Pet Friendly Indoor Plants: Safe for Cats and Dogs
Cats and dogs chew plants, and some common houseplants can make them sick. If you have pets at home, it helps to choose plants that are generally listed as non-toxic. This guide lists safer choices and plants to keep out of reach. It is general information, so check with your vet if you are unsure.
Plants Generally Listed as Safe for Cats and Dogs
- Spider plant: hardy, easy and good in hanging pots.
- Areca palm and parlour palm: tall, leafy and suited to bright rooms.
- Peperomia: compact plants in many leaf patterns.
- Haworthia: a small succulent for a sunny desk.
- Boston fern: likes humidity and bright indirect light.
- Calathea and prayer plant: patterned leaves, but they need humidity.
See our pet friendly plants.
Common Plants That Are Toxic to Pets
Keep these out of reach, or choose another plant: peace lily, pothos (money plant), monstera, philodendron, snake plant, ZZ plant, jade plant, aloe vera, dieffenbachia and sago palm. Eating them can cause drooling, vomiting or mouth irritation, and sago palm can be very dangerous.
How to Keep Pets and Plants Safe Together
- Use hanging planters or high shelves for plants that tempt your pet.
- Cover the soil with pebbles if your pet digs.
- Offer cat grass so your cat has something safe to chew.
- Avoid fertilisers and pesticides that are harmful to pets.
If Your Pet Eats a Plant
Remove the plant from their mouth, rinse the mouth with water and call your vet right away. Take a photo of the plant or its label with you.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which houseplants are safe for dogs and cats?
Spider plant, areca palm, parlour palm, peperomia, haworthia and Boston fern are generally listed as non-toxic.
Is money plant toxic to pets?
Yes. Pothos, also called money plant, can irritate the mouth and stomach of cats and dogs.
Is snake plant safe for pets?
No. It is mildly toxic if eaten, so keep it out of reach.
Are succulents safe for pets?
Some are, such as haworthia, and some are not, such as jade plant and aloe vera. Check each plant.
Can I keep any plant if I place it out of reach?
Many people do, but cats climb well. Choose pet-safe plants when you can.
More: indoor plants and low light plants.
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