Filling your home with greenery becomes a more careful exercise the moment a cat or dog shares the space. Many popular houseplants — including several that appear in virtually every beginners’ guide — are toxic to pets, causing anything from mild stomach upset to serious organ damage. The good news is that there is no shortage of genuinely beautiful, easy-to-care-for species that the ASPCA’s toxic and non-toxic plant database confirms as safe for both cats and dogs. This guide brings those plants together in one place, pairs them with straightforward care notes, and covers the common toxic plants worth knowing about so you can make informed decisions for your whole household.
Why “Pet-Safe” Means Both Cats and Dogs
A plant that is safe for a cat is not automatically safe for a dog, and vice versa. Cats and dogs metabolise certain compounds differently — for example, dogs tend to be more sensitive to xylitol and some terpenoids, while cats lack a liver enzyme that allows them to process several compounds that dogs tolerate without issue. For a multi-pet household, or for anyone who wants a single reliable standard, the safest approach is to check both species against the ASPCA database before buying anything new.
This article focuses specifically on plants listed as non-toxic to both cats and dogs. If you share your home with cats only and want a deeper dive into feline-specific choices — including trailing varieties and shelf plants particularly suited to curious climbers — see our dedicated guide to cat-safe indoor plants for that more detailed coverage.
Pet-Safe Indoor Plants: The Full List
The species below are all confirmed non-toxic to cats and dogs by the ASPCA. Each entry includes a quick summary of light, watering, and any particular care notes relevant to a pet household.
Spider Plant (Chlorophytum comosum)
One of the most forgiving easy indoor plants for beginners, spider plant thrives in bright indirect light but tolerates lower light surprisingly well. Water when the top 2–3 cm of compost feels dry, and reduce watering in winter. The dangling offshoots are irresistible to cats in particular — the plant is still safe, but nibbling may cause mild, transient digestive upset simply from the quantity consumed. Keeping it on a high shelf reduces the temptation.
Boston Fern (Nephrolepis exaltata)
Boston fern is non-toxic and adds real lushness to a space. It prefers moderate to bright indirect light, high humidity, and consistently moist — though never waterlogged — compost. Central heating can be its enemy; a bathroom windowsill or a tray of pebbles with water nearby helps maintain the humidity it likes. It is one of the better choices for lower-light spaces, though it will grow more vigorously with a few hours of filtered light each day.
Parlour Palm (Chamaedorea elegans)
Parlour palm is one of the most reliably pet-safe choices among statement plants. It tolerates low light better than most palms, grows slowly to around 1–1.2 metres, and asks for very little beyond watering when the top centimetre of compost dries out. Yellowing lower fronds are normal as the plant matures. Our full guide to indoor palm plants covers care in more depth and includes other pet-friendly palm varieties. One important note: the word “palm” is sometimes applied loosely — sago palm (Cycas revoluta) is categorically not a true palm and is extremely toxic; give it a wide berth.
Areca Palm (Dypsis lutescens)
The areca palm’s feathery, arching fronds make it one of the most graceful larger houseplants available. It thrives in bright indirect light, needs watering when the top 2 cm of compost dries, and benefits from misting or a humid room. A well-grown specimen can reach 1.5–2 metres indoors, making it a strong candidate if you are looking for tall indoor plants that are safe around pets.
Prayer Plant (Maranta leuconeura)
Named for the way its leaves fold upward in the evening, prayer plant is non-toxic and brings striking patterned foliage to lower shelves and windowsills. It prefers moderate indirect light, consistent moisture, and humidity — avoid cold draughts and let the soil surface dry slightly between waterings. Growth is slow but the foliage is genuinely decorative.
Calathea / Goeppertia Species
Calatheas (many now reclassified under Goeppertia) share the prayer plant’s overnight leaf movement and the same care requirements: moderate indirect light, regular but moderate watering, and decent humidity. They are listed as non-toxic by the ASPCA and are a good option for adding colour and pattern without risk. They are somewhat finicky about water quality — if tap water is heavily chlorinated, leaving it overnight before using it can reduce the brown leaf tips that calatheas are prone to.
Cast Iron Plant (Aspidistra elatior)
True to its name, the cast iron plant tolerates neglect, low light, irregular watering, and temperature fluctuations that would quickly finish off more demanding species. It is non-toxic to both cats and dogs, grows slowly, and rarely needs repotting. If your home has a dim hallway or a corner that few plants would survive, this is the one to reach for.
Haworthia
Haworthias are compact, slow-growing succulents listed as non-toxic to both cats and dogs — useful to know given that many popular succulents (including aloe vera and jade plant) are not safe. They prefer bright indirect light, very infrequent watering — roughly every two to three weeks in summer, less in winter — and excellent drainage. Their small size makes them a good option if you are looking for small indoor plants for windowsills in a pet household.
Echeveria
Another safe succulent, echeveria forms rosettes of fleshy leaves in a range of colours and is non-toxic to cats and dogs. It needs more light than haworthia — ideally a south- or east-facing windowsill — and water only when the compost is completely dry. Like haworthia, it makes a low-risk choice for bright spots where pets can reach.
African Violet (Saintpaulia ionantha)
African violet is a compact flowering houseplant that is non-toxic and widely available in the UK. It prefers bright indirect light (avoiding direct midday sun, which scorches the velvety leaves), consistent warmth above 15°C (59°F), and bottom watering to keep moisture off the leaves. With reasonable care it will flower repeatedly through the year.
Bamboo Palm (Chamaedorea seifrizii)
Close relative of the parlour palm and similarly pet-safe, bamboo palm has a slightly more architectural look with multiple slender stems. It tolerates low to moderate light, needs moderate watering, and grows to around 1.5 metres. It is a practical option for anyone wanting a larger statement plant that both cats and dogs can safely investigate.
Peperomia
The peperomia genus contains hundreds of species — from trailing varieties to compact upright types — and they are collectively listed as non-toxic. Most prefer moderate indirect light and are notably drought-tolerant, making them forgiving for busy households. Their small root systems mean they suit small pots and window ledges well.
Friendship Plant (Pilea involucrata)
Friendship plant is a low-growing, textured plant with quilted foliage that is safe for cats and dogs. It enjoys moderate indirect light, regular watering during the growing season, and some humidity. It stays compact, rarely exceeding 20–30 cm, and produces offsets freely — easy to share with other plant-owning households.
Ponytail Palm (Beaucarnea recurvata)
Despite the name, ponytail palm is not a true palm but is similarly non-toxic to cats and dogs. Its swollen trunk stores water, which makes it very drought-tolerant and one of the easier larger plants to keep. It needs bright light and very infrequent watering. Left in good conditions it develops into an impressive specimen plant over several years.
Common Toxic Houseplants to Avoid
Knowing what to avoid is just as important as knowing what is safe. The following plants are among the most widely sold in UK garden centres and homeware shops — and all are listed as toxic to cats, dogs, or both by the ASPCA.
- Monstera deliciosa (Swiss cheese plant) — Toxic to both cats and dogs. Contains insoluble calcium oxalates that cause oral irritation, drooling, vomiting, and difficulty swallowing.
- Pothos (Epipremnum aureum) — One of the most common beginner plants, and one of the most frequently causing pet poisoning calls. Toxic to both cats and dogs via the same calcium oxalate mechanism as monstera.
- Peace lily (Spathiphyllum) — Toxic to cats and dogs; causes the same oral irritation and gastrointestinal signs as pothos and monstera.
- Aloe vera — While used medicinally for humans, aloe is listed as toxic to both cats and dogs. Saponins in the latex layer cause vomiting, diarrhoea, lethargy, and tremors.
- Sago palm (Cycas revoluta) — Not a true palm; extremely toxic and potentially fatal to both cats and dogs even in small quantities. All parts of the plant are dangerous, with seeds carrying the highest concentration of cycasin.
- Jade plant (Crassula ovata) — Toxic to dogs and cats; ingestion can cause vomiting, depression, and incoordination.
- ZZ plant (Zamioculcas zamiifolia) — Contains calcium oxalates and is toxic to both cats and dogs.
- Dieffenbachia (dumb cane) — Contains calcium oxalates; causes intense oral burning, drooling, and can cause temporary swelling of the tongue and throat. Toxic to both species.
- Lilies (Lilium and Hemerocallis species) — While outdoor plants, these are regularly brought indoors as cut flowers or gifts. True lilies (including Easter lily, tiger lily, and day lily) are extremely toxic to cats in particular, causing acute kidney failure. Dogs experience gastrointestinal upset rather than renal failure, but lilies should still be kept well away from pets.
- Philodendron — The entire genus is toxic to cats and dogs via calcium oxalates.
- Snake plant / mother-in-law’s tongue (Dracaena trifasciata, formerly Sansevieria) — Toxic to both cats and dogs; causes nausea, vomiting, and diarrhoea.
This list is not exhaustive. Whenever you are considering a new addition to your collection, the ASPCA’s toxic and non-toxic plant database is freely searchable online by common name and Latin name and is the most comprehensive publicly available reference for this purpose.
Making Your Space Safer
Even with only pet-safe plants in the house, it is worth thinking about placement. Pets that ingest large quantities of any plant material — even non-toxic species — may experience digestive upset simply from the bulk. A few practical measures help:
- Elevation. Placing plants on shelving, plant stands, or high window ledges reduces casual nibbling, particularly for dogs that are food-motivated rather than curious about plants for their own sake.
- Distraction. Cats are often drawn to houseplants out of boredom or because they lack access to grass. Providing a pot of cat grass (typically wheat or oat grass) on a low shelf can redirect this behaviour and is entirely non-toxic.
- Drainage trays. Some fertilisers, when diluted in standing water in a drainage tray, can attract curious dogs. Empty trays after watering or use ones that are inaccessible.
- Soil covers. Dogs in particular may dig in, or eat from, open compost. A layer of stones or a decorative mesh across the surface of larger pots discourages this.
- Grow lights in hard-to-reach spots. If a windowsill that pets cannot access receives insufficient light, a grow light can bring suitable species to otherwise dark shelving. Our guide to grow lights for indoor plants covers the options and what to look for.
What to Do If Your Pet Eats a Plant
Act quickly and methodically rather than waiting to see if symptoms develop. Time matters, particularly with highly toxic species.
- Remove access. Take your pet away from the plant and secure any remaining material so you do not lose track of which plant it was or how much was eaten.
- Identify the plant. If you can name it precisely — common name and Latin name if possible — this significantly helps whoever you speak to next. A photo of the plant helps if identification is uncertain.
- Contact your vet. Call immediately, even if your pet appears fine. Many toxins have a delayed onset, and early intervention can prevent serious harm. Out of hours, contact an emergency veterinary service.
- Contact the Animal Poison Line. In the UK, the Animal Poison Line (01202 509000) provides specialist toxicology advice, though a consultation charge applies. It is staffed by veterinary toxicologists and can advise on risk level and whether immediate veterinary treatment is needed.
- Do not induce vomiting yourself. Unless specifically instructed to do so by a vet, do not attempt to make your pet vomit. For some toxins this is contraindicated and can cause additional harm.
If the plant was one on the safe list and your pet seems fine after a short period of observation, a call to your vet to describe what happened and roughly how much was eaten is still sensible. They can advise whether a check-up is warranted.
Building a Pet-Friendly Indoor Garden
Creating a full indoor plant collection around pet-safe species is entirely achievable. The list of safe plants is long enough to cover trailing plants, structural statement pieces, compact windowsill varieties, and flowering houseplants — meaning there is no need to compromise on variety or visual interest.
If you are new to indoor plants generally, our complete indoor plants guide is a good starting point for understanding the basics of light, watering, and soil before building a collection. Once you have the fundamentals down, the pet-safe species above all sit comfortably within beginner-to-intermediate care territory.
For households that want larger, more architectural plants — think statement specimens for living room corners — a pet-safe palm or areca palm is a strong choice. If you are after something that genuinely fills a room and draws the eye, our guides to indoor tree plants and tall indoor plants include some overlap with pet-safe options, though it is always worth cross-referencing individual species before purchasing.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are All Succulents Safe for Cats and Dogs?
No. While some succulents such as haworthia and echeveria are non-toxic to both cats and dogs according to the ASPCA, others are not. Aloe vera is listed as toxic to both species, and jade plants (Crassula ovata) are harmful to dogs. Always verify a specific succulent before adding it to a pet household.
Is Spider Plant Safe for Cats and Dogs?
Spider plant (Chlorophytum comosum) is listed as non-toxic to both cats and dogs by the ASPCA. However, its dangling offshoots are attractive to cats, and large quantities may cause mild digestive upset. It is generally considered one of the safest common houseplants for pet households.
What Should I Do If My Pet Eats a Houseplant?
Remove any remaining plant material from your pet’s reach and try to identify the species. If the plant is known to be toxic, or if you are unsure, contact your vet immediately. In the UK you can also contact the Animal Poison Line on 01202 509000 (a charge applies). Do not wait for symptoms to appear before seeking advice.
Can I Have a Pet-Safe Indoor Garden If My Flat Has Very Low Light?
Yes. Several pet-safe plants thrive in low light, including cast iron plant (Aspidistra elatior), prayer plant (Maranta leuconeura), and Boston fern (Nephrolepis exaltata). If natural light is very limited, a grow light can supplement it and expand your options considerably.
Are Palms Pet-Safe?
Most true palms are non-toxic to cats and dogs. The ASPCA lists parlour palm (Chamaedorea elegans), areca palm (Dypsis lutescens), and ponytail palm (Beaucarnea recurvata) as safe for both species. Importantly, sago palm (Cycas revoluta) — which is often sold alongside palms but is actually a cycad — is extremely toxic and potentially fatal to both cats and dogs.
Summary
Pet safe indoor plants are plentiful, varied, and genuinely beautiful — the constraint of avoiding toxic species does not mean settling for a sparse or dull collection. Spider plant, parlour palm, areca palm, Boston fern, prayer plant, haworthia, echeveria, peperomia, calathea, and cast iron plant are all confirmed non-toxic to both cats and dogs by the ASPCA, and between them they cover every light level, size range, and aesthetic from trailing and delicate to bold and architectural. Equally important is knowing the plants to avoid: pothos, monstera, peace lily, ZZ plant, snake plant, philodendron, aloe vera, and sago palm are among the most widely sold houseplants and among the most commonly implicated in pet poisonings. If in doubt about any plant, the ASPCA’s database is the most reliable reference, and your vet or the UK’s Animal Poison Line are the right contacts if something goes wrong. With a little planning, a lush, well-planted home and a safe environment for your pets are entirely compatible.