Pet-Safe Plants: A Quick Guide for Cat and Dog Owners
Cats chew leaves, dogs dig pots. Here are pet safe plants you can relax about – and the popular ones to keep on a high shelf.
If your cat treats every new plant as a salad, you need pet safe plants. Many of the most popular houseplants – including money plant and snake plant – can upset a pet's stomach if chewed. The good news is that there are plenty of lovely pet safe plants to choose from.
Pet safe plants we recommend
- Peperomia – compact, many leaf patterns, very easy.
- Areca palm – a soft, feathery palm that cats like to brush past.
- Orchid – elegant flowers, non-toxic to cats and dogs.
- Basil and mint – useful in the kitchen and safe for pets.
- Spider plant – fast growing and fine if nibbled.
Popular plants to keep out of reach
These are fine in homes with pets as long as they sit where pets can't chew them: money plant (pothos), snake plant, peace lily, aloe vera and monstera. Symptoms after chewing are usually drooling or vomiting; call your vet if you are worried.
Tips for living with plants and pets
- Hang trailing plants or put them on high shelves.
- Cover the soil with large pebbles to stop digging.
- Give cats their own pot of cat grass to chew instead.
The ASPCA plant list is the most complete reference if you want to check a specific plant. Browse our pet-safe guide or shop indoor plants.