Pet Safe Houseplants: 15 Non-Toxic Plants for Homes With Cats & Dogs
Pet Safe Houseplants: 15 Non-Toxic Plants for Homes With Cats & Dogs
You shouldn't have to choose between a beautiful plant collection and keeping your pets safe. The good news: dozens of stunning houseplants are completely non-toxic to cats and dogs. Here are our favorites — all verified against the ASPCA Toxic and Non-Toxic Plant List.
Why Pet-Safe Plants Matter
Cats are notorious leaf-chewers, and puppies explore the world mouth-first. While most houseplant nibbles cause nothing worse than mild stomach upset, some popular species — like Pothos, Peace Lily, and certain Philodendrons — contain calcium oxalate crystals that can cause oral irritation, excessive drooling, vomiting, and difficulty swallowing in pets.
The safest approach? Fill your home with plants that pose zero risk, even if your cat decides to treat them like a salad bar.
Important: "Non-toxic" means the plant won't poison your pet. It doesn't mean eating large quantities is harmless — any plant material consumed in bulk can cause GI upset. Monitor your pets and discourage excessive chewing.
The Best Pet-Safe Houseplants
1. Spider Plant (Chlorophytum comosum)
The Spider Plant is one of the most popular pet-friendly plants available, and for good reason. It's completely non-toxic, practically indestructible, and produces adorable baby "spiderettes" that dangle from arching stems — which, fair warning, are irresistible to cats.
Pet safety: Non-toxic to cats and dogs (ASPCA verified). Some cats are attracted to the dangling spiderettes and may bat at them — it's harmless fun, though you may need to place the plant out of reach if your cat is an aggressive chewer.
Care: Water when the top half of soil dries. Adapts to low light through bright indirect light.
👉 Shop Variegated Spider Plant · Shop Reverse Spider Plant
2. Calathea
Calatheas deliver some of the most dramatic foliage patterns in the houseplant world — bold stripes, geometric designs, purple undersides — and they're completely safe for four-legged family members. Their leaves fold up at night and open in the morning, which is endlessly fascinating to curious cats.
Pet safety: Non-toxic to cats and dogs.
Care: Keep soil lightly moist. Low to medium indirect light. Appreciates higher humidity.
3. Fittonia (Nerve Plant)
Nerve Plants are tiny, colorful, and completely pet-safe. Their intricate vein patterns in pink, white, and red make them look like miniature works of art — and you never have to worry if your cat knocks one off the shelf and decides to investigate with their mouth.
Pet safety: Non-toxic to cats and dogs.
Care: Keep soil consistently lightly moist. Medium indirect light. Perfect for terrariums and small spaces.
👉 Shop Fittonia Skeleton · Shop Red Flame · Shop Marble Queen
4. Boston Fern & Sword Fern
Ferns are among the safest plant families for pet owners. Boston Ferns, Macho Ferns, and Sword Ferns all produce lush, cascading fronds that look spectacular in hanging baskets — conveniently out of reach of most pets.
Pet safety: Non-toxic to cats and dogs. True ferns (Nephrolepis species) are all safe.
Care: Keep soil consistently moist. Medium indirect light. Loves humidity — bathrooms are ideal.
👉 Shop Boston Fern · Shop Macho Fern · Shop Sword Fern
5. Pilea
Pilea varieties — including Baby Tears, Tiny Tears, and the Aluminum Plant — are safe for homes with pets and children. These compact plants stay small, making them perfect for shelves and desks where they're easily accessible (and easily nibbled) by curious animals.
Pet safety: Non-toxic to cats and dogs.
Care: Water when top inch of soil is dry. Medium to bright indirect light.
👉 Shop Pilea Baby Tears · Shop Pilea Tiny Tears
6. Parlor Palm (Chamaedorea elegans)
Parlor Palms bring a tropical feel to any room and are completely safe for cats and dogs. They've been grown indoors since the Victorian era and are one of the few palm species that truly thrives in low light.
Pet safety: Non-toxic to cats and dogs.
Care: Water when top inch of soil is dry. Low to medium indirect light. Stays compact at 2–4 feet indoors.
7. Echeveria & Sempervivum (Succulents)
Good news for succulent lovers with pets: Echeveria and Sempervivum (Hen and Chicks) are non-toxic to cats and dogs. Their thick, rosette-shaped leaves are tough enough that most pets lose interest quickly anyway.
Pet safety: Non-toxic. Note: Not all succulents are pet-safe — Aloe and Jade Plant (Crassula) are mildly toxic. Stick with Echeveria and Sempervivum to be safe.
Care: Water only when soil is completely dry (every 2–3 weeks). Bright light required.
👉 Shop All Succulents · Shop Echeveria Lola · Shop Sempervivum Kalinda
8. Tradescantia
Tradescantia varieties produce gorgeous trailing stems in shades of purple, green, and silver. While the sap can cause mild skin irritation on contact, Tradescantias are classified as non-toxic if ingested by cats and dogs.
Pet safety: Non-toxic if ingested. Sap may cause mild skin irritation on contact — hang these in a basket to minimize contact.
Care: Water when top inch of soil dries. Bright indirect light for best purple coloring.
👉 Shop Tradescantia Purple · Shop Tradescantia Bolivian
9. Coleus
Coleus is the most colorful foliage plant you can grow indoors — and it's safe for both cats and dogs. The leaves come in nearly every color combination: deep reds, electric pinks, lime greens, and dramatic near-blacks. Pets rarely show interest in chewing Coleus.
Pet safety: Non-toxic to cats and dogs. Mildly irritating if consumed in large quantities (which is unlikely).
Care: Keep soil consistently moist. Bright indirect light for the most vivid colors.
👉 Shop Coleus Defiance · Shop Coleus Inky Fingers · Shop Meandering Linda
10. Sedum (Stonecrop)
Sedum varieties are hardy, drought-tolerant succulents that are safe for pets. They're tough enough to survive outdoor gardens but also grow well indoors on a sunny windowsill.
Pet safety: Non-toxic to cats and dogs.
Care: Water sparingly — only when soil is completely dry. Bright light required.
👉 Shop Sedum Blue Spruce · Shop Sedum Lemon Ball · Shop Sedum Acre
11. Swedish Ivy (Plectranthus)
Swedish Ivy isn't technically ivy at all — and unlike true ivy (which is toxic), it's completely safe for pets. This fast-growing trailer fills hanging baskets with scalloped, aromatic leaves and requires minimal care.
Pet safety: Non-toxic to cats and dogs. True English Ivy (Hedera) IS toxic — Swedish Ivy (Plectranthus) is a different plant entirely and is safe.
Care: Water when top inch of soil is dry. Medium to bright indirect light.
👉 Shop Emerald Lace · Shop Swedish Ivy Green · Shop Swedish Ivy Mint
12. Venus Fly Trap & Sundew
Carnivorous plants like Venus Fly Traps and Sundews are fascinating conversation starters — and they're completely non-toxic to pets. In fact, they're far more likely to catch fruit flies in your home than cause any harm to your cat or dog.
Pet safety: Non-toxic to cats and dogs. The "trapping" mechanism is far too small to affect a pet.
Care: Use distilled water only (no tap water). Bright direct light. Keep soil consistently moist. Do NOT fertilize — they get nutrients from catching insects.
👉 Shop Venus Fly Trap · Shop Sundew
Common Houseplants That ARE Toxic to Pets
If you have cats or dogs, avoid or place these popular plants out of reach:
| Plant | Toxic Component | Symptoms if Ingested |
|---|---|---|
| Pothos / Devil's Ivy | Calcium oxalate crystals | Oral irritation, drooling, vomiting, difficulty swallowing |
| Peace Lily | Calcium oxalate crystals | Oral irritation, drooling, vomiting |
| Philodendron | Calcium oxalate crystals | Oral irritation, swelling, drooling |
| Dieffenbachia (Dumb Cane) | Calcium oxalate crystals | Intense oral irritation, drooling, difficulty swallowing |
| Sago Palm | Cycasin | Vomiting, liver failure (potentially fatal) |
| Aloe Vera | Saponins, anthraquinones | Vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy |
| Jade Plant (Crassula) | Unknown compound | Vomiting, depression, incoordination |
| English Ivy (Hedera) | Triterpenoid saponins | Drooling, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain |
| Lilies (true Lilium species) | All parts highly toxic to cats | Kidney failure in cats (potentially fatal) |
If your pet ingests any toxic plant, contact your veterinarian or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (888-426-4435) immediately.
Tips for Pet Owners With Houseplants
Use Hanging Baskets
Hanging plants are your best friend as a pet owner. Elevating plants above pet level eliminates the temptation entirely. Trailing plants like Spider Plants, Tradescantia, and Swedish Ivy look spectacular in hanging baskets.
Place Plants on High Shelves
Cats can jump, but strategic placement on high, narrow shelves without nearby launching pads limits access. Tall plant stands also work well.
Provide Cat Grass as an Alternative
Many cats chew plants because they crave fresh greens. Growing a pot of cat grass (wheat grass or oat grass) gives them a safe outlet for their chewing instinct and often reduces their interest in your houseplants.
Use Citrus Deterrents
Most cats dislike citrus scents. Placing lemon or orange peels in the soil or lightly spraying diluted citrus around plants can discourage feline interest.
Assume the Worst, Verify Later
If you're unsure whether a plant is safe, keep it out of reach until you've verified with the ASPCA Toxic Plant Database.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are succulents safe for cats?
Some succulents are safe and some aren't. Echeveria, Sempervivum (Hen and Chicks), and Sedum are non-toxic. However, Aloe Vera, Jade Plant (Crassula), and Kalanchoe are toxic to cats. Always verify the specific species.
What should I do if my cat eats a houseplant?
First, identify the plant. If it's on the ASPCA non-toxic list, monitor for mild GI upset (which usually passes on its own). If the plant is toxic or you're unsure, contact your vet or the ASPCA Poison Control (888-426-4435) immediately.
Are ferns safe for pets?
Most true ferns — including Boston Fern, Maidenhair Fern, and Sword Fern — are non-toxic to cats and dogs. However, Asparagus Fern (which isn't a true fern) IS toxic. Stick with Nephrolepis species to be safe.
Can I still have toxic plants if I have pets?
Yes, with precautions. Place toxic plants in rooms your pet doesn't access, use hanging baskets above jumping height, or display them in enclosed terrariums. Many plant parents successfully keep both toxic plants and pets by being strategic about placement.
What is the most pet-friendly indoor plant?
Spider Plants are widely considered the most pet-friendly houseplant. They're completely non-toxic, extremely easy to care for, adapt to any light condition, and are readily available. They're the safest possible starting point for pet owners who want houseplants.
Building a pet-safe plant collection? Browse our full Pet Friendly collection — every plant verified safe for cats and dogs.