25 Houseplants Safe for Cats and Dogs (With Photos)

If you have cats, dogs, or both, you've probably Googled "is [plant] toxic?" at 11pm after your cat chewed a leaf. Here's the definitive reference list: 25 houseplants that are confirmed non-toxic to cats and dogs, according to the ASPCA toxicity database.

Important: "Non-toxic" means the plant won't cause serious harm, but eating large amounts of any plant can cause stomach upset in pets. If your pet eats a significant amount of any plant or shows distress, contact your vet or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (888-426-4435).

Completely Safe Houseplants

1. Spider Plant (Chlorophytum comosum)

Pet-safe rating: ✅ Non-toxic Care: Easy, tolerates low light and irregular watering Cats are drawn to spider plants due to a mild hallucinogenic compound — not harmful, but your cat may sit next to it obsessively.

2. Boston Fern (Nephrolepis exaltata)

Pet-safe rating: ✅ Non-toxic Care: Moderate — needs consistent moisture and high humidity A classic safe choice. Hang it out of reach anyway to protect the fronds.

3. Areca Palm (Dypsis lutescens)

Pet-safe rating: ✅ Non-toxic Care: Easy to moderate; bright indirect light, regular watering One of the best air-purifying plants and fully pet-safe.

4. Calathea / Maranta (Prayer Plants)

Pet-safe rating: ✅ Non-toxic Care: Moderate; needs high humidity and indirect light Beautiful patterned leaves. The "praying" leaf movement at night delights both plant owners and curious cats.

5. Orchids (Phalaenopsis species)

Pet-safe rating: ✅ Non-toxic Care: Easy once you understand their needs (very infrequent watering) Phalaenopsis orchids are the supermarket orchids and are safe for pets.

6. African Violet (Saintpaulia)

Pet-safe rating: ✅ Non-toxic Care: Easy; bright indirect light, water from below Compact, colourful, and safe. Ideal for windowsills.

7. Peperomia (all common species)

Pet-safe rating: ✅ Non-toxic Care: Easy; tolerates low light and drought One of the best all-around houseplants and pet-safe. See our beginner houseplants guide for more.

8. Bromeliad

Pet-safe rating: ✅ Non-toxic Care: Easy; bright light, water the central cup Stunning colours, minimal care, and safe for pets.

9. Parlour Palm (Chamaedorea elegans)

Pet-safe rating: ✅ Non-toxic Care: Easy; low to medium indirect light The most low-maintenance palm and perfect for pet households.

10. Bamboo Palm (Chamaedorea seifrizii)

Pet-safe rating: ✅ Non-toxic Care: Easy to moderate; indirect light, regular watering Creates a tropical look without any pet risk.

11. Money Tree (Pachira aquatica)

Pet-safe rating: ✅ Non-toxic Care: Easy; indirect light, allow soil to dry between waterings Popular for its braided trunk — and safe.

12. Swedish Ivy (Plectranthus verticillatus)

Pet-safe rating: ✅ Non-toxic Care: Easy; indirect light, moderate watering Fast-growing trailer, great for hanging baskets out of paw's reach.

13. Christmas Cactus (Schlumbergera)

Pet-safe rating: ✅ Non-toxic Care: Easy; bright indirect light, water when top layer dries The holiday cactus is a safe festive option.

14. Haworthia

Pet-safe rating: ✅ Non-toxic Care: Very easy; low to medium light, very infrequent watering Unlike most succulents and aloes, Haworthia is completely safe.

15. Cast Iron Plant (Aspidistra elatior)

Pet-safe rating: ✅ Non-toxic Care: Very easy; thrives in deep shade, drought-tolerant Named for its near-indestructibility. Pet-safe and practically maintenance-free.

Plants That Look Similar to Toxic Species

Some common pet-safe plants have toxic lookalikes. Always double-check the Latin name.

Safe	Looks Similar To	Toxic?
Areca Palm	Sago Palm	⚠️ Highly toxic
Haworthia	Aloe vera	⚠️ Toxic to cats/dogs
Parlour Palm	Peace Lily	⚠️ Toxic
Peperomia	Pothos	⚠️ Toxic

Most Toxic Common Houseplants to Avoid

For reference, these common plants are highly toxic to cats and/or dogs:

• Pothos — toxic (calcium oxalates)
• Monstera — toxic (calcium oxalates)
• Peace Lily — toxic
• Dieffenbachia — toxic
• Sago Palm — severely toxic, can cause liver failure
• Lilies (Lilium species) — severely toxic to cats, can cause kidney failure
• Philodendron — toxic
• ZZ Plant — toxic

What to Do If Your Pet Eats a Plant

1. Stay calm and identify the plant (take a photo if you're not sure)
2. Check the ASPCA toxic plant database at aspca.org/pet-care/animal-poison-control/toxic-and-non-toxic-plants
3. If the plant is toxic or you're not sure: call your vet or ASPCA Poison Control (888-426-4435)
4. Note how much was eaten and watch for symptoms: vomiting, drooling, lethargy, tremors