Dr. Rene's Pet-Safe Houseplant Shopping List
Looking for pet-safe houseplants? Use this veterinarian-approved shopping list to find plants that are generally safe for dogs and cats, learn which plants to avoid, and know what to do if your pet chews on one.
🌿 Dr. Rene's Pet-Safe Houseplant Shopping List
Print it. Save it. Take it to the nursery.
Designed for homes with both dogs and cats.
✅ Great Choices (My Favorite Recommendations)
These houseplants are considered non-toxic to both dogs and cats.*
| Plant | Dogs | Cats | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Spider Plant (Chlorophytum comosum) | ✅ Safe | ✅ Safe | Inexpensive, easy to grow, forgiving |
| Areca Palm | ✅ Safe | ✅ Safe | Large statement plant |
| Parlor Palm | ✅ Safe | ✅ Safe | Tolerates lower light conditions |
| Bamboo Palm | ✅ Safe | ✅ Safe | Beautiful tropical plant |
| Ponytail Palm (not a true palm) | ✅ Safe | ✅ Safe | Unique, easy-care succulent |
| Boston Fern | ✅ Safe | ✅ Safe | Great for hanging displays |
| Bird's Nest Fern | ✅ Safe | ✅ Safe | Tolerates lower light |
| Calathea (Prayer Plant) | ✅ Safe | ✅ Safe | Colorful patterned leaves |
| Maranta (Prayer Plant) | ✅ Safe | ✅ Safe | Similar to calathea |
| Peperomia (most varieties) | ✅ Safe | ✅ Safe | Compact, many varieties |
| Pilea (Chinese Money Plant) | ✅ Safe | ✅ Safe | Popular modern houseplant |
| African Violet | ✅ Safe | ✅ Safe | Flowering option safe for curious pets |
| Phalaenopsis Orchid | ✅ Safe | ✅ Safe | Elegant and easy to care for |
| Christmas Cactus | ✅ Safe | ✅ Safe | Non-toxic holiday plant |
| Haworthia | ✅ Safe | ✅ Safe | Small, easy-care succulent |
| Friendship Plant | ✅ Safe | ✅ Safe | Textured, attractive leaves |
| Polka Dot Plant | ✅ Safe | ✅ Safe | Colorful foliage |
| Swedish Ivy | ✅ Safe | ✅ Safe | Trailing plant for hanging baskets |
| Cast Iron Plant | ✅ Safe | ✅ Safe | Very hardy, tolerates low light |
| Baby Rubber Plant (Peperomia obtusifolia) | ✅ Safe | ✅ Safe | Compact with glossy leaves |
⚠️ Generally Safe…But May Cause Mild Stomach Upset
These plants are not expected to cause severe poisoning but may cause vomiting or diarrhea if your pet eats a large amount.
- Christmas Cactus
- Spider Plant (cats especially love chewing it!)
- Herbs such as: Basil, Cilantro, Dill, Rosemary, Thyme, Parsley (small amounts)
- Lettuce grown indoors
- Wheatgrass / Cat Grass
❌ Avoid in Homes with Cats
These are plants I personally recommend not bringing into a home with cats.
| Plant | Risk | Why to Avoid |
|---|---|---|
| True Lilies (Easter, Tiger, Asiatic, Stargazer, Daylily) | ❌ Life-threatening | Cause severe kidney failure in cats; even tiny exposures are dangerous |
| Autumn Crocus | ❌ High | Severe toxicity with potential organ damage |
| Sago Palm | ❌ High | Every part is toxic; can cause severe liver failure |
| Oleander | ❌ High | Cardiac glycosides can be life-threatening |
| Castor Bean | ❌ High | Contains ricin; highly toxic |
| Foxglove | ❌ High | Cardiac glycosides can cause serious arrhythmias |
| Yew | ❌ High | Can cause sudden death in dogs and cats |
| Cyclamen | ❌ High | Can cause vomiting and more severe effects |
| Kalanchoe | ❌ High | Can cause vomiting and cardiac effects |
⚠️ Common Houseplants That Aren't Ideal
These usually don't cause life-threatening poisoning, but they commonly cause painful mouth irritation, drooling, vomiting, or stomach upset.
| Plant | Risk | Why to Avoid |
|---|---|---|
| Pothos | ⚠️ Caution | Causes painful mouth irritation, drooling, and vomiting |
| Philodendron | ⚠️ Caution | Commonly causes oral irritation and drooling |
| Monstera | ⚠️ Caution | Causes oral irritation and GI upset |
| ZZ Plant | ⚠️ Caution | Irritates the mouth and digestive tract |
| Dieffenbachia (Dumb Cane) | ⚠️ Caution | Severe mouth pain and difficulty swallowing |
| Snake Plant | ⚠️ Caution | Can cause vomiting and GI upset |
| Aloe Vera | ⚠️ Caution | May cause vomiting, diarrhea, and lethargy |
| English Ivy | ⚠️ Caution | Can irritate the mouth and skin |
| Peace Lily (not a true lily) | ⚠️ Caution | Causes oral irritation despite the name |
🌱 Before You Buy Any Plant
✔️ Know the plant's common and scientific name.
✔️ Don't rely on labels like 'pet friendly' without verifying the species.
✔️ Keep plant tags or take a photo of them.
✔️ Place plants where curious pets cannot easily reach them—especially kittens and puppies.
✔️ Remember that even non-toxic plants can cause stomach upset if eaten in large amounts.
🐾 If Your Pet Eats a Plant
Remove any remaining plant material.
Take a picture of the plant (including the tag if possible).
Estimate how much was eaten.
Call your veterinarian if you're unsure whether the plant is safe.
If your cat has been exposed to any true lily, seek emergency veterinary care immediately—even if they seem completely normal.
🩺 Dr. Rene's Top 5 Pet-Friendly Houseplants
- Spider Plant
- Parlor Palm
- Phalaenopsis Orchid
- Calathea
- Peperomia
These are the plants I recommend most often because they're attractive, widely available, relatively easy to care for, and considered safe for households with both dogs and cats.
- Important: 'Pet-safe' means these plants are not expected to cause severe poisoning. Any plant can still cause vomiting, diarrhea, or gastrointestinal upset if enough is eaten.
Educational only. This article is not a substitute for veterinary care. If your pet is unwell, please contact your veterinarian.
Keep reading
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