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Pet-Safe Houseplants

Find beautiful plants that are completely safe for your cats and dogs

As a pet owner, creating a green indoor space shouldn't mean compromising your furry friend's safety. Many popular houseplants are toxic to cats and dogs, causing symptoms ranging from mild stomach upset to serious health emergencies. Our Pet-Safe Houseplants tool helps you discover beautiful, non-toxic plants that allow you to enjoy the benefits of indoor greenery while keeping your pets completely safe.

How to use this filter: Browse through our curated collection of pet-safe plants below. Each plant card shows key care information including watering needs, light requirements, and difficulty level. Click on any plant card to expand it and see detailed benefits, care instructions, and specific pet safety information. You can confidently add any of these plants to your home knowing they won't harm your cats or dogs if nibbled on.

Filter by Pet Type

Spider Plant

+
Safe for Cats & DogsEasy
Water: Weekly
Light: Bright indirect
Benefits:
  • Air purifying
  • Easy to propagate

Boston Fern

+
Safe for Cats & DogsModerate
Water: Keep moist
Light: Indirect light
Benefits:
  • Air purifying
  • High humidity lover

Areca Palm

+
Safe for Cats & DogsEasy
Water: Weekly
Light: Bright indirect
Benefits:
  • Air purifying
  • Tropical look

Parlor Palm

+
Safe for Cats & DogsEasy
Water: Weekly
Light: Low to bright
Benefits:
  • Low light tolerant
  • Compact size

Bamboo Palm

+
Safe for Cats & DogsEasy
Water: Keep moist
Light: Bright indirect
Benefits:
  • Air purifying
  • Elegant appearance

Prayer Plant

+
Safe for Cats & DogsModerate
Water: Keep moist
Light: Low to medium
Benefits:
  • Unique leaf patterns
  • Moves leaves at night

Calathea

+
Safe for Cats & DogsModerate
Water: Keep moist
Light: Low to medium
Benefits:
  • Beautiful foliage
  • Air purifying

African Violet

+
Safe for Cats & DogsModerate
Water: Bottom water
Light: Bright indirect
Benefits:
  • Beautiful flowers
  • Compact size

Peperomia

+
Safe for Cats & DogsEasy
Water: Every 1-2 weeks
Light: Medium light
Benefits:
  • Compact size
  • Variety of types

Ponytail Palm

+
Safe for Cats & DogsEasy
Water: Every 2-3 weeks
Light: Bright light
Benefits:
  • Drought tolerant
  • Unique appearance

Orchid

+
Safe for Cats & DogsModerate
Water: Weekly
Light: Bright indirect
Benefits:
  • Beautiful flowers
  • Long-lasting blooms

Christmas Cactus

+
Safe for Cats & DogsEasy
Water: When dry
Light: Bright indirect
Benefits:
  • Seasonal blooms
  • Easy propagation

Haworthia

+
Safe for Cats & DogsEasy
Water: Every 2-3 weeks
Light: Bright light
Benefits:
  • Succulent
  • Low maintenance

Echeveria

+
Safe for Cats & DogsEasy
Water: Every 2-3 weeks
Light: Bright light
Benefits:
  • Beautiful rosettes
  • Drought tolerant

Air Plant

+
Safe for Cats & DogsEasy
Water: Mist 2-3x/week
Light: Bright indirect
Benefits:
  • No soil needed
  • Unique display options

Polka Dot Plant

+
Safe for Cats & DogsEasy
Water: Keep moist
Light: Bright indirect
Benefits:
  • Colorful foliage
  • Compact size

Friendship Plant

+
Safe for Cats & DogsEasy
Water: Weekly
Light: Medium light
Benefits:
  • Textured leaves
  • Easy care

Staghorn Fern

+
Safe for Cats & DogsModerate
Water: Soak weekly
Light: Bright indirect
Benefits:
  • Unique appearance
  • Wall-mountable

Wax Plant (Hoya)

+
Safe for Cats & DogsEasy
Water: Every 1-2 weeks
Light: Bright indirect
Benefits:
  • Fragrant flowers
  • Trailing growth

Lipstick Plant

+
Safe for Cats & DogsEasy
Water: Weekly
Light: Bright indirect
Benefits:
  • Unique flowers
  • Trailing habit

Basil

+
Safe for Cats & DogsEasy
Water: Keep moist
Light: Bright light
Benefits:
  • Edible herb
  • Aromatic

Mint

+
Safe for Cats & DogsEasy
Water: Keep moist
Light: Bright light
Benefits:
  • Edible herb
  • Fast growing

Rosemary

+
Safe for Cats & DogsEasy
Water: When dry
Light: Bright light
Benefits:
  • Edible herb
  • Aromatic

Thyme

+
Safe for Cats & DogsEasy
Water: When dry
Light: Bright light
Benefits:
  • Edible herb
  • Compact

Sage

+
Safe for Cats & DogsEasy
Water: When dry
Light: Bright light
Benefits:
  • Edible herb
  • Aromatic

Important Safety Note

While these plants are considered non-toxic to pets, individual animals may still have sensitivities or allergic reactions. Always monitor your pets around plants and contact your veterinarian if you notice any unusual behavior or symptoms after plant exposure. Keep all plants out of reach when possible to prevent excessive chewing or ingestion.

Pet Safety & Plant Toxicity

According to the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center, houseplants account for a significant percentage of pet poisoning calls each year. Cats are particularly vulnerable because they're natural climbers and often nibble on plants out of curiosity or to aid digestion. Dogs, especially puppies, may chew plants during play or exploration. Even plants labeled as "mildly toxic" can cause vomiting, diarrhea, drooling, or lethargy in sensitive pets.

Pet-safe plants, also called non-toxic plants, are species that won't cause harm if your pet takes a bite. These plants have been evaluated by veterinary toxicologists and deemed safe for cats and dogs. However, "safe" doesn't mean your pets should regularly eat them - consuming large amounts of any plant material can still cause digestive upset. The goal is to choose plants that won't cause poisoning if your pet gets curious.

Most toxic plants to avoid: If you have pets, never bring these highly toxic plants into your home: Lilies (extremely toxic to cats, can cause kidney failure), Sago Palm (deadly to dogs), Dieffenbachia, Pothos, Philodendron, Snake Plant, Peace Lily, Aloe Vera, and ZZ Plant. Even small amounts can cause serious harm, requiring immediate veterinary attention.

Frequently Asked Questions