Which houseplants are safe for cats and dogs?

2026-07-15

If you share your home with curious cats or enthusiastic dogs, choosing the right houseplants matters more than many people realise. Pets chew, bat, and nibble at greenery out of boredom, curiosity, or even instinct, and some of the most popular houseplants sold in UK garden centres can cause anything from mild stomach upset to serious organ damage. The good news is that there are plenty of beautiful, easy-to-care-for plants that pose no significant risk to your animals, so you do not have to choose between a green home and a safe one.

Safe plants for cats and dogs

Several well-loved houseplants are considered non-toxic to both cats and dogs by the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA), which maintains one of the most thorough databases of plant toxicity. Spider plants (Chlorophytum comosum) are a classic choice: they thrive in indirect light, tolerate some neglect, and are completely safe if chewed, though they can have a very mild hallucinogenic effect on cats that may encourage repeated nibbling. Boston ferns (Nephrolepis exaltata), prayer plants (Maranta leuconeura), and Calathea varieties are also on the safe list and add lush texture to any room.

Herbs and edible plants that are pet-friendly

Growing herbs on the kitchen windowsill is popular, and some are perfectly fine around pets. Basil, dill, and rosemary are all considered safe for cats and dogs. Catnip (Nepeta cataria) is obviously safe for cats and most dogs ignore it entirely. Lemon balm is another safe option that smells lovely and is easy to grow indoors. If you enjoy growing your own food on a small scale, tomato plants are worth noting as a caution: the ripe fruit is generally low risk, but the leaves and stems contain solanine and should be kept out of reach.

Common houseplants that are toxic and should be avoided

Some of the most fashionable houseplants are unfortunately among the most dangerous for pets. Monstera deliciosa (Swiss cheese plant) and all Philodendron species contain insoluble calcium oxalate crystals that cause intense burning and swelling of the mouth, drooling, and vomiting if chewed. Pothos (Epipremnum aureum), often sold as a beginner plant in UK shops, carries the same risk. Peace lilies (Spathiphyllum) are toxic to both cats and dogs and cause similar oral irritation, though true lilies of the Lilium and Hemerocallis families are specifically dangerous to cats and can cause acute kidney failure even in very small amounts.

What to do if your pet eats a plant

If you suspect your cat or dog has eaten any part of a houseplant, try to identify the plant as precisely as possible and contact your vet straight away. Do not wait for symptoms to develop, particularly with cats and lily exposure, where speed is critical. Take a photo of the plant or bring a cutting to the vet if you can. In the UK, the Animal Poison Line (run by the Veterinary Poisons Information Service) is available on 01202 509000 and provides expert advice for a small fee, though always follow up with your own vet for treatment.

Tips for pet-proofing your plant collection

Even with non-toxic plants, it is worth discouraging pets from chewing greenery, as soil, fertiliser, and pesticides can all cause problems. Placing plants on high shelves, using hanging baskets, or putting them in rooms behind closed doors are all effective strategies. Some pet owners find that spritzing leaves lightly with diluted bitter apple spray deters chewing without harming the plant. Providing cats with a dedicated pot of cat grass or catnip can redirect their chewing instinct away from your other plants.

A quick reference list

To summarise: safe choices for homes with cats and dogs include spider plants, Boston ferns, Calathea, African violets, Echeveria, bamboo palm, cast iron plant, basil, dill, and rosemary. Plants to avoid include Monstera, Philodendron, Pothos, peace lily, all true lilies (especially around cats), snake plant, ZZ plant, aloe vera, and sago palm. When in doubt, check before you buy, and remember that even safe plants are best kept out of reach to avoid upset stomachs and muddy paw prints across your shelves.