30 Pet-Safe Houseplants: Non-Toxic Plants for Cat and Dog Owners

As a pet owner and plant enthusiast, one of the most important considerations when building your indoor garden is ensuring the safety of your beloved cats and dogs. Many popular houseplants contain compounds that can be toxic to pets if ingested, causing symptoms ranging from mild gastrointestinal upset to severe poisoning. The good news is that there are plenty of beautiful, easy-to-care-for plants that are completely safe for your furry companions.

In this comprehensive guide, we will explore 30 pet-safe houseplants verified by the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA). Whether you have curious cats who love to nibble on leaves or dogs who investigate everything with their mouths, these plants will allow you to enjoy greenery without worry.

Why Pet Safety Matters When Choosing Houseplants

Pets, especially cats and puppies, are naturally curious creatures. Cats often chew on plants to aid digestion or simply out of boredom, while dogs may eat plants while exploring their environment. According to the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center, they receive hundreds of thousands of calls each year about potential pet poisonings, with plants being a significant category of concern.

Even if your pet has never shown interest in your plants before, circumstances can change. A new plant with an enticing scent, a different texture, or simply a moment of curiosity can lead to nibbling. This is why choosing non-toxic plants from the start is the safest approach for any pet-owning household.

The consequences of plant toxicity in pets can range from minor irritation to life-threatening conditions. Some toxic plants cause immediate symptoms, while others may take hours or days to manifest. Understanding what to look for and having a plan in place is essential for every pet parent who loves plants.

Symptoms of Plant Toxicity in Pets

Even with pet-safe plants, it is important to know the warning signs of plant toxicity in case your pet encounters a harmful plant outside your home or at a friend's house. Recognizing these symptoms early can be life-saving.

Common Symptoms in Cats

• Gastrointestinal issues: Vomiting, diarrhea, drooling, and loss of appetite
• Oral irritation: Pawing at the mouth, excessive drooling, difficulty swallowing
• Neurological symptoms: Lethargy, tremors, seizures, loss of coordination
• Cardiovascular problems: Irregular heartbeat, rapid breathing, weakness
• Skin reactions: Redness, swelling, or irritation around the mouth and face

Common Symptoms in Dogs

• Digestive distress: Vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, excessive salivation
• Oral symptoms: Swelling of lips, tongue, or throat, difficulty breathing
• Behavioral changes: Depression, weakness, disorientation, hyperactivity
• Physical signs: Dilated pupils, increased heart rate, difficulty walking
• Severe reactions: Kidney or liver failure symptoms, collapse, unconsciousness

Top 30 Pet-Safe Houseplants for Cat and Dog Owners

All of the following plants have been verified as non-toxic to both cats and dogs by the ASPCA. They represent a wide variety of sizes, care requirements, and aesthetic styles, so you can find the perfect pet-safe plants for every room in your home.

Easy-Care Pet-Safe Plants (Perfect for Beginners)

1. Spider Plant (Chlorophytum comosum)

The spider plant is one of the most popular and resilient houseplants, making it perfect for beginners and experienced plant parents alike. Its arching green and white striped leaves create an elegant cascading effect, especially when displayed in hanging baskets. Spider plants are excellent air purifiers and produce baby plantlets that can be easily propagated. They thrive in indirect light and prefer to dry out slightly between waterings. While completely non-toxic, cats often find spider plants irresistible due to a mild hallucinogenic effect similar to catnip, so you may want to keep them out of reach to protect the plant itself.

2. Boston Fern (Nephrolepis exaltata)

Boston ferns are classic houseplants known for their lush, feathery fronds that add a touch of elegance to any space. These humidity-loving plants are perfect for bathrooms or kitchens where moisture levels are naturally higher. They prefer bright, indirect light and consistently moist soil. Boston ferns are completely safe for cats and dogs, and their air-purifying qualities make them an excellent choice for improving indoor air quality. Keep in mind they may drop leaves if the air becomes too dry, so regular misting can help maintain their beautiful appearance.

3. Areca Palm (Dypsis lutescens)

Also known as the butterfly palm or golden cane palm, the areca palm brings a tropical feel to any interior space. These elegant palms can grow quite tall indoors, making them perfect statement plants for living rooms or entryways. They prefer bright, indirect light and consistent moisture without becoming waterlogged. Areca palms are excellent natural humidifiers, releasing moisture into the air as they transpire. They are completely safe for both cats and dogs, though their feathery fronds may attract curious pets who want to play.

4. Calathea (Calathea spp.)

Calatheas are prized for their stunning, ornamental leaves that feature intricate patterns and beautiful colors ranging from deep greens to purples and pinks. Also known as prayer plants because their leaves fold up at night, these plants add movement and visual interest to any collection. Calatheas prefer medium to low indirect light and high humidity, making them slightly more challenging but rewarding to grow. All varieties of calathea are non-toxic to pets, making them a safe choice for adding dramatic foliage to your home.

5. Peperomia (Peperomia spp.)

Peperomias are a diverse group of compact, easy-care plants that come in hundreds of varieties with different leaf shapes, textures, and colors. From the watermelon peperomia with its striped leaves to the ripple peperomia with textured foliage, there is a peperomia for every taste. These plants are perfect for small spaces, shelves, and desks due to their compact size. They prefer bright, indirect light and well-draining soil, allowing the soil to dry between waterings. All peperomia varieties are safe for cats and dogs.

6. Polka Dot Plant (Hypoestes phyllostachya)

The polka dot plant earns its name from its distinctive spotted leaves that come in shades of pink, white, and red against green foliage. These colorful plants add a playful pop of color to any space and are easy to care for. They prefer bright, indirect light to maintain their vibrant coloration and regular watering to keep the soil consistently moist. Polka dot plants are completely safe for pets and make excellent additions to terrariums or grouped displays.

7. Cast Iron Plant (Aspidistra elatior)

True to its name, the cast iron plant is virtually indestructible, tolerating neglect, low light, and irregular watering with ease. Its dark green, glossy leaves grow in elegant clumps, making it perfect for dim corners or north-facing rooms where other plants would struggle. Cast iron plants are extremely slow-growing but can live for decades with minimal care. They are completely safe for cats and dogs, making them an excellent choice for busy pet owners who want low-maintenance greenery.

8. Parlor Palm (Chamaedorea elegans)

The parlor palm has been a beloved houseplant since Victorian times, prized for its elegant, arching fronds and ability to thrive in low-light conditions. These compact palms grow slowly and rarely exceed four feet indoors, making them manageable for most spaces. They prefer indirect light and moderate watering, allowing the top inch of soil to dry between waterings. Parlor palms are completely safe for both cats and dogs and add a classic, sophisticated touch to any room.

9. Prayer Plant (Maranta leuconeura)

Prayer plants are named for their fascinating behavior of folding their leaves upward at night, resembling hands in prayer. Their oval leaves feature striking patterns in shades of green, red, and cream, making them visually captivating even when they are not moving. These plants prefer medium to bright indirect light and high humidity. They are completely safe for cats and dogs and make wonderful additions to pet-friendly homes seeking interesting, dynamic plants.

10. African Violet (Saintpaulia spp.)

African violets are compact flowering plants that produce beautiful blooms in shades of purple, pink, white, and blue throughout the year. Their fuzzy leaves and cheerful flowers make them charming additions to windowsills and tabletops. They prefer bright, indirect light and bottom watering to keep their leaves dry. African violets are completely safe for cats and dogs, offering a pet-friendly way to enjoy flowering plants indoors year-round.

Pet-Safe Flowering Plants

11. Orchid (Phalaenopsis spp.)

Phalaenopsis orchids, commonly known as moth orchids, are elegant flowering plants that can bloom for months at a time. Despite their exotic appearance, they are surprisingly easy to care for once you understand their needs. They prefer bright, indirect light and should be watered about once a week, allowing their roots to dry slightly between waterings. All phalaenopsis orchids are non-toxic to cats and dogs, making them a safe and sophisticated choice for pet-friendly homes.

12. Gerbera Daisy (Gerbera jamesonii)

Gerbera daisies bring bright, cheerful colors to any space with their large, vibrant blooms in shades of red, orange, yellow, pink, and white. These flowering plants need plenty of bright light to bloom their best and prefer moderate watering. While they can be challenging to keep blooming indoors long-term, they make wonderful temporary additions to brighten up spaces. Gerbera daisies are completely safe for both cats and dogs.

13. Lipstick Plant (Aeschynanthus radicans)

The lipstick plant gets its name from its tubular red flowers that emerge from dark calyxes, resembling lipstick tubes. This trailing plant produces cascading vines covered in waxy, dark green leaves, making it perfect for hanging baskets. It prefers bright, indirect light and moderate humidity, and blooms best when slightly root-bound. The lipstick plant is completely safe for cats and dogs, offering a unique pet-friendly flowering option.

14. Christmas Cactus (Schlumbergera bridgesii)

Christmas cacti are beloved holiday plants that produce stunning flowers in shades of pink, red, white, and orange during the winter months. Unlike desert cacti, these tropical plants prefer indirect light and more regular watering. They can live for decades and become family heirlooms passed down through generations. Christmas cacti are non-toxic to both cats and dogs, making them safe holiday decor options for pet-owning households.

15. Bromeliad (Bromeliaceae family)

Bromeliads are striking tropical plants known for their colorful, long-lasting flower bracts and rosette-shaped foliage. These low-maintenance plants add an exotic touch to any space and can tolerate a range of light conditions. They prefer to be watered in their central cup and well-draining soil. Most bromeliads are safe for cats and dogs, though it is always best to verify the specific variety. Their bold appearance makes them excellent focal points in pet-friendly interiors.

Pet-Safe Succulents and Cacti

16. Haworthia (Haworthia spp.)

Haworthias are small, slow-growing succulents with striking patterns and textures on their thick, fleshy leaves. Often compared to aloe in appearance but much safer for pets, haworthias come in many varieties including the popular zebra plant. They prefer bright, indirect light and infrequent watering, making them perfect for busy plant parents. All haworthia species are non-toxic to cats and dogs, offering a safe alternative to the toxic aloe vera plant.

17. Echeveria (Echeveria spp.)

Echeverias are stunning rosette-forming succulents that come in a rainbow of colors from pale green to deep purple. Their geometric shapes and powdery coating make them incredibly photogenic and popular for arrangements. They need bright light to maintain their compact form and colors, and should be watered only when completely dry. Echeverias are completely safe for both cats and dogs, making them excellent pet-friendly succulents.

18. Burro's Tail (Sedum morganianum)

Burro's tail, also known as donkey tail, is a trailing succulent with long stems covered in plump, blue-green leaves that resemble a braided tail. Perfect for hanging baskets or high shelves, this plant can trail several feet when mature. It prefers bright light and infrequent watering, and its leaves fall off easily when touched, which aids in propagation. Burro's tail is safe for both cats and dogs, though you may want to keep it out of reach to protect the fragile leaves.

19. Hens and Chicks (Sempervivum tectorum)

Hens and chicks are hardy succulents that form tight rosettes, with the mother plant (hen) producing smaller offsets (chicks) around it. These drought-tolerant plants come in various colors and are nearly indestructible once established. They prefer full sun and excellent drainage, making them perfect for sunny windowsills. Hens and chicks are completely safe for cats and dogs, though their tough texture usually deters nibbling.

20. Living Stone (Lithops spp.)

Living stones are fascinating succulents that have evolved to look like pebbles or small rocks, helping them camouflage in their native habitat. These unique plants come in various colors and patterns and produce daisy-like flowers. They require bright light and very infrequent watering, as overwatering is their main killer. Living stones are safe for cats and dogs, and their unusual appearance makes them conversation starters.

Pet-Safe Ferns and Palms

21. Maidenhair Fern (Adiantum spp.)

Maidenhair ferns are delicate, elegant plants with fan-shaped leaflets on thin, wiry stems that create an airy, graceful appearance. These ferns prefer high humidity and consistent moisture, making them slightly more challenging to care for but rewarding when they thrive. They do best in bright, indirect light and benefit from regular misting. Maidenhair ferns are completely safe for cats and dogs and add a soft, romantic touch to any space.

22. Bird's Nest Fern (Asplenium nidus)

Bird's nest ferns feature large, rippled fronds that emerge from a central rosette, resembling a bird's nest. Unlike many ferns, they tolerate lower humidity levels, making them easier to grow indoors. They prefer indirect light and consistent moisture without becoming waterlogged. Bird's nest ferns are safe for both cats and dogs and make excellent statement plants with their bold, tropical appearance.

23. Staghorn Fern (Platycerium bifurcatum)

Staghorn ferns are unique epiphytic plants that grow on trees in nature and can be mounted on boards or grown in baskets indoors. Their distinctive fronds resemble antlers, giving them a sculptural quality that works well in modern interiors. They prefer bright, indirect light and should be watered by soaking or misting. Staghorn ferns are completely safe for cats and dogs and make dramatic living art pieces.

24. Ponytail Palm (Beaucarnea recurvata)

Despite its name, the ponytail palm is not actually a palm but a succulent with a thick trunk that stores water. Its cascading, strap-like leaves emerge from the top, resembling a ponytail. These plants are incredibly drought-tolerant and can survive on minimal water, making them perfect for forgetful waterers. Ponytail palms are safe for both cats and dogs, though cats may be tempted to play with the dangling leaves.

25. Lady Palm (Rhapis excelsa)

Lady palms are elegant, slow-growing palms with fan-shaped leaves that add a sophisticated touch to any interior. They tolerate low light conditions better than most palms, making them versatile for various room placements. They prefer consistent moisture and benefit from occasional fertilization during the growing season. Lady palms are completely safe for cats and dogs and are excellent air purifiers.

26. Bamboo Palm (Chamaedorea seifrizii)

Bamboo palms are graceful, clump-forming palms with feathery fronds and bamboo-like stems. They are excellent air purifiers and can tolerate lower light conditions than many palms. These plants prefer consistent moisture and benefit from regular misting in dry environments. Bamboo palms are safe for both cats and dogs, making them ideal for pet-friendly homes seeking tropical ambiance.

27. Kimberly Queen Fern (Nephrolepis obliterata)

The Kimberly Queen fern is a more compact and upright alternative to the Boston fern, with sword-shaped fronds that are less prone to shedding. These Australian natives are more tolerant of heat and sun than Boston ferns and adapt well to various indoor conditions. They prefer consistent moisture and bright, indirect light. Kimberly Queen ferns are completely safe for cats and dogs and make excellent accent plants.

28. Button Fern (Pellaea rotundifolia)

Button ferns are charming small ferns with round, button-like leaflets on arching stems. Unlike many ferns, they prefer slightly drier conditions and can tolerate lower humidity levels. They grow slowly and stay compact, making them perfect for terrariums or small spaces. Button ferns are safe for both cats and dogs and add a unique texture to plant collections.

29. Blue Echeveria (Echeveria glauca)

Blue echeveria is a stunning succulent with powdery blue-gray rosettes that can blush pink along the edges when stressed by bright light. These drought-tolerant plants prefer full sun to bright light and infrequent watering. They produce offsets readily, making them easy to propagate and share. Blue echeveria is completely safe for cats and dogs, offering a beautiful pet-friendly succulent option.

30. Friendship Plant (Pilea involucrata)

The friendship plant features textured, quilted leaves in shades of bronze and green with silver highlights. Named for the ease with which it can be propagated and shared with friends, this plant produces frequent offsets. It prefers bright, indirect light and consistent moisture with good drainage. Friendship plants are safe for both cats and dogs and make lovely, shareable additions to pet-friendly homes.

Toxic Plants to Avoid: Common Houseplants Dangerous to Pets

While we have covered many safe options, it is equally important to know which popular houseplants are dangerous to your pets. Here are some common toxic plants that should be avoided or kept completely out of reach in homes with cats and dogs:

• Lilies (Lilium spp.): Extremely toxic to cats, even small amounts can cause kidney failure
• Sago Palm (Cycas revoluta): Highly toxic to both cats and dogs, can be fatal
• Pothos (Epipremnum aureum): Causes oral irritation and digestive upset
• Philodendron (Philodendron spp.): Contains calcium oxalate crystals that irritate the mouth
• Dieffenbachia (Dumb Cane): Can cause intense oral burning and swelling
• Peace Lily (Spathiphyllum): Causes oral irritation and digestive issues
• Aloe Vera: Can cause vomiting, diarrhea, and tremors
• Snake Plant (Sansevieria): Mildly toxic, causes nausea and vomiting
• ZZ Plant (Zamioculcas zamiifolia): Contains calcium oxalate, causes oral irritation
• Oleander: Extremely toxic, affects the heart
• Tulips and Hyacinths: Bulbs are especially toxic
• Azalea and Rhododendron: Can cause vomiting, diarrhea, and cardiac problems

Tips for Keeping Pets Away from Plants

Even with pet-safe plants, you may want to discourage your pets from nibbling on your greenery for the sake of the plants themselves. Here are some effective strategies:

Physical Barriers and Placement

• Use hanging planters to keep plants out of reach
• Place plants on high shelves or plant stands
• Use decorative cloches or terrariums for small plants
• Create a dedicated plant room that pets cannot access
• Use baby gates to section off plant-filled areas

Natural Deterrents

• Citrus peels around plant bases (most pets dislike the smell)
• Diluted vinegar spray on pots (not on plants)
• Commercial pet-safe bitter sprays designed to deter chewing
• Rocks or pinecones on soil surface to prevent digging

Providing Alternatives

• Grow cat grass or catnip specifically for your cat to nibble
• Provide plenty of engaging toys to reduce plant interest
• Ensure pets are mentally stimulated to reduce destructive behaviors
• Consider window perches or cat trees near windows as alternatives to plant watching

Creating a Pet-Safe Plant Space in Your Home

Designing a home that is both plant-filled and pet-safe requires some thoughtful planning. Here are strategies for creating a harmonious environment where your plants and pets can coexist happily:

Room-by-Room Guide

Living Room: Use tall plant stands or hanging planters to elevate plants above pet level. Large floor plants like areca palms or parlor palms can work well as their leaves start high enough to be out of reach for most pets.

Bedroom: If pets sleep in your bedroom, stick to high shelves or wall-mounted planters. African violets and small succulents work well on nightstands that are out of reach.

Kitchen: Hanging herb gardens and plants on top of cabinets keep greenery accessible to you but not your pets. Window-mounted planters are another good option.

Bathroom: The humidity makes this an ideal room for ferns and calatheas. High shelves and hanging planters work well, and you can close the door to restrict pet access. For more ideas, check out our guide on bathroom plants that love humidity.

Home Office: Desktop plants like peperomias and small succulents can be kept close to you while you work, making it easy to monitor any pet interest.

Final Thoughts: Building a Pet-Safe Plant Paradise

Creating a home filled with beautiful plants while keeping your pets safe is absolutely achievable with the right knowledge and plant choices. The 30 pet-safe houseplants in this guide offer a wide variety of options for every skill level, light condition, and aesthetic preference. From the easy-care spider plant to the elegant orchid, you can build a stunning indoor garden without compromising your pet's safety.

Remember that while these plants are non-toxic, consuming large quantities of any plant material can still cause mild digestive upset in pets. It is always best to discourage nibbling and monitor your pets around plants. When in doubt about a specific plant, consult the ASPCA's comprehensive database or ask your veterinarian.

With proper plant selection and placement, you can enjoy the mental and physical health benefits of indoor plants while providing a safe environment for your beloved cats and dogs. Happy planting, and may your home be filled with both greenery and furry friends!