Yes, you can have gorgeous house plants thriving alongside your furry companions. See our list of plants generally considered safe for cats and dogs and learn what plants are best in households without pets.
It’s important to note that many plants can cause some level of digestive upset when consumed, even if they are considered “safe” plants. The best rule of thumb is to keep plants out of reach from pets. Know what plants are in your home and keep a list so you can properly advise any poison control agency or veterinarian if illness occurs.
Safe House Plants for Cats and Dogs
African Violet
These pretty purple blooms are easy to care for and non-toxic to dogs and cats. Be conscious and selective of fertilizer use and ensure the plant has ample indirect sunlight.
Photo: Jjhake [CC BY-SA 3.0], from Wikimedia Commons
Air Plants
These easy-to-care-for plants require minimal watering – just a spray or dunk a few times a week in dryer climates or less often in more humid locales – and are safe for dogs and cats.
Photo: Mokkie [CC BY-SA 3.0], from Wikimedia Commons
Boston Fern
Add lush greenery to your space with this classic pick that’s easy to grow and requires lots of indirect light. Boston Ferns thrive in humidity and are safe for both cats and dogs.
Photo: Mokkie [CC BY-SA 3.0], from Wikimedia Commons
Bromeliads
Add a tropical touch to your space with these brightly colored blooms that require moderate light and minimal watering. They come in a variety of colors and are safe around both cats and dogs.
Photo: Cliff from Arlington, Virginia, USA [CC BY 2.0], via Wikimedia Commons
Cast Iron Plant
True to its name, this plant is easy to grow in a wide range of temperatures and almost indestructible. This pet-safe plant is a good pick for novice growers.
Photo: User: Nino Barbieri [CC BY-SA 3.0], via Wikimedia Commons
Catnip
Kitty’s favorite plant is also dog-safe and fairly easy to grow. Be conscious of how much your pet may consume and how it’s potted to prevent messes during playtime.
Photo: Jadnash [CC BY-SA 4.0], from Wikimedia Commons
Christmas Cactus
This popular pick is easy to care for because it only requires medium light and not very much water. You’ll get beautiful blooms around the holidays, and it’s not toxic to dogs or cats.
Photo: See page for author [Public domain], from Wikimedia Commons
Phalaenopsis Orchid
Also known as Moth Orchids, these bold beauties add color to your space and thrive in low light, humid areas. They are non-toxic, but ensure they’re away from pets for a few days after any fertilizer is added.
Photo: Sue Sweeney [CC BY-SA 3.0], from Wikimedia Commons
Select Succulents
Be sure to thoroughly research any succulents you choose to bring into your space. Varieties including Blue Echeveria, Haworthia, Burro’s Tail, Hens and Chicks, and Rosettes are considered pet-safe.
Photo: Eria Wei [CC BY-SA 4.0], from Wikimedia Commons
Spider Plant
A popular pick for hanging baskets, these plants thrive in low light with weekly watering and easily propagate “babies”. Cats may be attracted to playing with this plant, but it is non-toxic.
Photo: Eptalon [CC BY-SA 3.0 or GFDL], from Wikimedia Commons
Swedish Ivy
Many ivy varieties are toxic to pets, but this hearty variety is great for novice growers and pets alike. They require weekly watering and often produce small pink or white flowers.
Photo: David J. Stang [CC BY-SA 4.0], via Wikimedia Commons
True Palms
Plants in this family, including the Parlor, Areca, and Pony Tail Palms, thrive in low light and lower temperatures. If you’re looking for a substantial plant, palms are a top pet-friendly choice.
Photo: Forest & Kim Starr [CC BY 3.0 us]
Common House Plants Poisonous to Pets
Araceae
Plants in the Araceae family including Diffenbachia, Philodendron, Pothos (Devil’s Ivy), Monstera, and Schefflera contain crystals that cause irritation to the mouth and digestive tract of cats and dogs.
Ficus
This genus of plants including Rubber Plants and Fiddle-Leaf Figs contains sap that can irritate the skin, mouth, and intestinal tract of cats and dogs.
Lilies
Most varieties can cause moderate to severe reactions in cats resulting in acute kidney failure or death however, lilies are not toxic to dogs.
Oleander
This shrub is popular outdoor foliage but can be grown indoors, and all parts of this plant are extremely toxic to both cats and dogs.
Plants with Bulbs
Although bulbs are often planted outdoors, flowers including Daffodils, Hyacinth, Narcissus, Amaryllis, and Tulips are toxic to pets, especially if the bulbs themselves are consumed.
Some Succulents
Aloe Vera and True Aloe, Euphorbia (including Poinsettias), Kalanchoe, Jade, Silver Dollar varieties of succulents are toxic to both cats and dogs. Research succulents carefully before bringing them into your home.
Sansevieria
Also known as snake plant, this popular plant can cause mild to moderate digestive symptoms for cats and dogs.
If you want the look of lush greenery without the maintenance, worry, or mess that can go along with having pets, consider bringing artificial plants into your space. However, if you prefer real greenery and flowers, be sure to review the comprehensive list of toxic and pet-safe plants in the ASPCA guide before bringing new plants into your home. As always, if your pet shows symptoms of poisoning including vomiting, diarrhea, seizures, lethargy, or loss of appetite after coming into contact with or eating plant matter, consult your veterinarian immediately.
