Lush houseplants can do a lot of good for your home by bringing the outside in. Plants make your space look better, clean the air, and make you feel calm. But not all plants are good for pets. Many common houseplants can be very bad for dogs and cats. They can cause anything from mild irritation to life-threatening reactions.
How can you enjoy the benefits of an indoor jungle without putting your pets in danger? First, you need to know which plants are safe for pets and which ones to stay away from.
In this guide, we’ll talk about the most common houseplants that are bad for pets, offer safe alternatives, and give you tips on how to keep your pets and plants happy at the same time.
Caring About Plant Safety
A bite can be dangerous. Animals are naturally curious. A cat or puppy that likes to play might not be able to resist a new leaf or a vine that is hanging down. But a lot of common houseplants have chemicals in them that can make your pet’s mouth hurt, make them sick, or even make them vomit, shake, or have trouble breathing.
Cats are especially at risk because they often jump on shelves or counters where plants are kept. Toxic plants can also hurt dogs, rabbits, and even birds.
That’s why it’s important to choose plants carefully and know the risks before putting plants in your home.
Plants That Are Bad for Their Health
These plants may look nice, but they shouldn’t be in homes with pets. Here are some of the most common houseplants that can make cats and dogs sick:
- Peace Lily (Spathiphyllum)
Toxic to: Dogs and cats
Why: It contains calcium oxalate crystals that make your mouth and throat hurt, cause drooling, vomiting, and trouble swallowing.
- Pothos (Devil’s Ivy)
Harmful to: Dogs and cats
Why: It also has calcium oxalate in it, which can irritate the mouth, make you vomit, and make your mouth swell when you chew it.
- Philodendron
Toxic to: Dogs and cats
Why: Like pothos, philodendrons have chemicals that can make your mouth and stomach hurt a lot.
- Snake Plant (Sansevieria)
Toxic to: Dogs and cats
Why: It contains saponins that can make you sick, throw up, and have diarrhea if you eat them.
- Aloe Vera
Toxic to: Dogs and cats
Why: Aloe is good for people, but it has aloin in it, which can make pets throw up, feel tired, and have diarrhea.
- ZZ Plant (Zamioculcas zamiifolia)
Harmful to: Dogs and cats
Why: When eaten, it makes the stomach upset and hurts. Also, a skin irritant.
- Sago Palm
Toxic to: Dogs and cats
Why: Very poisonous. Even small amounts can cause liver failure and death if you eat them.
- Dieffenbachia (Dumb Cane)
Toxic to: Cats and dogs
Why: Chewing the plant makes your mouth hurt a lot, makes you drool, and makes it hard to swallow.
- Lilies of all kinds
Poisonous to: Cats
Why: Even small amounts can make cats’ kidneys stop working. Pollen and all other parts of the plant are dangerous.
Note: The ASPCA has a full searchable database of plants that are safe and plants that are not safe. This is useful for checking any species before you buy it.
Safe Houseplants for Pets
There’s still a lot of green to love. Most people think these non-toxic plants are safe for homes with pets. These plants are not known to be dangerous, but it’s still best to keep your pets from chewing on them because some may cause mild stomach upset.
- Spider Plant (Chlorophytum comosum)
Safe for pets: Yes
Why it’s great: Strong, easy to care for, and safe to chew on. If your cat likes to chew, hang them high.
- Areca Palm
Pet-safe: Yes
Why it’s great: Brings a tropical feel without the risk. Don’t mix it up with other poisonous palms.
- Calathea
Safe for pets: Yes
Why it’s great: Beautiful patterned leaves and no harmful chemicals. Likes humidity and light that isn’t direct.
- Parlor Palm (Chamaedorea elegans)
Safe for pets? Yes
Why it’s great: It cleans the air, looks nice, and is safe for pets.
- The Boston Fern
Is it safe for pets? Yes
Why it’s great: Pretty and fun to look at. Keep it wet and out of the sun.
- The Prayer Plant (Maranta leuconeura)
Safe for pets: Yes
Why it’s great: Patterns on the leaves that stand out and are completely safe.
- Peperomia
Safe for pets: Yes
Why it’s great:* There are many kinds of this plant, and they are all safe for pets.
- Peperomia obtusifolia, or the baby rubber plant
Safe for pets: Yes
Why it’s great: Thick leaves, easy to care for, and safe for pets.
Caring for Plants and Pets
Pets can hurt plants that are safe for them, and plants can hurt pets. Here’s how to help things go smoothly:
Don’t let plants get close to you: Put houseplants on high shelves, plant stands, or in hanging planters so that pets don’t accidentally eat or dig them up.
Put up barriers or things that will stop them: Put citrus peels down or use sprays that are safe for pets to keep them from nibbling. You can also put decorative rocks or mesh around the base of plants to keep pets from digging up the dirt.
Use Positive Reinforcement to Train Pets: Teach your pets not to eat plants by giving them treats and praise. Give your cat cat grass or catnip instead.
Heavy Planters That Are Safe: Check that big pots and stands are stable and won’t fall over if you bump into them or climb on them.
Don’t Use Pesticides or Fertilizers Inside: Use plant care products that are safe for pets. If you lick or eat some fertilizers or pest control sprays, they could be bad for you.
Conclusion
You can have both a healthy indoor garden and a safe home for your pets. You can enjoy the lush, calming atmosphere of houseplants without putting your pets’ health at risk if you know a little bit and plan ahead.
Stick with plants that aren’t poisonous, keep them out of reach, and stay away from plants that are tempting or dangerous. A pet-safe approach makes sure that everyone, whether they have two legs or four, can breathe easily, whether you’re a seasoned plant parent or just starting your collection.
