Pet-Friendly Houseplants: Safe Options for Homes with Cats and Dogs

Pet-Friendly Houseplants: Safe Options for Homes with Pets

Overview

Many pet owners want to enjoy houseplants while keeping their furry friends safe. While no plant is 100% risk-free (pets can have individual sensitivities or allergic reactions), certain houseplants are generally considered non-toxic and safer choices for homes with cats and dogs.

This guide covers which plants are typically safer, which to avoid, and important safety considerations for pet owners.

Important Safety Information

Even plants classified as non-toxic can cause mild stomach upset if pets ingest large quantities. Individual animals may also have sensitivities or allergic reactions to specific plants, similar to how some people react to certain foods.

Best practices for pet owners:

Keep all plants out of reach of pets and children when possible
Monitor pets around new plants and watch for unusual behavior
Be aware that plant care products (fertilizers, pesticides, fungicides) may pose additional risks
Consult your veterinarian if you have concerns about specific plants or if your pet ingests any plant material

Costa Farms Disclaimer: All Costa Farms plants are grown for ornamental purposes and are not intended for human or animal consumption. Even plants classified as non-toxic may cause discomfort or illness if ingested. Additionally, exposure to plant sap may cause discomfort to individuals with sensitivity upon contact.

Non-Toxic Houseplants Safe for Pets

The following plants are generally considered non-toxic to cats and dogs:

Ferns

Boston Fern
Bird's Nest Fern
Hurricane Fern
Other true ferns

Palms

Areca Palm
Majesty Palm
Parlor Palm
Ponytail Palm (technically a succulent, not a true palm)

Popular Pet-Friendly Houseplants

Calathea (Prayer Plant family)
Spider Plant (Chlorophytum)
Peperomia (various varieties)
Pilea (Chinese Money Plant, Aluminum Plant)
Maranta (Prayer Plant)
Fittonia (Nerve Plant)
Hypoestes (Polka Dot Plant)

Succulents

Echeveria
Haworthia

Other Safe Options

Orchids (Phalaenopsis and most common varieties)
Bromeliads
Norfolk Island Pine
Pachira (Money Tree)
Banana plants

Plants to Avoid Around Pets

Most plants in the aroid family are not pet-safe and should be kept out of reach or avoided entirely in homes with curious pets.

Common toxic houseplants include:

Pothos (Epipremnum)
Philodendron (all varieties)
Monstera
ZZ Plant (Zamioculcas)
Aglaonema (Chinese Evergreen)
Peace Lily (Spathiphyllum)
Dieffenbachia (Dumb Cane)
Anthurium
Alocasia (Elephant Ear)
Syngonium (Arrowhead Vine)
Sago Palm (not a true palm---a cycad)
Rhaphidophora

Most of these plants contain calcium oxalate crystals that can cause oral irritation, drooling, vomiting, and difficulty swallowing if ingested.

What to Do If Your Pet Ingests a Plant

If you suspect your pet has eaten a toxic plant:

Remove any plant material from your pet's mouth
Identify the plant (take a photo or sample if possible)
Contact your veterinarian immediately or call:
- ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center: (888) 426-4435
- Pet Poison Helpline: (855) 764-7661

Symptoms of plant poisoning may include:

Drooling or foaming at the mouth
Vomiting or diarrhea
Difficulty swallowing
Pawing at the mouth
Lethargy or weakness
Loss of appetite

Additional Resources

ASPCA Toxic and Non-Toxic Plant List: The ASPCA maintains a comprehensive, searchable database of plants and their toxicity to cats, dogs, and horses: https://www.aspca.org/pet-care/animal-poison-control/toxic-and-non-toxic-plants

Costa Farms Pet-Friendly Collection: Browse our curated selection of pet-friendly plants: Pet Friendly Plants

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Are succulents safe for pets? A: Some succulents are safe (like Echeveria and Haworthia), while others are toxic (like Jade Plant and Aloe Vera). Always verify the specific variety before bringing it home.

Q: Can I still have toxic plants if I have pets? A: Many pet owners successfully keep toxic plants by placing them in areas pets cannot access—high shelves, hanging planters, or rooms pets don't enter. However, this depends on your pet's behavior and your ability to monitor them.

Q: My cat/dog ate a plant leaf. Should I be worried? A: It depends on the plant. If it's a non-toxic variety, monitor your pet for any unusual symptoms. If it's a toxic plant or you're unsure, contact your veterinarian immediately.

Q: Why do pets eat plants? A: Pets may eat plants out of curiosity, boredom, or to help with digestion. Providing pet-safe grass or catnip, along with adequate enrichment and play, can help reduce plant-chewing behavior.