Pets · 4 min read
Houseplants that are safe for cats and dogs
Cats nibble on everything, plants included. These houseplants are safe to have around, and these are the ones to keep an eye on.
Cats chew plants. Sometimes out of boredom, sometimes because a long, swishy leaf is simply too tempting. Dogs are less interested, but a puppy will taste anything. So it's good to know which plants you can have around without worrying.
Plenty of popular houseplants contain substances that irritate the mouth and stomach. It's rarely serious, but it's unpleasant: drooling, being sick, pawing at the mouth. In our shop, every plant says whether it's safe for pets.
These plants are safe
- Calathea orbifolia: large round leaves with silver stripes. It likes humid air, so it's lovely in a bathroom too.
- Chinese money plant: round leaves on long stalks. Small, cheerful and easy.
- Kentia palm: a calm palm that copes with less light. Big enough to fill a corner.
- Spider plant: tough, quick-growing and great in a hanging pot. Cats adore it.
About that spider plant: it isn't toxic, but some cats eat so much of it that they bring it back up. Just like ordinary grass. If yours won't leave it alone, hang it a bit higher.
These are mildly toxic
For these plants we say 'better not' when it comes to pets. They're not life-threatening, but a bite can mean a sore mouth or an upset stomach.
- Monstera and zebra alocasia
- ZZ plant and snake plant
- Fiddle-leaf fig and bird of paradise
- Satin pothos and polka dot begonia
If your cat or dog has eaten a fair bit, or is acting differently, ring your vet and tell them which plant it was. If you can, take a photo of the plant or its label with you, so the vet knows straight away what they're dealing with.
A monstera and a cat?
That can work fine, as long as your cat can't reach it or simply isn't interested. Many cats ignore big, stiff leaves and go straight for anything grassy. A few things help:
- Put mildly toxic plants somewhere your cat doesn't go, or hang them up high.
- Clear up fallen leaves straight away.
- Give your cat something better to chew on.
Finding them in the shop
Only want to see pet-safe plants? Have a look at the pet-friendly plants. Or go for the bundle for homes with a cat or dog: three safe plants in one go, for less than buying them separately. You'll find it under bundles.
Wondering about a plant that isn't on this list? Ask the plant doctor through the contact page. One of our growers will get back to you within one working day.
