Non-Toxic Indoor Plants for Homes with Pets

If you share your home with a cat or dog, you may already know the struggle. You’d love a lush, green space filled with beautiful plants, but you also want to keep your furry friend(s) safe. The good news is you don't have to choose between the two. Plenty of gorgeous, easy-care houseplants pose no danger to your pets, even if they take a curious nibble. And plants are good for animal wellness as much as they are for you!

In this article, we’ll walk you through the best pet-safe plants for your home, list some common houseplants to avoid, and offer practical tips for building a pet-friendly indoor jungle.

Why Pet Safety Matters When Choosing Houseplants

Cats and dogs explore the world with their mouths. Your kitten might bat at a hanging leaf and then chew on it out of curiosity. Your puppy might dig into a potted plant just for fun. This is healthy, natural animal behavior; animals need green playspaces for their well-being too! Creating a safe place for your pets to play and explore the world means knowing what your pet needs and which plants are safe before bringing them home.

First, it's important to know your pet. Which plants do they like? How do they like to interact with plants? When do they play with them? Let’s take cats for example. One cat loved to nibble and make crunching sounds with a dried bouquet of Hydrangeas that sat on an office desk, but only when their owner was working on their computer. Another cat pulled an entire vase of flowers off a table when they were mad at their owner. A pair of cats, brother and sister, loved to nibble (but not eat) succulents. One indoor/outdoor cat never touched any houseplant in his whole life. And then there is the seasonal hilarity of cats climbing Xmas trees! It takes time to know your pet’s likes and dislikes and those preferences may change over time when they get bored, but that time is well spent.

Many popular houseplants are toxic for cats and dogs, and reactions can range from mild stomach upset to serious organ damage. Lilies, for example, are extremely dangerous to cats and can cause kidney failure with even a small amount of exposure. Sago palms and certain Philodendrons can also cause severe symptoms in both cats and dogs. Checking a plant's safety before you buy it takes just a minute, and that small step can save you a costly emergency vet visit later.

We're excited to share that a new product called Growzy™ will be launching soon. We’ve designed Growzy to give you one simple place to check a plant's bloom time, harvest time, allergy risks, toxicity to pets and other animals, and much more. Instead of searching multiple sites for scattered information, you'll be able to pull up everything you need in one spot. Stay tuned, since we'll share more details as launch day gets closer.

Non-Toxic Plants for Pets: Where to Start

When you're building a pet-friendly garden, start with plants that are both non-toxic and low-maintenance. This combination gives you peace of mind and an easier care routine, which is perfect if you're new to gardening.

Here are some reliable, non-toxic plants for pets that work well in most homes:

• Spider Plant (Chlorophytum comosum): This resilient plant tolerates low light and irregular watering, and it's completely safe for cats and dogs. It even produces little plantlets you can propagate and share. If you want to know more about this plant, check our YouTube channel, where there is a part of a series about propagation and more.
• Boston Fern (Nephrolepis exaltata): A classic choice for humid bathrooms or bright corners, the Boston Fern adds texture without any toxicity risk.
• Areca Palm (Dypsis lutescens): If you want a bigger statement plant, the Areca Palm brings a tropical feel and stays safe for pets that like to nibble on leaves.
• Calathea (Calathea orbifolia): Known for its striking patterned leaves, Calathea is non-toxic and thrives in indirect light.
• Parlor Palm (Chamaedorea elegans): This compact palm handles lower light conditions well and won't harm your cat or dog if they take a bite.
• Peperomia (Peperomia argyreia): Small, easy to care for, and pet safe, Peperomia varieties come in dozens of leaf shapes and colors.

Houseplants Safe for Cats

Cats tend to be pickier and more persistent chewers than dogs, so if you have a feline at home, pay extra attention to leaf texture and location. Houseplants safe for cats include the ones listed above, plus a few more standouts:

• African Violet (Streptocarpus ionanthus): Compact, colorful, and completely non-toxic, this plant blooms indoors year-round with the right light.
• Bamboo Palm (Chamaedorea seifrizii): Cats often enjoy batting at its feathery fronds, and that's perfectly fine since it poses no toxicity risk.
• Orchids: Despite their delicate appearance, most orchid species, such as the Moth Orchid (Phalaenopsis hybrids), are safe for cats and add an elegant touch to any room.
• Prayer Plant (Maranta leuconeura): Its leaves fold up at night like praying hands (see photos), and it's a fun, safe option for curious cats. It snaps its flowers closed to trap pollen and prevent entry of duplicate pollinators and even knows to open its leaves before dawn to welcome the day!

It’s easy to discourage chewing by placing plants out of reach (e.g. on high shelves, in hanging baskets, etc.) and by distracting pets with a dedicated patch of cat grass or dried bouquet of non-toxic plants to satisfy their nibbling instinct. After all, these are the same two tricks that work for your human children: out-of-reach and redirection!

Common Toxic Plants To Avoid If Your Pet Eats Plants

Knowing which plants to skip is just as important as knowing which ones to buy. Keep these toxic plants for cats and dogs out of your home or out of reach:

• Lilies, such as Peace Lily, are highly toxic to cats
• Sago Palm
• Pothos
• Philodendron
• Aloe Vera
• Snake Plant
• ZZ plant
• Dieffenbachia

Some of these plants, like Pothos and Snake Plant, are popular because they're nearly impossible to kill. But if you have pets, their toxicity may outweigh their convenience. Always double-check a plant's ASPCA safety rating before you add it to your cart. And do ask your pet!

Tips for Keeping Pets and Plants Happy Together

Once you've chosen your pet-safe plants, a few simple habits help everyone coexist peacefully.

Place taller or trailing plants on high shelves or in hanging baskets so they stay out of paw's reach. You can also try changing the location of a plant, to see if your pet loses track of it or the new location breaks the pet’s ‘bad habit’ or is simply in it’s way e.g. on a favorite warm spot. Give your cat a small pot of cat grass or catnip; this gives them something they're allowed to chew, which reduces the temptation to sample your other plants. Check new plants for pests before bringing them inside, since an infestation can spread quickly and affect your pet's curiosity in unwanted ways. If your pet ever eats a plant you're unsure about, contact your vet - quick action makes a real difference.

Building Your Pet-Friendly Plant Collection

Starting small makes the process much less overwhelming. Pick two or three non-toxic plants for pets, find a location that suits the growing needs of each plant and then expand your collection as you gain confidence and have space. Beginner gardeners often start with houseplants that are easy to grow because they forgive occasional missed waterings and adapt to a range of light conditions.

As you grow more comfortable, you can experiment with flowering options such as African violets or orchids to bring more color into your space.

In our plant catalogue named Favoritz™, you can also find useful information about plenty of houseplants and trees; check their benefits and cautions.

Check back for an upcoming blog “Creating an Indoor Plant Playground for You and Your Pet!”

About PlantShare

At PlantShare, we believe every home deserves greenery, and every pet deserves a safe space to explore. We built our community for plant lovers who want trusted resources, practical care guides, and real support from real people who understand the ups and downs of keeping plants alive. Whether you're picking your first Spider Plant or building out a full pet-friendly garden, our team at PlantShare, together with an expert Dr. Plant, The Lazy Gardener, is here to help you grow, one leaf at a time.

FAQ

What are the safest indoor plants for homes with pets?

Spider Plants, Boston Ferns, Areca Palms, Calathea, Parlor Palms, and Peperomia are among the safest and easiest to grow.

What should I do if my pet eats a toxic plant?

Contact your veterinarian or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center immediately, and try to identify the plant so you can share accurate information.

Are succulents safe for cats?

It depends on the type. Haworthia and Echeveria are generally safe, but Aloe Vera is toxic to cats and dogs, so always check the specific species.

Can I keep toxic plants if I place them out of reach of my cats?

It's risky. Cats can jump remarkably high, and dropped leaves can end up on the floor. Choosing non-toxic plants from the start is the safer option.

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