Pet-Friendly Houseplants: What’s Safe for Homes with Cats & Dogs
If you share your home with pets, choosing houseplants can feel a little intimidating—and for good reason. Some plants are perfectly safe, while others can cause anything from mild stomach upset to more serious issues if ingested. The good news? There are plenty of pet-friendly houseplants that let you enjoy greenery and keep your furry family members safe.
One important note before we dive in: the most accurate, up-to-date resource for plant toxicity is the ASPCA’s Animal Poison Control database. While we’re sharing commonly accepted pet-friendly options here, it’s always smart to double-check specific varieties—especially if you have a curious chewer at home.
Know Your Pet First
Every pet is different. Some cats and dogs completely ignore houseplants for their entire lives, while others see greenery as a personal snack bar. Puppies, kittens, bored indoor cats, and teething dogs are often the most curious. Knowing your pet’s habits will help you decide whether you need to be extra cautious—or just mildly mindful.
Pet-Friendly Houseplants by Light Level
(Always verify specific varieties with the ASPCA database.)
Low-Light Pet-Friendly Plants
These tolerate lower light and work well in offices, bedrooms, and shaded spaces.
- Cast-Iron Plant (Aspidistra elatior)
- Parlor Palm (Chamaedorea elegans)
- Calathea (Prayer Plant family)
- Maranta (Prayer Plant)
- Peperomia (most varieties)
- Fittonia (Nerve Plant)
- Friendship Plant (Pilea involucrata)
Medium-Light Pet-Friendly Plants
- Spider Plant (Chlorophytum comosum)
- Polka Dot Plant (Hypoestes)
- Prayer Plant (Maranta)
- Calathea varieties
- Peperomia obtusifolia
- Peperomia caperata
- Friendship Plant (Pilea involucrata)
- Boston Fern
- Button Fern
- Bird’s Nest Fern
- Cast-Iron Plant
- Parlor Palm
Bright, Indirect Light Pet-Friendly Plants
- Areca Palm
- Bamboo Palm
- Majesty Palm
- Money Tree (Pachira aquatica)
- Boston Fern
- Staghorn Fern
- Ponytail Palm (technically a succulent, but very pet-friendly)
- African Violet
- Peperomia varieties
- Calathea orbifolia
- Calathea medallion
- Prayer Plant (Maranta)
Bright Light Pet-Friendly Plants
- African Violet
- Christmas Cactus
- Easter Cactus
- Haworthia (pet-safe succulent option)
- Ponytail Palm
Tips to Keep Pets from Eating Your Plants
Even pet-friendly plants aren’t meant to be a snack. A little prevention goes a long way:
- Place plants out of reach on shelves, plant stands, or hanging planters
- Use bitter sprays (like bitter apple spray) on pots or leaves to deter chewing
- Provide pet alternatives, like cat grass, to redirect interest
- Rotate plant placement if your pet becomes fixated on one spot
- Observe behavior—some pets lose interest over time, others don’t
The key is paying attention and adjusting as needed.
What If Your Pet Eats a Plant?
If you suspect your pet has ingested a plant:
- Remove any remaining plant material from their mouth or area
- Identify the plant as accurately as possible
- Check the ASPCA Animal Poison Control database
- Contact your veterinarian if symptoms appear or if the plant is listed as toxic
You can also contact the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at
888-426-4435 (fees may apply)
Symptoms to watch for include vomiting, drooling, lethargy, diarrhea, or changes in behavior.
Pet-Friendly Plants at Prairie Gardens
At Prairie Gardens, we understand that your plants are part of your home—and your pets are part of your family. Our team is always happy to help you choose pet-friendly houseplants that match your space, lighting, and lifestyle. We can also help you look up specific plants and varieties so you feel confident bringing them home.
Prairie Gardens
3000 W. Springfield Avenue
Champaign, IL
Stop in and let us help you grow a home that’s safe, beautiful, and pet-approved.
