Toxicity and Houseplants: Safe Choices for Cats and Dogs

I love my kitties, and I love my houseplants. A home is a much more delightful place to be with both of them in it. You most likely feel that way about your pets and plants too. Toxicity and houseplants can be a somewhat fearsome and misunderstood subject so I want to give you some things to think about. Here I’m sharing some thoughts on the common questions, “Are houseplants safe for pets?”

This post is a guideline where I’m sharing my thoughts. It’s meant to give you something to think about. Do your research about a houseplant and decide if it’s one you want to bring into your home. I  recommend checking out the ASPCA toxic and non-toxic plant list.  It not only tells you if a plant is toxic or non-toxic, but also the effects it’ll have on your pet. There are more links for your reference at the end.

Are Houseplants Safe for Pets?

It seems like there are more houseplants that are toxic, in varying degrees, than there are safe.

Something which is toxic (containing some type of a poisonous substance) doesn’t necessarily mean it’ll cause death. There are many mildly to moderately toxic houseplants which will only cause irritation of the mouth, a skin rash and/or a bit of vomiting.

On the other end, there are select plants that when ingested will cause liver failure or even death. Be informed.

Get to Know Your Pets and their Habits

Just know that some plants are toxic for dogs, others for cats and many for both. Horses I’m not even touching on here because hopefully, you don’t live with a horse in your home!

The reaction your pet will have depends on their size and weight, the amount they ingest and what part of the plant they’ve eaten. Just chewing on houseplants usually isn’t too harmful but swallowing them can be.

You know your cat or dog and what they’ll do. I have 2 kitties, Oscar and Riley. Oscar occasionally chomps away on plants in my garden but he’s always had digestive issues. He never chews on my houseplants though. Riley could care less about any plants and focuses more on things that move, like lizards and birds.

Dogs and cats love to chew on grass outdoors. Oscar will sometimes swallow a bit of the plant he’s chomped away on and throw up. He vomits that plant part up one time and that doesn’t concern me. If he was repeatedly vomiting and having difficulty breathing, I’d get him to a vet in no time fast.

If your pet is showing signs of distress (vomiting, breathing issues, convulsing, excessive drooling, etc) immediately call your vet and give him or her the name of the plant or send a picture if you don’t know. Remember, common names can be tricky so it’s best to go with the botanical name or a picture. Also, they might be able to face chat with you and see what the pet is doing. If it seems serious, get your pet to the vet or emergency room as fast as you can.

Why do cats and dogs chew on houseplants?

To aid digestion. When pets are feeling gassy or slight nausea and they can’t get any grass, chewing on and ingesting plants make them feel better.

A lack of fiber in their diet.

With some houseplants, it’s a texture thing. My San Francisco kitty Ivan loved to chew on my bromeliads (which are on the safe list by the way) because their leaves are nice & crunchy. Just like how we love to munch away on potato chips!

They’re bored.

They’re angry.

How to prevent your pet from chewing on houseplants

Discipline. Try training your pet to stay away from your houseplants.

Get some grass. Kitty grass is readily available. I’ve never seen any living doggy grass sold – have you?

Sprays or sprinkles. These are store bought but many don’t have good reviews. Have you found one that works?

Cayenne pepper. It can be sprinkled in the plant or made into a spray. Just know that if you use too much, it can cause irritation.

Aluminum foil. Scrunch it a bit & put it in the pot. Cats especially don’t like the sound or feel of it. It’s definitely not the best look unless of course, you have a Star Trek theme going on in your house!

Use a safe or non-toxic plant, like a Ponytail Palm or a Neanthe Bella Palm, as an attractant or decoy. Place it where your pet can easily get to it & maybe they’ll leave the others alone.

Keep them out of reach. Hang your houseplants or put them on top of shelves, cabinets, etc. You could also try a tall plant stand (if your pet doesn’t knock it over!).

Are there any plants that are safe for pets?

Just because a plant is listed as safe or non-toxic, it doesn’t mean it won’t cause your pet to throw up and/or have diarrhea. It won’t harm them but could cause discomfort along with a mess for you to clean up.

Safe houseplants for both cats and dogs

Spider Plants

Note: The Spider Plant contains an opium-like substance that might make your kitty loopy so that can be a bit of a risk. This 1 can easily hang out of kitties reach.

Bamboo Palm, Areca Palm, Kentia Palm & Neanthe Bella Palm

This is a Kentia Palm.

Hoyas

Bromeliads

Ponytail Palms

Ferns: Boston Fern “Dallas, Bird’s Nest Fern

This is a large Bird’s Nest Fern.

Peperomias

Prayer Plants

Air Plants

Note: Air Plants are small and light. Kitties love to chew on them!

Succulents: Burro’s Tail, Haworthias & Hens & Chickens (the Echeveri elegans)

Christmas Cactus, Thanksgiving Cactus, Easter Cactus

Phalaenopsis Orchids

African Violets

I hope this has given you something to think about and that you’ve found it to be helpful. Be aware and informed: watch your pet’s behavior around houseplants and educate yourself. Here are some links so you can do your own research.

• ASPCA toxic & non-toxic list
• 10 household plants that are dangerous to pets
• Toxicity of 20 common houseplants to dogs
• Poisonous plants for cats, what to watch for & what to do
• Another list with the level of toxicity
• 24 Hour Animal Poison Control Center

Happy indoor gardening,

Disclaimer:  This article is intended to be a general resource only.  Any recommendations are based on personal opinion & experience.  For information on this site, please read our policies.