What houseplants are safe to have around pets?

Many houseplants are safe around pets. Reliable non-toxic choices listed by the ASPCA include the Spider Plant, Boston Fern, Calathea, Peperomia, Parlor Palm, Areca Palm, Prayer Plant, African Violet, and Money Tree. Avoid common but toxic plants such as Pothos, Monstera, Peace Lily, ZZ Plant, and Snake Plant. The safest setup pairs non-toxic species with smart, out-of-reach placement.

Pet-safe houseplants

The plants below are all listed as non-toxic to cats and dogs by the ASPCA, which keeps the most widely trusted list of safe and toxic plants. Non-toxic does not mean a pet should eat them in quantity, but a curious nibble will not poison your animal, and most of these are forgiving, easy-care plants too.

Plant	Pet-safe?	Notes
Spider Plant	Yes	Tough, fast-growing, tolerates a nibble
Boston Fern	Yes	A true fern; likes humidity and indirect light
Calathea	Yes	Bold patterned leaves; prefers filtered water
Peperomia	Yes	Compact, low-care, many varieties
Parlor Palm	Yes	Classic low-light palm
Areca Palm	Yes	Larger feathery palm for bright rooms
Prayer Plant	Yes	Folds its leaves at night; loves humidity
African Violet	Yes	Flowering, stays small, bright indirect light
Money Tree	Yes	Braided trunk, easygoing in indirect light
Most Hoya	Yes	Waxy trailing leaves, great for shelves

Common houseplants that are toxic to pets

These are some of the most popular houseplants sold, and all are toxic to cats and dogs. Most contain insoluble calcium oxalate crystals, which cause mouth and throat irritation, drooling, and vomiting, while others carry different toxins. Keep these out of reach or skip them in a pet home.

Pothos — contains calcium oxalate crystals; causes oral irritation and vomiting.
Monstera — same crystals; chewing leads to a burning mouth and drooling.
Peace Lily — oxalate crystals irritate the mouth and throat.
ZZ Plant — all parts contain calcium oxalate; causes irritation if chewed.
Snake Plant — contains saponins; causes nausea, vomiting, and diarrhoea.
Aloe Vera — saponins and anthraquinones cause vomiting and lethargy.
Philodendron — calcium oxalate crystals; oral pain, drooling, and vomiting.
Dieffenbachia — high in oxalates; can cause intense mouth pain and swelling.
Dracaena — contains saponins; causes vomiting, drooling, and weakness in pets.

Tips for a pet-friendly plant home

Choose non-toxic species first. Build your collection around safe plants like the Spider Plant, Calathea, and Peperomia so a stray nibble is never a crisis.
Identify every plant. Know exactly what you own and check each one against the ASPCA list, since common names can be misleading.
Place risky plants out of reach. Keep any toxic plants on high shelves, in hanging pots, or in rooms your pets cannot access.
Watch for chewing. Redirect persistent chewers with a safe outlet like cat grass, and discourage them from the pots.
Mind the soil and feed. Fertilizer pellets, pesticides, and even potting mix can upset a pet, so keep those covered or out of reach too.
Keep help handy. Save your vet's number and the ASPCA Animal Poison Control line in case your pet ever eats something it should not.

Plant	Pet-safe?	Why
Spider Plant	Yes	Non-toxic per the ASPCA
Boston Fern	Yes	Non-toxic true fern
Peperomia	Yes	No known toxins
Pothos	No	Calcium oxalate crystals
Peace Lily	No	Calcium oxalate crystals
Aloe Vera	No	Saponins and anthraquinones

Frequently asked questions

What is the safest houseplant to have around pets?

The Spider Plant is one of the safest and easiest pet-friendly houseplants. The ASPCA lists it as non-toxic to cats and dogs, it tolerates a wide range of conditions, and it bounces back from the occasional curious nibble, making it a great first plant for pet owners.

Are ferns safe for cats and dogs?

True ferns like the Boston Fern are non-toxic to cats and dogs per the ASPCA, so they are a safe choice. Be careful with plants that have fern in the name but are not true ferns, such as the asparagus fern, which is toxic to pets despite its common name.

Which common houseplants are toxic to pets?

Several popular plants are toxic, including Pothos, Monstera, Peace Lily, ZZ Plant, Snake Plant, Philodendron, Dieffenbachia, Dracaena, and Aloe Vera. Most contain calcium oxalate crystals or other irritants that cause mouth pain, drooling, vomiting, or worse if your pet chews them.

Is Aloe Vera safe for pets?

No. Despite its benefits for people, Aloe Vera is toxic to cats and dogs. The plant contains saponins and anthraquinones that can cause vomiting, diarrhoea, and lethargy if eaten. Keep aloe well out of reach, or choose a non-toxic succulent alternative instead.

Are succulents safe for cats and dogs?

Some are and some are not. Haworthia and most Peperomia are non-toxic, while Aloe Vera, Jade Plant, and Kalanchoe are toxic to pets. Because it varies so much, always check the specific species against the ASPCA list before bringing a succulent into a home with pets.

How do I keep my pets safe from toxic plants?

Choose non-toxic species where you can, and place any riskier plants on high shelves or in hanging pots out of reach. Identify every plant you own, watch for chewing, and keep your vet or the ASPCA poison line handy in case your pet ever eats something it should not.