4 Pet-Safe Houseplants and Smarter Ways to Display Them

You can keep houseplants in a home with cats or dogs, but good plant choices are only the first step. Curious pets may chew leaves, dig in soil, knock over planters, or drink from saucers.

Plant pros and veterinarians recommend checking each plant by scientific name against a trusted toxicity database. Common names can refer to more than one species. A plant listed as non-toxic is a lower-risk choice, but eating a large amount of any plant material can still cause stomach upset.

4 Pet-Safe Houseplants to Consider

1. Spider Plant (Chlorophytum comosum)

Spider plants are considered non-toxic to cats and dogs. Their arching leaves and dangling plantlets are especially tempting to cats, so a hanging planter can help prevent chewing and broken stems.

Give the plant bright indirect light and let the upper soil begin to dry before watering.

2. African Violet (Streptocarpus ionanthus)

African violets are considered non-toxic to cats and dogs and can flower indoors with suitable light. Keep the fuzzy leaves away from rough play, and use a stable planter that cannot be tipped easily.

Bright indirect light and an airy potting mix support healthy blooms.

3. Bird’s Nest Fern (Asplenium nidus)

This true fern is considered non-toxic to cats and dogs. That distinction matters because plants called “palms” or “ferns” are not automatically safe. The sago palm, for example, is highly toxic to pets and is not a true palm.

Bird’s nest ferns prefer indirect light, steady moisture, and humidity. Water the soil around the plant rather than into its central crown.

4. Chinese Money Plant (Pilea peperomioides)

The Chinese money plant is considered non-toxic to cats and dogs. Its upright stems can still snap if a pet brushes past the pot, so place it on a secure shelf or in a heavy planter.

Rotate it regularly for balanced growth and let the top layer of soil dry between waterings.

Set Up Plants With Pet Behavior in Mind

Use Secure Hanging Planters

Hang trailing plants from hardware rated for the combined weight of the planter, wet soil, and mature plant. Keep nearby furniture far enough away that a cat cannot use it as a launch point.

Choose Stable Containers

Use broad, heavy planters for floor plants. Keep drainage saucers dry so pets cannot drink fertilizer residue or standing water.

Cover Soil Carefully

If digging is the problem, use a fitted plant-pot grid or another barrier that cannot be swallowed. Loose stones may become choking hazards, and a thick decorative layer can make soil moisture harder to judge.

Offer a Safer Distraction

Pet grass grown specifically for cats can redirect some chewing. It does not replace supervision, and the container should still be stable and free of pesticides.

Light, Water, and Plant Products

Place plants where their light needs are met without creating an easy climbing target. Keep fertilizers, pesticides, leaf-shine products, and potting amendments stored away from pets.

Read every product label before use. A pet-safe plant can still carry unsafe residues or present a hazard if water collects around it.

If Your Pet Eats a Plant

Remove access to the plant and contact your veterinarian or a pet poison service promptly. Keep the plant label, a clear photo, and any product packaging available. Do not induce vomiting unless a veterinary professional directs you to do so.

In the United States, the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center can be reached at 888-426-4435. A consultation fee may apply.

Pro Tips for Long-Term Maintenance

Recheck plant identification when you bring home a new variety, and do not rely only on a store shelf label. Inspect hanging hardware, planter stability, and pet access as plants grow.

If your pet repeatedly targets one plant, move it to a closed room or remove it from the home. Smart placement is more reliable than expecting a curious animal to lose interest.