You love your plants. You love your pets. But some of the most popular houseplants — monstera, pothos, philodendron — can make cats and dogs seriously ill. The good news: there's a huge world of beautiful, pet-safe houseplants that are non-toxic to cats and dogs, and this guide covers them all.
Every plant on our pet-safe collection has been checked against the ASPCA's toxicity database. Here's what "pet-safe" actually means, which plants to choose, and which popular ones to keep out of reach.
What "pet-safe" actually means
When the ASPCA lists a plant as non-toxic, it means the plant isn't expected to cause poisoning in cats, dogs, or horses. Two important caveats:
- Non-toxic doesn't mean edible. Any plant material can cause vomiting or stomach upset if a pet eats enough of it.
- Other risks still exist. Fertilizer residue, pesticides, and even the potting mix can upset a pet's stomach — buy from growers you trust and keep new plants out of nibbling reach for the first week or two.
If your pet eats any plant and seems unwell — drooling, vomiting, lethargy — call your vet or the ASPCA Poison Control hotline at (888) 426-4435.
Easy pet-safe plants for beginners
These are the most forgiving plants on the non-toxic list — perfect if you're new to houseplants, new to pets, or both.
Spider Plant (Chlorophytum comosum)
The classic beginner plant. Nearly indestructible, fast-growing, and completely non-toxic. It even produces baby "spiderettes" you can propagate. Try the Spider Plant 'Bonnie' with its fun curled leaves, or the 4-inch nursery pot version.
Parlor Palm (Chamaedorea elegans)
A Victorian-era favorite that's been in homes for over a century. Slow-growing, low-light tolerant, and safe for cats and dogs. Available in a classic pot and 4-inch and 6-inch nursery pots.
Ponytail Palm (Beaucarnea recurvata)
Not a true palm — it's a succulent that stores water in its bulbous base, so it forgives missed waterings. Non-toxic and sculptural. Shop the Ponytail Palm.
Peperomia
An entire genus of compact, non-toxic plants with wildly varied foliage. The Watermelon Peperomia looks like tiny watermelons; String of Turtles trails delicate turtle-shell leaves.
Statement pet-safe plants
Want drama without the danger? These make a visual impact and stay pet-friendly.
Rattlesnake Calathea (Goeppertia insignis)
Long, wavy leaves with dark-green markings and purple undersides. A showstopper that's completely non-toxic. See the Rattlesnake Calathea.
Staghorn Fern (Platycerium)
Mount it on a board and hang it on the wall — out of reach by design, and non-toxic anyway. Shop Staghorn Fern.
Bird's-Nest Fern (Asplenium nidus)
Broad, rippling fronds in a rosette. True ferns are non-toxic across the board. Shop Bird's-Nest Fern.
Prayer Plant (Maranta leuconeura)
Leaves that fold up at night like praying hands. The Lemon Lime variety is especially striking — and safe.
Trailing pet-safe plants
For shelves and hanging baskets: Hoya Rope Plant and Hoya 'Tricolor' (waxy, slow-growing, non-toxic), plus Ric Rac Cactus with its zigzag stems.
Small-space and succulent picks
Zebra Succulent (a pet-safe aloe lookalike), Pilea Peperomioides, and White Phalaenopsis Orchid — all non-toxic and compact.
Popular houseplants that are toxic to pets
Keep these out of reach or skip them in pet households:
- Monstera deliciosa — contains calcium oxalates; causes mouth pain, drooling, vomiting. Read our full guide.
- Philodendron (heartleaf, Brasil, micans) — same calcium oxalate issue.
- Ficus (fiddle leaf fig, rubber plant) — irritating sap.
- Alocasia (elephant ear, African mask) — calcium oxalates.
- Pothos, ZZ plant, snake plant, peace lily, sago palm — all on the ASPCA toxic list.
Tips for a plant-and-pet household
- Hang it or mount it. Trailing and mounted plants stay naturally out of reach.
- Give cats their own greens. Cat grass or catnip satisfies the urge to chew.
- Check every new plant. Search the ASPCA database by botanical name before you buy — common names can be misleading.
- Watch the soil, not just the leaves. Some pets dig. A layer of decorative stones on the soil surface helps.
Shop pet-safe plants
Browse our full Pet-Safe Plants collection — every plant verified non-toxic to cats and dogs by the ASPCA, shipped in nursery pots ready for your home.