Cats and dogs explore with their mouths, and a surprising number of pretty houseplants are toxic to them. You don't have to choose between pets and plants — you choose the right plants.
Safe for cats & dogs
- Spider plant, peperomia, calathea & maranta
- Bromeliads, orchids, prayer plants
- African violets, ponytail palm, cast-iron plant
- Most ferns (true ferns — not asparagus fern, which is toxic)
Toxic — keep out of reach
- Pothos, philodendron, monstera (mouth/throat irritation)
- ZZ plant, snake plant, peace lily (mild to moderate)
- Sago palm (severe — avoid entirely around pets)
If a pet eats a plant
Contact your vet or a poison control line immediately. Don't wait for symptoms. Keep the plant name handy.Practical peacekeeping
Hang trailing plants high, use closed terrariums for tempting nibbles, and give cats their own cat grass to chew. Most "plant chewing" is boredom, not hunger.
Are spider plants really safe?
Yes — non-toxic to cats and dogs, which is why they're our top pick for pet homes.
My cat eats every plant. What then?
Stick to the safe list, hang the rest, and offer cat grass. Avoid toxic species entirely.
Sharing a home with pets
Cats and dogs explore with their mouths, so plant choice is the first line of defence. Build your collection from the safe list — spider plant, calathea, peperomia, orchids, bromeliads, African violets, cast-iron plant — and you can relax. For the toxic favourites (pothos, philodendron, monstera, ZZ, snake plant, peace lily), hang them high or use closed terrariums so a curious pet can't reach them.
If a pet bites a leaf
Most toxic houseplants cause mouth irritation, drooling and stomach upset rather than anything life-threatening — but sago palm is severely toxic and should be avoided entirely. If you suspect ingestion, call your vet or a poison control line immediately; don't wait for symptoms. Keep the plant's name handy so they can act fast.
Offer cats their own cat grass to chew and they often leave your plants alone. Boredom, not hunger, drives most plant-chewing.