15 Pet-Safe Houseplants (And 10 Toxic Ones to Avoid)

Houseplants make your home beautiful, but some can be deadly for your pets. Before you bring home that trendy Monstera, check this guide to keep your furry friends safe.

15 Pet-Safe Houseplants

These plants are non-toxic to both cats and dogs according to the ASPCA:

1. Spider Plant — Easy to grow, air-purifying, and completely safe
2. Boston Fern — Lush, hanging plant that is pet-friendly
3. Areca Palm — Tropical vibes without the toxicity
4. Calathea — Beautiful patterned leaves, safe for all pets
5. Peperomia — Compact, colorful, and non-toxic
6. African Violet — Safe flowering plant for windowsills
7. Polka Dot Plant — Fun spotted leaves, harmless to pets
8. Haworthia — Succulent that looks like aloe but is pet-safe
9. Parlor Palm — Classic indoor palm, completely safe
10. Prayer Plant — Unique folding leaves, non-toxic
11. Cast Iron Plant — Nearly indestructible and pet-safe
12. Friendship Plant — Textured leaves, safe for curious nibblers
13. Orchid — Elegant and non-toxic (most varieties)
14. Christmas Cactus — Holiday plant that will not harm pets
15. Bamboo Palm — Air-purifying and safe for the whole family

10 Toxic Plants to Avoid

These common houseplants can cause serious harm to pets:

1. Lilies — Extremely toxic to cats, can cause kidney failure
2. Sago Palm — All parts are poisonous, especially seeds
3. Pothos (Devil's Ivy) — Causes oral irritation and vomiting
4. Philodendron — Contains calcium oxalate crystals
5. Dieffenbachia — Can cause intense mouth burning
6. Aloe Vera — Surprisingly toxic to cats and dogs
7. Snake Plant — Causes nausea and vomiting if ingested
8. Monstera — Contains insoluble calcium oxalates
9. Oleander — Extremely toxic, even small amounts can be fatal
10. Tulips — Bulbs are the most toxic part

What to Do If Your Pet Eats a Toxic Plant

• Remove any plant material from their mouth
• Identify the plant (take a photo)
• Call your vet or ASPCA Poison Control: (888) 426-4435
• Watch for symptoms: drooling, vomiting, difficulty breathing, lethargy
• Do NOT induce vomiting unless instructed by a vet

Keeping Curious Pets Away from Plants

Even with pet-safe plants, some cats and dogs love to dig and chew. Try these strategies:

• Place plants on high shelves or in hanging planters
• Use citrus peels around plant bases (cats hate the smell)
• Provide cat grass or interactive toys as alternatives
• Use a pet camera to monitor when you are away

A green home and a safe home can coexist — you just need to choose the right plants.