Why plant safety matters
Indoor plants are good for air quality and mood — but for households with pets, the wrong plant can land you at the emergency vet. Cats are especially vulnerable: a single lily petal or a sip of lily-vase water can cause irreversible kidney failure. Dogs are more likely to chew bulbs, palms, and trailing vines that look like toys.
Many popular houseplants are listed as non-toxic to dogs and cats by the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center. The shortlist below references entries from that database.
18 non-toxic houseplants
Spider Plant
Air-purifying, hardy; listed as non-toxic to dogs and cats by the ASPCA.
Boston Fern
Lush and humidity-loving; listed as non-toxic by the ASPCA.
Areca Palm
Statement plant for bright corners; listed as non-toxic by the ASPCA.
Calathea (Prayer Plant)
Patterned foliage; listed as non-toxic by the ASPCA.
Parlor Palm
Low-light tolerant; listed as non-toxic by the ASPCA.
African Violet
Compact bloomer; listed as non-toxic by the ASPCA.
Friendship Plant
Soft textured leaves; listed as non-toxic by the ASPCA.
Money Tree (Pachira)
Braided trunk plant; listed as non-toxic by the ASPCA.
Polka Dot Plant
Colorful foliage; listed as non-toxic by the ASPCA.
Baby Tears
Trailing ground cover; listed as non-toxic by the ASPCA.
Watermelon Peperomia
Eye-catching leaves; listed as non-toxic by the ASPCA.
Haworthia
Succulent alternative; listed as non-toxic by the ASPCA (unlike aloe).
Phalaenopsis Orchid
Elegant blooms; listed as non-toxic by the ASPCA.
Bromeliad
Tropical color; listed as non-toxic by the ASPCA.
Rattlesnake Plant
Bold stripes; listed as non-toxic by the ASPCA.
Cast Iron Plant
Hardy; listed as non-toxic by the ASPCA.
Hoya (Wax Plant)
Trailing vine; listed as non-toxic by the ASPCA.
Catnip & Cat Grass
Enrichment plants cats can eat in moderation.
Referenced against the ASPCA database.
Entries in this list reference the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center's toxic and non-toxic plant database. "Non-toxic" per ASPCA means a healthy pet who takes a curious bite is not expected to suffer poisoning — but excessive ingestion of any plant material can still cause vomiting or stomach upset. If your pet ingests a plant and you are concerned, contact your veterinarian or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center.
Toxic plants to keep out of the house
If you have cats or dogs that chew, rehome these popular houseplants or place them in a room your pets cannot access. "Out of reach" rarely works for cats.
- Lily (highly toxic to cats — kidney failure)
- Sago Palm (severe liver damage in dogs)
- Pothos / Devil's Ivy (mouth irritation, vomiting)
- Philodendron (calcium oxalate crystals)
- Dieffenbachia (Dumb Cane)
- Aloe Vera (vomiting, diarrhea)
- Snake Plant (Sansevieria)
- ZZ Plant
- Monstera Deliciosa
- English Ivy
- Tulip & Daffodil bulbs
- Azalea / Rhododendron
What to do if your pet eats a toxic plant
Remove any remaining plant material from your pet's mouth and the surrounding area.
Identify the plant — take a photo of the leaves, flowers, and any tag.
Call your vet or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control hotline: (888) 426-4435.
Do NOT induce vomiting unless a vet specifically tells you to — some toxins cause more damage on the way back up.
Watch for symptoms: drooling, vomiting, lethargy, tremors, or changes in urination.
Pet-proofing your indoor jungle
Hang trailing plants high
Macramé hangers and tall shelves work for dogs but rarely defeat a determined cat — pick safe species instead.
Offer a chew alternative
Grow cat grass or catnip in a dedicated pot to redirect chewing away from your other plants.
Use heavy ceramic pots
Lightweight plastic planters tip easily, spilling soil that pets may eat — heavy pots stay put.
Watch cut flower bouquets
Gift bouquets often hide lilies, baby's breath, or eucalyptus. Inspect before bringing them indoors.
Frequently asked questions
Are succulents safe for cats and dogs?
Most are not. Aloe, jade, kalanchoe, and euphorbia are all toxic. Haworthia and echeveria are safer alternatives, but it's best to keep all succulents out of reach.
Is the snake plant really toxic?
Yes — Sansevieria contains saponins that cause nausea, vomiting, and drooling in cats and dogs. Swap it for a cast iron plant for a similar upright look.
Can cats eat spider plants?
Spider plants are non-toxic, but they contain mild compounds that can attract cats and cause an upset stomach if eaten in large amounts. Offer cat grass as a designated snack.
What's the safest plant for a new puppy household?
Boston fern, parlor palm, and Calathea are top picks — non-toxic, hardy, and visually full enough to look like a real houseplant.
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