How to Keep Pets Safe From Toxic Houseplants – Without Giving Up the Plants You Love

Knowing how to keep pets away from indoor plants is crucial because many popular varieties like lilies, pothos, or sago palms pose real risks to our furry friends. Nibbling on leaves or stems can cause issues from mild stomach upset to life-threatening poisoning. And even small bites add up over time, building toxicity quietly.

There are plenty of pet-safe houseplants you can grow as worry-free options. But if you already own poisonous houseplants and have been caring for them for years, there are ways to grow them safely even with pets. After identifying the poison plants in your home, it's time to come with a plan to keep your pooch or kitty safe.

I'll share 8 smart strategies to help keep your four-legged friends safe around toxic plants by redirecting curiosity safely. Since every pet and every home is different, it's best to combine several of the following methods for the best results.

Why Pets Bother Indoor Plants

Pets explore plants for a variety of reasons: boredom, relief, texture play, or digestive aid. Cats pounce on swaying leaves like prey as part of their instinctual need to hunt. Dogs graze on grass-like fibers to settle stomachs or ease boredom during long indoor days.

Indoor greenery provides novel scents and movement for our wild little creatures in quiet homes where stimulation is often low. Kittens and puppies test everything with their mouths as part of learning boundaries. While adults seek comfort, attention, relief from boredom, or to fill dietary gaps.

Toxicity in plants varies widely. Aloe can cause diarrhea and weakness, dieffenbachia can burns pets' mouths with painful swelling, and lilies can cause fatal kidney failure in cats even from a little bit of pollen on their fur. That's why preventing interaction between pets and poisonous plants is key.

How to Keep Pets Away From Plants

Barriers, distractions, and repellents protect pets without entirely banning foliage that brings joy and a fresh, calming feel to indoor spaces. Follow these basic strategies to help keep pets safe if you grow toxic houseplants.

1. Hang Plants Out of Reach

Suspend vining houseplants from ceiling hooks or high shelves that pets can't reach. Cats are less likely to jump when their target is too high to catch. And dogs rarely leap for elevated greenery, unless highly motivated. Secure hooks into studs for safety against crashes.

Hanging containers also can help maximize light in tight spaces and create vertical interest that draws the eye upward. Use sturdy and stylish macramé holders, like this from Amazon to hold toxic houseplants. Opt for trailing spider plants or pet-safe vines that also thrive in hanging planters and can cascade down safely.

2. Create Physical Barriers

Enclose pots in decorative cages, cloches, terrariums, or on stands with wide bases that pets can't tip over – no matter how enthusiastic they are. Mesh screens protect young plants during establishment when they're most vulnerable. Or clear acrylic boxes or terrariums, like this one from Amazon, allow easy viewing and block off animal access completely.

Barriers help establish boundaries gently. Pets eventually learn certain areas are off-limits without the need for harsh correction. You can repurpose birdcages or wire baskets to creatively blend with your decor. Or use both barriers and elevated locations for double protection that covers both climbing and knocking risks for especially curious pets.

3. Use Safe Deterrents

Instead of relying on sprays or smells, it often works better to make the plant and pot less interesting. Topping the soil with smooth stones, pinecones, or coarse mulch makes digging and chewing a lot less satisfying, which cuts down on repeat visits fast.

Cats also tend to back off when surfaces feel awkward. So textured mats, like this plant-themed one from Amazon, or slightly unsteady stands are often enough to break the habit without turning it into a battle.

Where the plant sits matters just as much as what’s in the pot. Spots with limited jumping room, fewer launch points, or even a bit of airflow from a nearby vent tend to prevent pet problems over time.

4. Offer Safe Alternatives

Grow cat grass, catnip, or valerian in separate pots placed in easy-access sunny spots. Dogs enjoy wheatgrass for gentle grazing, while cats go wild for fresh oat grass that satisfies chewing instincts without risk.

These safe options redirect attention away from toxic plants by giving pets something they are actually allowed to interact with. Place cat-safe plants and dog-safe plants near favorite resting or play areas.

Reward pets for choosing them to chew over toxic plants, reinforcing good habits through positive association. Place treats near safe options like this cat grass kit from Amazon. Rotate pots to keep fresh growth coming and maintain appeal.

5. Elevate on Furniture

Position pots that contain toxic plants on tall stands, bookcases, or mantels above nose level where sniffing turns difficult. Secure heavy shelves to walls to protect against against earthquakes or excited tails that wag too hard.

Elevation doubles storage, too. You can store books below and plants above in a layered display. Choose a stable design, like this tiered metal stand from Amazon, and group multiple plants for a jungle effect that's safely out of reach of pets.

6. Train With Consistency

Reward ignoring plants with treats or play immediately after calm behavior. Redirect pets firmly from forbidden plants without anger. Use clickers for clear communication that trains pets to make good choices.

Consistency teaches boundaries faster than punishment alone, building trust alongside rules. Combine with deterrents for the best results. Habits can form in just weeks with daily short sessions. Praising calm behavior near plants also reinforces good behavior positively over time.

7. Choose Pet-Resistant Rooms

Confine plants that are toxic to dogs and cats to bathrooms, offices, or closed spaces with baby gates that block unwanted entry. Limit access during unsupervised time when curiosity peaks.

Restricted zones protect prized plant collections without constant vigilance of pets. Good ventilation in enclosed areas prevents stuffiness that stresses plants. Guest rooms also work for occasional displays away from daily traffic.

8. Monitor and Adapt

New plants always draw attention at first. Some pets may glance them and move on. Others circle back, batting leaves or sneaking quick nibbles when your back is turned. Spotting bad behavior early makes all the difference. A quick move higher or the addition of an extra barrier usually ends the interest better than constant shooing.

Reactions vary wildly by pet and by plant, so staying flexible helps. If anything looks off with your pets – drooling, odd behavior – or you notice parts of your plant missing or with bite marks, a fast call to the vet or the ASPCA poison control hotline clears doubts quickly. Pet behavior patterns will shift over time with age, boredom spikes, or even seasonal changes, so checking habits now and moving forward is important.

ASPCA Poison Control: (888) 426-4435 consultation fee may apply