As both a cat owner and plant person, I am frequently wondering if any of my plant collection is a danger to my little tabby. Luckily, my cat only goes after the dangling leaves of spider plants, but I still worry about some of my other houseplants.
No one wants to rush to the emergency veterinary clinic with their ill pet, especially if the tragedy is completely avoidable. Many of us have filled our homes with houseplants of all shapes and sizes, but some of them simply aren’t safe to have around pets.
If you are a pet parent but still want to grow your houseplant collection, I have selected a few of my favorite houseplants that are non-toxic to your furry friends so you can rest easy.
Plant Toxicity in Pets
Some plants are extremely toxic to cats and fine for dogs, while other plants are toxic to dogs but cats are less affected. If you have a mixed cat and dog household, you might be doubly worried about only keeping pet-safe plants and identifying any poison plants in your house.
Houseplants and outdoor garden plants can be irresistible to our four-legged friends. Scents and textures can draw them in and an errant chew could leave them in danger. According to the ASPCA, many plants contain compounds that can cause gastrointestinal upset, mouth irritation, kidney failure, liver damage, or death of your pet. These compounds include calcium oxalates, pyrethrins, grayanotoxins, and cycasin. Unfortunately, some of our favorite plants like indoor Easter lilies are so toxic to cats that even the pollen can cause kidney failure and death.
But have no fear, there are many houseplants that are pet safe and will still give you a lush indoor jungle. Many of them are low-maintenance winners, too!
Pet-Safe Plants
While there are many plants that can harm our fuzzy companions, there are plenty that are perfectly pet safe. I have compiled a list of some of my favorite pet-safe plants that will fill out your indoor jungle and keep Fido and Mittens happy and healthy.
Try this great pet-safe collection from The Sill. It includes five pet-friendly, non-toxic houseplants and is 38% off at the time of publication.
1. Calathea
Growing calathea plants in a household with pets is a great choice to ensure everyone stays out of trouble. They are non-toxic to cats and dogs. Calatheas are in the prayer plant family and are native to Brazil. Keep them well hydrated with the help of a pebble tray and make sure to keep them out of direct sunlight. There are some really unique varieties of calathea that will add visual interest to any room. Lively Root has a great selection that includes Rattlesnake calathea, peacock plant calathea, and a dramatic pink-striped ‘Dottie’ calathea.
2. Peperomia
Peperomia plants can have gorgeous marbled or variegated leaves and are a pleasure to grow. They are non-toxic for both cats and dogs and a lovely easy-care houseplant. Peperomia like a well-draining soil and are great if you are prone to forgetting to water houseplants! Place these little beauties in low to medium light, out of direct sunlight. Purchase a marbled peperomia plant from the Home Depot and get ready for it to become your new favorite houseplant.
3. Cast Iron Plant
Cast iron plants (Aspidistra elatior) are named appropriately. They are sturdy, nearly indestructible houseplants, and are safe to have around both cats and dogs. Cast iron plants don’t need much attention and they don’t need much light which makes them a perfect entryway plant. They add nice height and texture to your houseplant display. Find a lush and hardy cast iron plant at Fast Growing Trees and you will see why everyone loves them!
4. Lady Palm
Lady palms (Rhapis excelsa) are a smaller palm species that will add beauty and softness to any room of the house. These pet-friendly fan palms do well in bright, indirect light and are another super low-maintenance choice. If you live in USDA Zones 8-12, you can take your lady palm outside and get to work building a backyard oasis, too! The Sill offers a lady palm that is 3-4 feet (0.91-1.2 m) tall and will instantly give your house a refresh.
Tulips: Keep Away From Pets
I adore a vase of forced tulip bulbs on my dining room table in the depths of winter. But they can be extremely harmful to both cats and dogs. Tulips contain Tulipalin A and B compounds which are incredibly toxic and found in every part of the plant. These toxins are especially concentrated in the bulb.
A small amount of tulip ingestion can cause vomiting, drooling, diarrhea, and lethargy. Larger amounts of tulip ingestion can induce tremors, tachycardia, difficulty breathing, and coma.
If you suspect your pet may have ingested a potentially toxic substance, call the ASPCA Poison Control at (888) 426-4435 or contact your local veterinarian as soon as possible.
For more information on which plants are potentially dangerous to your pets, please go to the ASPCA’s Toxic and Non-Toxic Plants List. Even with plants that are non-toxic, ingestion of any plant could cause mild stomach upset for your animals.
