Why do cats and dogs really like to eat houseplants? Some people believe they do this to soothe an upset stomach or to help the hairball process in their throat. Others believe that pets do this to meet their nutritional deficiencies. Even during play, these creatures go to house plants and bite them like a toy. That’s why it’s really hard to keep houseplants away from these curious pets, so if you plan to keep houseplants in your home, it’s better to go for safe and non-toxic houseplants for cats and dogs so that it doesn’t threaten your pet.
Therefore, in this article from TooPlant, we have compiled a list of 20 safe house plants for cats and dogs for you to know more about this type of plants and choose the plant safely when buying an apartment plant for your home.
Are houseplants OK for cats and dogs?
There are two things we love in life: houseplants and pets. But unfortunately, many houseplants are poisonous to cats and dogs. Some plants may be toxic to pets, sometimes causing seizures, tremors, or worse. Even the most well-behaved pets can sometimes bite and eat a houseplant.
As a result, in order to maintain the health of these lovely creatures, we must be careful in choosing safe houseplants for pets. Since adding greenery to the home is important and necessary to clean the air and improve people’s mood, as well as ensure the health of our furry friend.
There are many houseplants that are poisonous and dangerous to your cat and dog. But that doesn’t mean you can’t have any houseplant in your home! According to the ASPCA, there are several types of houseplants that are safe for your cats and dogs, even if your cat or dog eats a lot of them. So, as long as you are very careful about the houseplants you bring home, and when choosing, be sure that it is not toxic to your pets. There’s no reason why you can’t keep a houseplant and a pet together in the same house.

Why do cats and dogs eat plants?

Before we look at houseplants that are safe for pets, let’s see why cats and dogs eat houseplants. As many cat owners know, our feline friends often seem to love eating grass and many house plants. While no one knows for sure why cats exhibit this behavior, there are many theories as to why they do so.
One theory is that when a cat is dealing with an underlying gastrointestinal condition, such as inflammatory bowel disease or food allergies, eating grass may help them feel better. As we all know, digestive diseases can cause discomfort such as pain in the stomach or intestines, and it is difficult to bear.
Another theory is that eating grass may provide some of the nutrients your cat needs or maybe an essential factor in helping with digestive health.
The grass is a natural fiber that may help move the digestive tract. Although cats are carnivores, some researchers suggest that eating cat-friendly plants can provide trace elements or vitamins that may be lacking in their diet.
What houseplants are pet-friendly for your home?
One of the easiest ways to breathe in life is to add plants to our living space. Houseplants not only add color to the space, but many of them are also air purifiers. However, the problem is that some of the most popular house plants are also poisonous to pets and children.
If you want to bring nature to your home without worry, in previous articles we have learned about houseplants that are toxic to cats, now read this article and learn about non-toxic plants to protect your pets.
It’s also good for cat owners to know that some houseplants such as Lilium are relatively safe for dogs, but can be deadly for cats. If you’re thinking of switching up houseplants in your home decor, check out this list to find out which houseplants are safe for your cat.
In this article, we try to examine 20 houseplants that are safe for dogs and cats.
What are some non-toxic houseplants for cats and dogs?
Are you looking for pet-friendly houseplants that are safe for cats and dogs? Here’s a detailed look at 20 houseplants that are safe for pets. Finding pet-safe houseplants can be a challenge, so we’ve put together this guide to keep your houseplants and pets happy.
20 Non-Toxic Houseplants For Cats And Dogs |
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1. Spider Plant (Chlorophytum comosum) | 11. Venus flytrap (Dionaea muscipula) |
2. Gloxinia (Sinningia speciosa) | 12. Peperomia Plant (Radiator Plant) |
3. Boston Fern (Nephrolepis Exaltata) | 13. Orchid |
4. Areca Palm (Dypsis lutescens) | 14. Polka Dot Plant (Hypoestes phyllostachya) |
5. Calathea Zebra Plant (Calathea Zebrina) | 15. Friendship Plant (Pilea involucrata) |
6. Calathea Orbifolia | 16. Parlor Palm (Chamaedorea Elegans) |
7. Mosaic Plant (Fittonia albivenis) | 17. Royal Velvet Plant (Gynura aurantiaca) |
8. Ponytail Palm (Beaucarnea recurvata) | 18. Baby’s tears (Soleirolia soleirolii) |
9. Haworthia | 19. Vriesea (Flaming Sword Plant) |
10. Purple waffle plant (Hemigraphis alternata) | 20. African Violet (Saintpaulia) |
Spider Plant (Chlorophytum comosum)
Spider plant is one of the popular houseplants that has been a guest house for years. This beautiful plant with easy maintenance and care is known as one of the non-toxic houseplants for cats and dogs. According to the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, spider plant is non-toxic to cats, dogs and humans. So, you can safely keep this plant at home because no danger threatens you and your pets.
Spider plant can tolerate light conditions, irrigation and different soils and still be fresh and cheerful. (If you want to know all the tips you need to care for spider plant, click here).
Gloxinia (Sinningia speciosa)
This beautiful plant is a popular gift, especially for Mother’s Day and Valentine’s Day. If you have bought one of the beautiful flowering plants as a gift or for yourself, there is no need to worry and your pet is safe. Just provide plenty of indirect light for Gloxinia and keep the soil moist for it.
Boston Fern (Nephrolepis Exaltata), including popular and lovely houseplants and non-toxic for cats and dogs
Boston fern is a popular and lovely plant with dense and soft foliage. The dense foliage of this plant can attract the attention of dogs or cats and make them want to chew on these leaves, but fortunately, Boston fern foliage is safe for pets and you can easily place it anywhere in your home. give This houseplant needs an environment with high humidity that receives indirect light, so one of the best places to keep it in the toilet, bathroom or kitchen.
Areca Palm (Dypsis lutescens)
If you want to bring home a safe and tropical plant, butterfly palm is a good choice. The appearance of this houseplant may arouse your pet’s curiosity, but fortunately, it is completely safe and one of the non-toxic indoor plants for cats and dogs.
Place the areca palm (Dypsis lutescens) in a bright environment and allow the soil to dry between waterings so that the roots are not damaged.
Calathea Zebra Plant (Calathea Zebrina)
Calathea is another pet safe houseplant, also known as Calathea Zebrina. This plant has large and wide leaves that are usually full of white lines. Calathea is a suitable plant for places with a lot of shade, because too much light can make its leaves pale. (Click to know other important and useful tips for care for Calathea Zebra Plant).
Calathea Orbifolia
This houseplant is famous for its green, colorful and broad leaves. Having large, broad leaves optimizes them for effective placement in low light areas Calathea Orbifolia is safe for cats, dogs and humans and is not toxic. So, you can safely keep this plant at home because no danger threatens you and your pets. (Read any more: the best tips for caring for a Calathea Orbifolia).
Mosaic Plant (Fittonia albivenis)
Another name of Mosaic plant (Fittonia albivenis) is “nerve plant”, but contrary to its strange name, this plant has no effect on the nervous system of the creatures around it, and this name is because of the beautiful design of its leaves.
Mosaic plant usually has pink veins on its leaves, which is a completely safe houseplant for cats and dogs. This plant needs an environment with low light and moderate watering to stay happy. Therefore, if you intend to buy and maintain a fittonia plant or mint leaf, pay attention to this.
Ponytail Palm (Beaucarnea recurvata)
Ponytail palm is a popular plant for cats because of its appearance. So, if you have a cat in your home, your cat will definitely love this plant and like to hide and play with it among its hanging leaves.
Fortunately, ponytail palm is also one of the non-toxic houseplants for cats and dogs. If you intend to keep Linda in your home, keep in mind that this plant needs a bright environment and whenever the soil dries up, it is time to water it again. (Finish reading: How to Care for Ponytail Palm ?)
Haworthia; A lovely succulent and among the houseplants that are safe for cats and dogs
Haworthia is a succulent that is easier to maintain than artificial plants. Unlike Aloe Vera, Haworthia is completely safe and non-toxic and poses no risk to pets. To maintain this plant, it is enough to place it in a bright environment and water it once a week.
Purple waffle plant (Hemigraphis alternata)
Purple waffle plants are another non-toxic houseplant for your cats and dogs. The design of the leaves of this plant can make your home attractive and beautiful in all seasons. An indirect light can help make the leaves of this plant more beautiful. Purple waffle plant (Hemigraphis alternata) can also purify the air in your home and make the environment healthier for you and your pet.
Venus flytrap (Dionaea muscipula)
Don’t be fooled by the strange face of this plant because if your dog or cat wants to play with this plant, it is not in any danger and you are not going to visit the vet afterwards. This plant is non-toxic and safe for pets.
A bright space and watering with distilled water can keep the Venus flytrap happy and lively.
Peperomia Plant (Radiator Plant)
The variety of designs and colors of different species of this beautiful plant has made it one of the most popular house plants. This plant is also a safe and non-toxic houseplant for your cats and dogs, and you can put it in a hanging basket or pot and place it in different parts of your house. Peperomia plant is a hardy plant and therefore easy to maintain.
So, if you are planning to buy a plant, you have a pet, and you are a beginner, Peperomia plant is the right choice for you, because it is easy to maintain and will not cause any problems for your pet. (See here for complete information on care for Peperomia plant).
Orchid; One of the most beautiful houseplants and among houseplants safe for dogs and cats
Without exaggeration, orchid is one of the prettiest, or perhaps the prettiest, houseplants you can find. Fortunately, this plant is one of the non-toxic and safe plants for pets. So, if you are interested in keeping it, rest assured that it is safe for your pet.
It should be noted that many orchids can flower for weeks in winter when the days are short. Regarding its maintenance, we should briefly say that the orchid needs moderate light and a full-sized pot, so that its roots remain a little dense.
Polka Dot Plant (Hypoestes phyllostachya)
Polka dot plant leaves decorated with green, pink, red or white colors are so beautiful and ornamental that you may no longer need any flowering plants in your home and endure the difficulty of maintaining them.
Best of all, the polka dot plant is one of the non-toxic and safe houseplants for pets, and you won’t have to worry about poisoning or harming your pet or pets. However, keep in mind that some animals who are more sensitive may feel a little uncomfortable by eating a large amount of this plant or any other non-toxic plant. (Click to know other important and useful tips for care for Polka dot plant).
Friendship Plant (Pilea involucrata)
Pilea involucrata or friendship plant has fragrant stems and needs an environment with high humidity. You can also keep the friendship plant in a terrarium so that your curious dog or cat can’t get to it.
However, if you keep it outside the terrarium, there is no need to worry about it being toxic to your pets.
Parlor Palm (Chamaedorea Elegans)
If you want to bring home a safe and tropical plant, the parlor palm is a good choice. The appearance of this plant may arouse your pet’s curiosity, but fortunately, it is completely safe and non-toxic for pets. Place the parlor palm in a bright environment and allow the soil to dry between waterings so that its roots are not damaged.
According to the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, neanthe bella palm is safe for cats and dogs. Parlor Palm is non-toxic to pets. So, you can safely keep this plant at home because no danger threatens you and your pets.
Royal Velvet Plant (Gynura aurantiaca)
Royal Velvet looks as if it came from a magical garden. The velvety hairs on the leaves of this plant look like a rainbow and are very impressive and bright in bright light. The roots of this plant are sensitive to excessive watering, and you should water it only when the soil of the plant is dry.
The beautiful royal velvet plant (Gynura aurantiaca) is also one of the non-toxic houseplants for dogs and cats, so if you plan to buy and keep it in your home, you won’t have to worry about it being dangerous for your animal or pets.
Baby’s tears (Soleirolia soleirolii)
Soleirolia soleirolii, also known as baby’s tears or angel’s tears, is another houseplant that is safe for pets. You can plant this houseplant in a terrarium, hanging baskets or even next to another tree. Baby’s tears (Soleirolia soleirolii) can occupy the entire surface of the soil and this may cause your pet to stop digging the soil at the foot of the plant.
Vriesea (Flaming Sword Plant)
The firm leaves of this plant, along with its cone-shaped flowers, make it one of the popular plants to keep at home, and among the non-toxic and safe houseplants for pets. Vriesea is easy to maintain and only needs a bright window and a humid environment.
Many species of Bromeliaceae can grow without the need for soil, which makes animals that are used to digging pot soil safer and less likely to harm themselves or the plant.
African Violet (Saintpaulia)
One of the most popular flowering houseplants that can flower even in low light is the African violet. This plant can live in the conditions of a normal room without anything extra, and the normal temperature of the room and average humidity can make it happy.
African violet is also one of the safe houseplants for pets and will not cause any danger to your pet. (Read any more: the best tips for caring for a African violet).
Finally, keep in mind that just because a plant isn’t poisonous to pets by itself doesn’t mean you should grow it. There are other factors to consider in plant care. House plants face many pests such as worms, aphids and spider mites. Some pesticides and insecticides are toxic to pets.
Expressing love for furry creatures and plants knows no boundaries. But when it comes to their health and safety, it is important to know which houseplants are safe for pets to protect them from possible poisoning.
In this article, we have shared information so that we can know the houseplants that are safe for pets and safely and responsibly introduce the next plant into our home environment.
In The End
In this article, we tried to provide you with the necessary information about 20 non-toxic houseplants for cats and dogs..
However, if you have any questions regarding this indoor plant or you need to get advice from our houseplant experts, please share your questions with us through the comments section below.