Pet-Safe Houseplants for Cat and Dog Owners
Love plants and pets? These beautiful houseplants are non-toxic to cats and dogs, so you can enjoy both worry-free.
Many popular houseplants, including monstera, pothos, peace lily and ZZ plant, are toxic to cats and dogs if chewed. That does not mean pet owners have to give up on a green home. There are plenty of beautiful plants that are considered non-toxic to pets.
Our favourite pet-safe plants
Spider Plant. Easy, fast-growing and cheerful. Cats often love to play with the dangling plantlets, so hang it slightly out of reach if you want to keep it looking neat.
Calathea Orbifolia. Large, round, striped leaves make it a real showpiece. It loves humidity, so bathrooms are ideal.
Prayer Plant. Its leaves fold up at night, and its red-veined patterns are stunning.
Parlor Palm. A soft, feathery palm that grows well in lower light.
Boston Fern. Lush and full, perfect for hanging baskets.
Chinese Money Plant. Round, coin-shaped leaves and easy to propagate.
Zebra Haworthia. A small succulent that is ideal for desks and windowsills.
Wax Plant. Thick, waxy leaves and fragrant, star-shaped flowers.
Good habits for plant-loving pet owners
Even non-toxic plants can upset a pet's stomach if eaten in large amounts, so it is still best to discourage chewing. Place plants on high shelves or in hanging pots, and give cats their own pot of cat grass as a tasty alternative. Avoid fertiliser sticks and pesticides that pets could reach, and wipe up any spilled fertiliser.
If you are unsure whether a plant is safe, check it on a trusted pet poison database before bringing it home. On every Leafy product page, look for the pet-safe badge to find plants suitable for homes with cats and dogs.