Living with pets and houseplants requires knowing which plants are safe if your cat or dog decides to chew on them—because they will. Cats are drawn to dangling vines and grass-like foliage. Dogs investigate with their mouths. Puppies and kittens sample everything. A beautifully styled indoor jungle becomes a veterinary emergency if it contains the wrong species.
The good news is that dozens of gorgeous, low-maintenance houseplants are completely non-toxic to cats and dogs. Every plant on this list is verified non-toxic by the ASPCA Poison Control Center, the authoritative source for pet toxicity information.
Key Takeaways
- All plants listed are verified non-toxic by ASPCA—safe if nibbled by cats or dogs
- “Non-toxic” means not poisonous, but eating large quantities of any plant material can cause mild stomach upset
- Some of the most popular houseplants (pothos, monstera, peace lily, ZZ plant) ARE toxic to pets
- Spider plants, Boston ferns, and prayer plants combine beauty, ease of care, and complete pet safety
- True lilies are extremely toxic to cats—even pollen can cause fatal kidney failure
The 20 Best Pet-Safe Houseplants
1. Spider Plant (Chlorophytum comosum)
Spider plants are virtually impossible to kill and completely safe for pets. Their arching green-and-white striped leaves and cascading babies are irresistible to cats—which is fine, because even enthusiastic nibbling causes zero harm. Tolerates a wide range from bright indirect to low light.
Care: Moderate water (let top inch dry). Brown leaf tips common from fluoride in tap water—cosmetic only. See watering guide.
2. Boston Fern (Nephrolepis exaltata)
The classic hanging fern is completely pet-safe and one of the most beautiful options for bathrooms and kitchens. Lush, cascading fronds add instant green drama. Prefers humidity and indirect light.
Care: Keep soil consistently moist. Mist frequently or use in a humid room. Monthly feeding spring through fall.
3. Prayer Plant (Maranta leuconeura)
Named for folding leaves upward at night, the prayer plant is stunning, pet-safe, and suited to low to moderate indirect light. Intricately patterned leaves with green, pink, and red markings.
Care: Evenly moist but not soggy. Prefers humidity. Use filtered water. Slow-growing but visually rewarding.
4. Calathea (Various Species)
Bold stripes, spots, and colors on beautifully shaped leaves. All calathea species are non-toxic to pets. More demanding than beginner plants but rewarding.
5. Ponytail Palm (Beaucarnea recurvata)
A succulent with a bulbous water-storing base and cascading strap-like leaves. Drought-tolerant, sun-loving, and completely safe for pets.
6. Parlor Palm (Chamaedorea elegans)
One of the few true palms that’s both pet-safe and happy in low to moderate indoor light. Elegant feathery fronds, slow growth to 3-4 feet.
7. Areca Palm (Dypsis lutescens)
Larger, more dramatic pet-safe palm for brighter spaces. Safe for cats, dogs, and birds. Popular for living rooms.
8. Peperomia (Various Species)
The entire peperomia genus is pet-safe with hundreds of varied species—rippled, smooth, watermelon-patterned, trailing, upright. Compact, easy care, perfect for desks and shelves.
9. African Violet (Saintpaulia)
One of the few pet-safe flowering houseplants that blooms reliably indoors. Purple, pink, white, or bicolored flowers for months.
10. Haworthia
Small, slow-growing succulents with attractive rosettes. Look similar to aloe (which IS toxic) but without toxicity concerns. Perfect for sunny windowsills.
11-20: More Pet-Safe Favorites
11. Cast Iron Plant (Aspidistra) — Virtually indestructible, deep shade tolerant, completely safe.
12. Swedish Ivy (Plectranthus verticillatus) — Trailing, easy, fast-growing, great for hanging baskets.
13. Christmas Cactus (Schlumbergera) — Non-toxic with stunning winter flowers.
14. Polka Dot Plant (Hypoestes) — Pink, white, or red spotted leaves. Compact and colorful.
15. Banana Plant (Musa) — Non-toxic and dramatic. Dwarf varieties work indoors.
16. Money Tree (Pachira aquatica) — Pet-safe with popular braided trunk.
17. Friendship Plant (Pilea involucrata) — Textured, quilted leaves. Easy to propagate.
18. Orchids (Phalaenopsis) — Moth orchids are pet-safe with long-lasting flowers.
19. Air Plants (Tillandsia) — Soil-free, non-toxic, uniquely interesting.
20. Herbs (Basil, Rosemary, Thyme, Sage) — Most culinary herbs are pet-safe. Grow an indoor herb garden that doubles as pet-safe greenery.
Popular Toxic Houseplants to Avoid with Pets
| Plant | Toxic To | Severity | Primary Toxin |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lilies (true Lilium) | Cats (extremely) | SEVERE — fatal kidney failure | Unknown compound |
| Sago Palm | Cats and dogs | SEVERE — liver failure, often fatal | Cycasin |
| Pothos | Cats and dogs | Mild-moderate: mouth pain, vomiting | Calcium oxalate |
| Monstera | Cats and dogs | Mild-moderate: mouth pain, swelling | Calcium oxalate |
| Philodendron | Cats and dogs | Mild-moderate: mouth irritation | Calcium oxalate |
| Peace Lily | Cats and dogs | Mild-moderate: mouth pain, vomiting | Calcium oxalate |
| ZZ Plant | Cats and dogs | Mild: mouth irritation | Calcium oxalate |
| Snake Plant | Cats and dogs | Mild: nausea, vomiting | Saponins |
| Aloe Vera | Cats and dogs | Mild-moderate: vomiting, diarrhea | Saponins |
| Dieffenbachia | Cats and dogs | Moderate: intense mouth pain | Calcium oxalate |
Critical warning: True lilies (Easter lily, tiger lily, Asiatic lily, daylily) are extremely toxic to cats. Even small amounts of any plant part—pollen, leaves, petals, or water from the vase—can cause fatal kidney failure within 24-72 hours. Never bring true lilies into a home with cats.
Strategies for Homes with Both Toxic Plants and Pets
- High shelves: Place toxic plants where cats can’t reach (though determined cats can reach almost anywhere)
- Hanging planters: Suspended from ceiling hooks, above pet reach
- Closed rooms: Keep toxic plants in rooms pets don’t access
- Terrariums: Glass enclosures protect plants from curious mouths
- Deterrent sprays: Bitter apple spray discourages chewing (reapply weekly)
No strategy is perfectly pet-proof. If your pet is a determined chewer, the safest approach is eliminating toxic plants entirely.
Frequently Asked Questions
What should I do if my pet eats a toxic plant?
Contact your veterinarian or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (888-426-4435, fee applies) immediately. Note the plant species, how much was eaten, and when. Do not induce vomiting unless directed by a veterinarian. Speed matters.
Are succulents safe for pets?
Some yes, some no. Haworthia, echeveria, and Christmas cactus are safe. Aloe, jade plant, and kalanchoe are toxic. Always verify specific species before purchasing via the ASPCA website.
My cat won’t stop eating my plants. How do I redirect?
Provide cat grass (wheat grass, oat grass) as a designated safe chewing option. Many cats instinctively seek plant fiber, and approved options redirect the behavior. Cat grass kits cost $5-10 and grow in about a week.
Is it safe to use neem oil on plants around pets?
Neem oil is mildly toxic if ingested in significant quantities. Apply neem oil treatments when pets aren’t present, allow foliage to dry completely, and wipe excess from leaves before allowing pet access.
Do non-toxic plants ever cause symptoms in pets?
“Non-toxic” means no poisonous compounds—but any plant material eaten in large quantities can cause mild gastrointestinal upset that’s usually self-limiting within 24 hours. If symptoms persist, consult your veterinarian.
