Many popular houseplants and garden plants are toxic to dogs and cats — but there are dozens of beautiful, pet safe plants you can grow at home, including spider plants, Boston ferns, calatheas, areca palms, and orchids, all of which are non-toxic to both cats and dogs according to the ASPCA.
This guide is for informational purposes only. Always verify plant safety with the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center and contact your vet immediately if you suspect your pet has ingested any plant.
Why Plant Safety Matters for Pets
Plant toxicity is a leading cause of pet poisoning calls to the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center, which handles over 400,000 animal poison exposure cases annually. Cats are particularly vulnerable because they are curious, agile, and will chew on almost anything — and their smaller body mass means even small amounts of a toxic plant can cause significant harm. Dogs, especially puppies, often chew on whatever they find.
The good news is that there are hundreds of beautiful plants that are completely safe for pets. With a little research before you purchase, you can have a lush, plant-filled home without risking your pet’s health. The ASPCA maintains a comprehensive online list of toxic and non-toxic plants for dogs, cats, and horses that is the gold standard reference for plant safety.
Safe Indoor Plants for Dogs & Cats
| Plant | Safe for Cats | Safe for Dogs | Care Level |
|---|---|---|---|
| Spider Plant (Chlorophytum comosum) | ✓ | ✓ | Easy |
| Boston Fern (Nephrolepis exaltata) | ✓ | ✓ | Moderate |
| Calathea / Prayer Plant | ✓ | ✓ | Moderate |
| Areca Palm (Dypsis lutescens) | ✓ | ✓ | Easy |
| Phalaenopsis Orchid | ✓ | ✓ | Easy–Moderate |
| Haworthia (zebra cactus) | ✓ | ✓ | Easy |
| African Violet (Saintpaulia) | ✓ | ✓ | Easy |
| Ponytail Palm (Beaucarnea recurvata) | ✓ | ✓ | Easy |
| Peperomia (all varieties) | ✓ | ✓ | Easy |
| Christmas Cactus (Schlumbergera) | ✓ | ✓ | Easy |
| Air Plants (Tillandsia) | ✓ | ✓ | Easy |
| Bromeliads | ✓ | ✓ | Easy |
Source: ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center non-toxic plant database
Spider plants are one of the most popular pet-safe houseplants — they’re nearly indestructible, tolerate low light, and purify the air. Note: cats may be mildly attracted to spider plants because of a weak hallucinogenic compound similar to catnip. While not toxic, ingesting large amounts can cause temporary vomiting, so placing them out of reach is still advisable.
Safe Outdoor & Garden Plants
If you have a garden or outdoor space your pets access, these plants are generally safe:
- Marigolds (Tagetes) — common garden plant, safe for pets
- Sunflowers (Helianthus) — non-toxic to dogs and cats
- Snapdragons (Antirrhinum) — colorful and pet-safe
- Impatiens — widely used annual flowers, pet-safe
- Catnip (Nepeta cataria) — safe for cats and dogs (dogs may ignore it)
- Roses (thorns excepted) — the plant itself is non-toxic; thorns are a physical hazard
- Camellias — safe for dogs and cats
- Zinnias — bright, easy-grow flowers that are pet-safe
Common Toxic Plants to Avoid
| Plant | Toxic to Cats | Toxic to Dogs | Severity |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lilies (Lilium, Hemerocallis) | ⚠️ DEADLY | Mild | Critical for cats — kidney failure |
| Pothos (Epipremnum aureum) | ⚠️ Yes | ⚠️ Yes | Oral irritation, vomiting |
| Peace Lily (Spathiphyllum) | ⚠️ Yes | ⚠️ Yes | Oral irritation, drooling |
| Monstera (Swiss cheese plant) | ⚠️ Yes | ⚠️ Yes | Oral irritation, swelling |
| Sago Palm (Cycas revoluta) | ⚠️ DEADLY | ⚠️ DEADLY | Severe liver failure, death |
| Oleander (Nerium oleander) | ⚠️ DEADLY | ⚠️ DEADLY | Cardiac failure |
| Aloe Vera | ⚠️ Yes | ⚠️ Yes | GI distress, lethargy |
| Dieffenbachia (Dumb Cane) | ⚠️ Yes | ⚠️ Yes | Oral burning, difficulty swallowing |
Source: ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center toxic plant database
Lilies deserve special emphasis: while Lilium and Hemerocallis (true lilies and daylilies) are deadly to cats — causing rapid kidney failure after even small ingestion — they are not significantly toxic to dogs. This difference highlights the importance of knowing which pets you have before selecting plants. Our guide on plants toxic to cats covers this in much greater detail.
What to Do If Your Pet Eats a Plant
If you suspect your pet has eaten a potentially toxic plant, act immediately:
- Identify the plant if possible — take a photo and try to identify it using the plant label, or the ASPCA website
- Call ASPCA Animal Poison Control: (888) 426-4435 (available 24/7; fee may apply)
- Call your vet or nearest emergency vet — describe the plant, the amount ingested, and your pet’s current symptoms
- Do not induce vomiting unless specifically directed by a veterinarian — with some toxins, vomiting causes additional harm
- Bring a sample of the plant to the vet if possible
Find a veterinary clinic or emergency vet near you through our directory.