Anyone who shares a home with a curious cat or a chew-everything puppy knows the anxiety of bringing home a new plant. Will it get knocked over? Nibbled on? Is it actually dangerous if they take a bite? The good news is there are plenty of beautiful, low-fuss houseplants that are non-toxic to pets, so you don’t have to choose between greenery and peace of mind.

Why This Matters More Than You Might Think

Many popular houseplants — pothos, philodendron, monstera, and peace lilies among them — contain calcium oxalate crystals or other compounds that can cause anything from mouth irritation to more serious symptoms if a pet chews on them. It’s rarely fatal, but it’s an unpleasant vet visit no one wants. Choosing pet-safe plants from the start removes that risk entirely.

Pet-Safe Plants Worth Growing

Spider Plant

Nearly indestructible, tolerates a range of light conditions, and produces baby plantlets you can propagate endlessly. Cats are famously drawn to chewing on the grassy leaves, and thankfully it’s completely non-toxic.

Calathea (all varieties)

Grown for their striking patterned leaves, calatheas are non-toxic and make a stunning statement plant, though they do like consistent humidity and won’t tolerate neglect the way some plants on this list do.

Parlor Palm

A classic, elegant palm that handles low light well and stays a manageable size indoors, making it easy to keep out of reach even in a small space — it’s also one of the picks in our list of best plants for small apartments.

Boston Fern

A lush, non-toxic option that thrives in bathrooms or humid corners and adds a soft, textured look that few other plants match.

Peperomia

A large family of compact, easy-care plants with interesting leaf textures. Nearly all peperomia varieties are considered non-toxic and are forgiving of inconsistent watering.

Areca Palm

Bigger and bolder than the parlor palm, this is a great pet-safe option if you want serious statement greenery in a living room or entryway.

Prayer Plant (Maranta)

Known for leaves that fold up at night, this is a non-toxic, visually interesting plant that does well in medium to bright indirect light.

Ponytail Palm

Despite the name, it’s not a true palm, but a sculptural, drought-tolerant plant that’s completely safe and very forgiving of missed waterings — a good fit if you already lean toward our low-maintenance plant picks.

Plants to Keep Away From Pets

For contrast, it’s worth knowing the common offenders so you can either avoid them or place them well out of reach: pothos, philodendron, monstera, snake plant, ZZ plant, peace lily, and most true lilies (which are especially dangerous to cats).

How to Double-Check Any Plant Yourself

Before buying a plant, look up its botanical (Latin) name rather than just the common name, since common names vary by region and can refer to different species. Cross-reference that botanical name against the ASPCA’s toxic and non-toxic plant list, which is the most reliable free resource for pet safety.

Pet-Safe Doesn’t Always Mean Pet-Proof

Even non-toxic plants can cause mild stomach upset if a pet eats a large amount, simply from the fiber and plant matter itself. And regardless of toxicity, plants can still be knocked over or dug up, so choosing sturdy pots and out-of-reach placement is still worth doing for plants your pet finds especially interesting.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are pet-safe plants also safe for small children? Non-toxic-to-pets doesn’t automatically mean safe for children, though there’s significant overlap. Always check a dedicated resource if young kids are also in the home.

What should I do if my pet eats a toxic plant? Contact your vet or a pet poison control hotline immediately, and try to identify the exact plant so they can advise you accurately.

Do pet-safe plants need different care than toxic ones? No — toxicity and care difficulty are unrelated. A pet-safe plant can be just as easy or demanding as any toxic one.

Is it true that cats are drawn to toxic plants specifically? Not specifically — cats are often just drawn to plants with interesting textures or movement, regardless of toxicity, which is exactly why choosing safe options matters.

Furniture-safe planters that are also hard for pets to tip over? See our current picks in the sidebar.