• Pet Safe: ✅ Yes (actually not a palm!)
• Light: Bright indirect light
• Water: Every 2-3 weeks
• Care Level: ⭐ Easy
• Drought Tolerance: Excellent

Pet Parent Tips:

• Curly leaves fun for cats (safe)
• Heavy base won't tip over
• Tolerates neglect
• Non-toxic leaves

Shop Ponytail Palm on Amazon →

12. Christmas Cactus (Schlumbergera)

Why it's perfect: Beautiful blooms, easy care, pet-safe succulent.

• Pet Safe: ✅ Yes
• Light: Bright indirect light
• Water: When soil is dry
• Care Level: ⭐ Easy
• Blooms: Winter (with proper care)

Pet Parent Tips:

• Succulent leaves safe if chewed
• Flowers non-toxic
• Trailing habit (hang high)
• Easy to propagate

Shop Christmas Cactus on Amazon →

13. Haworthia (Zebra Plant)

Why it's perfect: Miniature succulent, striking stripes, pet-friendly.

• Pet Safe: ✅ Yes (unlike Aloe!)
• Light: Bright indirect light
• Water: Every 2-3 weeks
• Care Level: ⭐ Very easy
• Size: Compact (3-5 inches)

Pet Parent Tips:

• Aloe look-alike but SAFE
• Thick leaves safe if nibbled
• Small size fits on high shelves
• Low-maintenance

Shop Haworthia on Amazon →

14. Burro's Tail (Sedum morganianum)

Why it's perfect: Trailing succulent, unique appearance, completely safe.

• Pet Safe: ✅ Yes
• Light: Bright indirect light
• Water: Every 2-3 weeks
• Care Level: ⭐ Easy
• Growth: Trailing stems

Pet Parent Tips:

• Safe but fragile (leaves drop easily)
• Hang to keep away from playful paws
• Non-toxic if eaten
• Drought-tolerant

Shop Burro's Tail on Amazon →

15. Orchid (Phalaenopsis)

Why it's perfect: Elegant blooms, surprisingly easy, pet-safe flowers and leaves.

• Pet Safe: ✅ Yes
• Light: Bright indirect light
• Water: Weekly (ice cube method)
• Care Level: ⭐⭐ Moderate
• Blooms: Long-lasting

Pet Parent Tips:

• All parts non-toxic
• Place high (expensive!)
• Blooms safe if nibbled
• Easy to care for

Shop Orchids on Amazon →

16. Baby Tears (Soleirolia soleirolii)

Why it's perfect: Delicate, ground-cover appearance, safe for curious pets.

• Pet Safe: ✅ Yes
• Light: Medium indirect light
• Water: Keep moist
• Care Level: ⭐⭐ Moderate
• Texture: Fine, moss-like

Pet Parent Tips:

• Safe if eaten (cats may like texture)
• Likes humidity
• Can be invasive if not contained
• Non-toxic

Shop Baby Tears on Amazon →

17. Swedish Ivy (Plectranthus verticillatus)

Why it's perfect: Trailing vine, easy to grow, completely pet-safe.

• Pet Safe: ✅ Yes
• Light: Medium to bright indirect light
• Water: Keep slightly moist
• Care Level: ⭐ Easy
• Growth: Trailing

Pet Parent Tips:

• Fast-growing (recovers from nibbling)
• Safe for pets to chew
• Great in hanging baskets
• Easy to propagate

Shop Swedish Ivy on Amazon →

18. Venus Fly Trap (Dionaea muscipula)

Why it's perfect: Fascinating carnivorous plant, moves, pet-safe.

• Pet Safe: ✅ Yes
• Light: Bright light
• Water: Distilled water only
• Care Level: ⭐⭐⭐ Advanced
• Special: Carnivorous

Pet Parent Tips:

• Safe if pets trigger traps
• Movement intrigues cats
• Difficult to care for
• Non-toxic

Shop Venus Fly Trap on Amazon →

19. Air Plants (Tillandsia)

Why it's perfect: No soil needed, easy care, safe for pets.

• Pet Safe: ✅ Yes
• Light: Bright indirect light
• Water: Soak weekly
• Care Level: ⭐ Easy
• Soil: None needed!

Pet Parent Tips:

• Can't knock over (no pot)
• Safe if chewed
• Mount on driftwood
• Unique display options

Shop Air Plants on Amazon →

20. Lipstick Plant (Aeschynanthus radicans)

Why it's perfect: Vibrant red blooms, trailing habit, pet-friendly.

• Pet Safe: ✅ Yes
• Light: Bright indirect light
• Water: When top inch is dry
• Care Level: ⭐⭐ Moderate
• Blooms: Red tubular flowers

Pet Parent Tips:

• Flowers and leaves safe
• Trailing (hang high)
• Blooms non-toxic
• Likes humidity

Shop Lipstick Plant on Amazon →

TOXIC PLANTS TO AVOID

Highly Toxic to Cats & Dogs

Why Are These Plants Toxic?

Most toxic houseplants contain:

• Calcium oxalate crystals (Philodendron, Pothos, Peace Lily)
• Saponins (Snake Plant, ZZ Plant)
• Glycosides (Aloe, Jade, Sago Palm)
• Terpenoids (Lilies)

These compounds cause irritation, organ damage, or worse.

What To Do If Your Pet Eats a Plant

Immediate Steps

1. Remove plant material from mouth if possible
2. Identify the plant (photo or leaf sample)
3. Don't induce vomiting without veterinary guidance
4. Call your vet or ASPCA Poison Control immediately

Signs of Plant Poisoning

Immediate (within 1 hour):

• Drooling or excessive salivation
• Pawing at mouth
• Vomiting
• Difficulty swallowing
• Mouth irritation or swelling

Delayed (1-24 hours):

• Diarrhea
• Lethargy or weakness
• Loss of appetite
• Tremors or seizures
• Difficulty breathing

Critical (24+ hours):

• Kidney failure symptoms (lilies in cats)
• Liver failure (Sago Palm)
• Neurological symptoms

When to Go to Emergency Vet

Immediately if:

• Pet ate any lily (if cat)
• Ate Sago Palm, Oleander, or other deadly plant
• Showing difficulty breathing
• Having seizures
• Extreme lethargy or collapse
• Ate large quantity of any plant

Call vet if:

• Mild symptoms but plant is toxic
• Not sure what plant was eaten
• Symptoms persist >2 hours
• Pet has pre-existing conditions

Cat vs. Dog Safety

Cats

Why cats are more at risk:

• More likely to chew plants (boredom, grass substitute)
• Smaller body size = faster toxin absorption
• Often jump to high shelves
• Groom themselves (toxins on fur)

Cat-Specific Dangers:

• Lilies are DEADLY (even pollen or water from vase)
• Cats drawn to dangling leaves
• More sensitive to essential oils in some plants

Cat Deterrents:

• Citrus peels around plants
• Cat grass as alternative
• Bitter apple spray
• Double-sided tape on pot edges

Dogs

Why dogs eat plants:

• Boredom or anxiety
• Upset stomach (seeking grass)
• Puppies exploring
• Attracted to soil/fertilizer

Dog-Specific Risks:

• May eat entire plant including roots
• Larger quantities consumed
• Dig in pots (fertilizer poisoning)

Dog Deterrents:

• Place plants high or in separate room
• Provide chew toys
• Training ("leave it" command)
• Ensure adequate exercise

Creating a Pet-Safe Plant Display

Safe Display Ideas

1. Hanging Planters

• Out of reach
• Perfect for trailing plants
• Use sturdy hooks (pets may jump)

2. High Shelves

• Above jump height
• Secure shelves to wall
• Group small plants

3. Plant Stands

• Elevate plants
• Choose heavy, stable bases
• Consider tiered stands

4. Terrariums

• Closed container protects plants
• Safe if containing toxic plants
• Decorative and functional

5. Separate Room

• Office, guest room, bathroom
• Door kept closed
• Sunroom with baby gate

Secure Your Plants

• Stabilize pots - heavy ceramic or add rocks
• Avoid top-heavy arrangements - cats will knock over
• Secure hanging planters - use heavy-duty hooks
• Wall-mount - floating shelves or wall planters
• Use saucers - prevent water spills

Pet-Friendly Plant Care Tips

Soil & Fertilizer Safety

Soil:

• Use pet-safe potting mix
• Avoid additives (perlite can be irritating)
• Cover soil to prevent digging

Fertilizer:

• Use organic, pet-safe options
• Keep fertilizer locked away
• Don't over-fertilize (salts are toxic)
• Wipe leaves after foliar feeding

Pest Control

Safe Options:

• Neem oil (food-grade, diluted)
• Insecticidal soap (rinse well)
• Diatomaceous earth (food-grade)
• Manual removal

Avoid:

• Chemical pesticides
• Systemic insecticides
• Moth balls or rodenticides near plants

Water Safety

• Empty saucers (standing water attracts)
• Use pet-safe water additives only
• Don't let pets drink plant water
• Self-watering pots (reduce spills)

Training Your Pet

For Cats

Provide Alternatives:

• Cat grass - safe to eat, satisfies nibbling urge
• Catnip - distracts from other plants
• Cat-safe herbs - basil, mint, parsley in separate planter

Deterrents:

• Citrus peels
• Aluminum foil around pots
• Motion-activated air sprayer
• Bitter apple spray

Enrichment:

• More playtime
• Puzzle feeders
• Vertical spaces
• Window perches

For Dogs

Training Commands:

• "Leave it" - essential for plant safety
• "Drop it" - if they grab a leaf
• "Stay" - keep them away from plant areas

Management:

• Baby gates for plant rooms
• Crate training when unsupervised
• Provide chew toys
• Ensure adequate exercise

Positive Reinforcement:

• Reward for ignoring plants
• Redirect to toys
• Give attention when not near plants

Pet-Safe Herb Garden

Safe herbs to grow indoors with pets:

Frequently Asked Questions

Are succulents pet-safe?

Mixed. Some are safe (Haworthia, Burro's Tail, Christmas Cactus), but many are toxic (Aloe, Jade Plant, Kalanchoe). Always check before buying.

Can I still have toxic plants if I put them high up?

Risky. Cats can jump 5-6 feet, and leaves fall. If you must have toxic plants, keep them in a room your pet can't access.

What if my cat just likes to chew plants?

Provide cat grass (wheatgrass, oat grass, barley grass) as a safe alternative. Cats often chew plants to aid digestion or for fiber.

Are "pet-safe" plants 100% safe to eat?

No plant should be eaten in large quantities. Pet-safe means non-toxic, but eating too much can still cause stomach upset from fiber. Monitor your pet.

How do I know if my plant is the problem?

Symptoms appear 30 minutes to 12 hours after ingestion. If your pet shows signs and you have toxic plants, assume plant poisoning until vet rules it out.

Can I spray my pet-safe plants with chemicals?

Avoid it. Even on pet-safe plants, pesticides, fungicides, and leaf shine products can be harmful if licked or ingested.

Are essential oils from plants toxic to pets?

Yes! Many essential oils (tea tree, eucalyptus, citrus) are toxic to pets. Never use essential oils around pets without veterinary guidance.

What about outdoor plants my pet might encounter?

Many outdoor plants are toxic (azaleas, rhododendrons, tulips, daffodils). Supervise outdoor time and train "leave it" command.

Quick Reference: Pet-Safe Plants

Best for Cats

1. Spider Plant
2. Boston Fern
3. Calathea
4. Parlor Palm
5. Cat Grass

Best for Dogs

1. Areca Palm
2. Cast Iron Plant
3. Boston Fern
4. Spider Plant
5. Ponytail Palm

Best for Both

1. Spider Plant (universal favorite)
2. Boston Fern
3. Parlor Palm
4. Cast Iron Plant
5. Peperomia

Want personalized pet-safe plant recommendations? Try our Plant Finder to filter by pet safety, light levels, and care difficulty.

Create a Pet-Friendly Plant Paradise

You can have both plants and pets! With the right plant choices and precautions, you can create a lush indoor garden that's safe for your furry friends.

Find Pet-Safe Plants →

Related Guides

Looking for more plant care tips? Check out these helpful guides:

• Low Light Houseplants Guide - Perfect for apartments and dark spaces
• Best Bathroom Plants - Humidity-loving plants for your bathroom
• Snake Plant Care Guide - Complete care for this popular pet-safe option
• Spider Plant Care Guide - Everything about this cat-friendly plant

Disclaimer: This information is for educational purposes. While these plants are considered non-toxic by the ASPCA, individual pets may react differently. Always consult your veterinarian if you suspect plant poisoning.

Affiliate Disclosure: As an Amazon Associate, Plant Finder earns from qualifying purchases at no cost to you.

Last Updated: January 20, 2025