Did you know that about 70% of all U.S. households own a pet? And approximately 66% of American households own at least one houseplant. A research study indicated that pet people and plant people are often the same people, so it’s important to know what plants are safe or toxic to your fur baby. The list below contains pet friendly plants to your dog or cat.

Before we dive into this list, please keep in mind that different pets may respond differently to different plants, just like humans and our different allergies and sensitivities. Even if a plant is considered “non-toxic,” an upset stomach may occur if your pet consumes too much.

The Animal Poison Control Center is a unique, emergency hotline providing 24-hours a day, 7-days a week telephone assistance to veterinarians and animal owners. Animal Poison Control Center: 1-888-426-4435

Non-Toxic Houseplants for Pets

African Violet – non-toxic to cats, dogs, and horses. Featuring fuzzy leaves and beautiful flowers, this plant can flowers nearly all-year indoors with proper care.

Baby’s Tears (Soleirolia soleirolii) – non-toxic to cats and dogs. Also called “Angel’s Tears,” this mat-forming plants has tiny leaves and are great for beginners.

Bromeliad – non-toxic to cats and dogs. These tropical, easy-to-care-for plants are a great way to add a pop of color to your space with their funky-colored foliage.

Calathea – non-toxic to cats, dogs, and horses. Including Prayer Plants, Rattlesnake plants, and more, these plants are sure to brighten a space with their stunning patterns.

Cast-Iron Plant (Aspidistra elatoir) – non-toxic to cats, dogs, and horses. Featuring a lush foliage, this plant also has great air-purifying benefits, making it a fan favorite.

Ferns – non-toxic to cats and dogs. This is only true for most true ferns such as Maidenhair, Boston, Bird’s Nest, and Staghorn. Before bringing a fern home to your pet, check to see if it is toxic and should be kept out of reach, or if it is non-toxic.

Fishbone Cactus (Disocactus anguliger) – non-toxic to cats and dogs. Also known as the ric rac cactus or orchid cactus, these funky-looking cacti does have small, spikey thorns, so be sure to keep it out of harm’s way.

Hoya – non-toxic to cats and dogs. Also known as “Wax Plants” due to their waxed leaves, these easy-care plants do contain a latex-like substance within the leaves and may be an irritant to individuals with latex allergies.

Jasmine – non-toxic to cats, dogs, and horses. Only true jasmine is non-toxic, Carolina Jasmine, False Jasmine, and other plants with “jasmine” in its name may be toxic.

Money Tree (Pachira aquatica) – non-toxic to cats, dogs, and horses. Considered a symbol of luck and prosperity, these tree-like houseplants have a beautiful braided stem.

Orchid – non-toxic to cats and dog, specifically Phalaenopsis, Dendrobium, and Vanda. Despite their beautiful, colorful appearance, these common types are safe to have at home with your pets.

Palms – most varieties non-toxic to cats and dogs, such as Ponytail and Parlor. Avoid the

Sago Palm, as it is highly toxic to pets. Palms are a great choice as a tall accent plant.

Peperomia – non-toxic to cats and dogs. With thick, fleshy foliage, the Peperomia family features a a beautiful array of varieties safe for your pets. A favorite variety is Watermelon Peperomia.

Pilea – non-toxic to cats and dogs. Also known as the Friendship Plant for it’s easy propagation. A common favorite variety is the Chinese Money Plant (Pilea peperomioides)

Polka Dot Plant (Hypoestes phyllostachya) – non-toxic to cats, dogs, and horses. These beautiful, easy-care plants have polka dot foliage ranging from pink and red to green and white, making it a great addition to your collection.

Spider Plant (Chlorophytum comosum) – non-toxic to cats and dogs. While this plant is considered non-toxic, it is mildly hallucinogenic for cats, giving an effect (and capturing your cat’s attention) similar to catnip.

String of Hearts (Ceropegia woodii) – non-toxic to cats and dogs. This trailing succulent-like plant displays a beautiful cascade of heart-shaped leaves.

Succulents – certain varieties non-toxic to cats and dogs. Pet safe varieties: Sempervivum (Hens and Chicks), Sedum Burro’s Tail, Christmas Cactus, Haworthia, and Echeverias. Avoid Jade plants (Crassula ovata), Aloe Vera, Kalanchoe, Euphorbia succulents

Venus Flytrap – non-toxic to cats, dogs, and horses. It’s more likely for your pet to harm this plant than for this plant to harm your pet. Repeated chewing on this carnivorous plant may result in stress to the plant, but it unlikely to cause much harm to your pet.

As a reminder, please keep in mind that different pets respond differently to different plants. While these plants are considered “non-toxic” to your pets, continuous ingestion may result in mild
gastrointestinal upset.

“What should I do to keep my pet from going after my plants?”

Have a pet that won’t leave your plants alone? Try some of these ideas, or talk to your vet:

• Avoid toxic plants in your home
• Pay attention to why you pet goes after plants – do they have an upset stomach? Are they looking for attention?
• Cover the soil with stones or foil (good for pets that dig or use soil as restroom)
• Make plants inaccessible by placing on higher shelves or using tall planters
• Use museum wax to keep plant from being knocked over by curious paws
• Spray plants with a store-bought or homemade repellent made with ingredients such as a diluted lemon juice spray
• Provide pets their own plants (cat grass for cats)

Explore a list of plants both toxic and non-toxic at this resource from the ASPCA, or check out our blog about plants and your cat.