Reported non-toxic
Orchid
Phalaenopsis species
Phalaenopsis orchids are commonly listed as non-toxic for cats and dogs. Use the scientific name when checking a specific orchid.
pet safe houseplants
Pet Safe Houseplants
This hub is for homes with more than one pet. A houseplant can have different risk notes for cats, dogs, and horses, so check the animal-specific status before buying.
Plant safety checker
Search a plant before your pet gets near it
This site is a pet-safety reference, not veterinary advice. If your pet has eaten a plant or is showing symptoms, contact your veterinarian or a poison-control service immediately.
Which houseplants are safe for both cats and dogs?
Check the cat and dog columns separately before treating a houseplant as suitable for a multi-pet home. Spider plant, some orchids, and several palms may be lower-risk starting points only when the scientific identity matches the cited record. A shared common name is not enough to confirm safety.
Does non-toxic mean a houseplant is safe to chew?
No. Plant material, soil, fertilizer, pesticides, sharp leaves, and heavy pots can still cause problems even when a source labels the plant non-toxic.
Which common houseplants should pet owners check first?
Pothos, snake plant, monstera, aloe, peace lily, and sago palm are common searches because they are widely sold and have animal-specific risk notes. Open the individual record for the scientific name, direct source, symptoms when the source provides them, and safer alternatives.
How do I use this list at a plant store?
Photograph the full label, match the botanical name in the checker, and postpone the purchase when the identity is uncertain.
Plants in this group
Open a plant page for the direct answer, scientific name, safety notes, sources, and alternatives.
Reported non-toxic
Spider Plant
Chlorophytum comosum
Spider plant is commonly listed as non-toxic for cats and dogs. Cats may still chew it, so watch for stomach upset.
Reported non-toxic
Basil
Ocimum basilicum
Basil is commonly listed as non-toxic for cats and dogs. Keep seasonings, oils, and treated soil away from pets.
Use caution
Money Tree
Pachira aquatica
Money tree is often chosen as a pet-friendlier houseplant. Confirm the exact plant because common names can be reused.
Reported non-toxic
Christmas Cactus
Schlumbergera bridgesii
Christmas cactus is commonly listed as non-toxic for cats and dogs. Large amounts of any plant material can still upset the stomach.
Reported non-toxic
Bamboo Palm
Chamaedorea seifrizii
Bamboo palm is commonly listed as non-toxic for cats and dogs. Do not confuse it with sago palm, which is a serious hazard.
Use caution
Calathea
Calathea species
Calathea and prayer-plant relatives are commonly used as pet-friendlier houseplants. Check the exact name when buying.
Reported non-toxic
Catnip
Nepeta cataria
Catnip is commonly listed as non-toxic for cats and is intentionally grown for cats. Use moderation because too much can cause stomach upset.
Reported toxic
Snake Plant
Dracaena trifasciata
Snake plant is commonly reported as toxic to cats and dogs. Keep it away from pets that chew plants.
Reported toxic
Pothos
Epipremnum aureum
Pothos is commonly reported as toxic to cats and dogs because chewing can irritate the mouth and stomach.
Reported toxic
Peace Lily
Spathiphyllum species
Peace lily is not a true lily, but it is still commonly reported as toxic to cats and dogs due to irritating crystals.
Reported toxic
Aloe
Aloe vera
Aloe is commonly reported as toxic to cats and dogs. Do not assume a plant is safe because it is common in homes.
Reported toxic
Monstera
Monstera deliciosa
Monstera is commonly reported as toxic to cats and dogs because chewing can irritate the mouth and digestive tract.
Use caution
Fern
Varies by species
Fern is too broad to treat as one safety result. Boston fern is commonly used as pet-friendlier, while some fern-like plants are not.
Use caution
ZZ Plant
Zamioculcas zamiifolia
ZZ plant is best treated as caution unless you have a source for the exact plant. Many pet owners avoid it because chewing can irritate pets.
High-risk toxic
Sago Palm
Cycas revoluta
Sago palm is a high-risk plant for cats and dogs. Seeds and other parts can be dangerous; exposure needs urgent help.