🌿 Safe Plants for Homes with Pets (and Which to Avoid)

Many of us love filling our homes with lush greenery — but did you know that some common houseplants can be toxic to cats, dogs, and small animals? 🌱 Whether you’ve got curious kittens, plant-nibbling bunnies, or a dog that eats anything green, it’s important to choose your plants carefully.

Here’s a handy guide from Pittwater Pets to help you create a home that’s both beautiful and pet-safe! 🏡🐶🐱

🌼 Safe Plants for Pet-Friendly Homes

These plants add colour and life to your space without posing a risk to your furry friends.

✅ Spider Plant (Chlorophytum comosum)
A hardy, air-purifying plant that’s non-toxic and perfect for hanging baskets — even if your cat loves to swat at the leaves!

✅ Boston Fern (Nephrolepis exaltata)
Lush, green, and totally safe for pets. Keep it in a cool, humid spot and mist regularly.

✅ Areca Palm (Dypsis lutescens)
A tropical favourite that adds a relaxed vibe to your home — completely non-toxic to cats and dogs.

✅ Baby’s Tears (Soleirolia soleirolii)
A soft, trailing plant that looks great in terrariums or hanging pots. Safe for pets and easy to grow.

✅ Calathea (Prayer Plant Family)
These patterned beauties are pet-safe and love low to medium light — perfect for apartments or shaded corners.

✅ Herbs like Basil, Parsley & Rosemary
Fresh, fragrant, and non-toxic! You can grow them in your kitchen and even share a nibble with your pets (in moderation).

☠️ Plants to Avoid Around Pets

These plants may look lovely — but they can cause anything from mild stomach upset to serious poisoning in animals.

🚫 Lilies
Extremely toxic to cats — even a small amount of pollen or water from the vase can cause kidney failure.

🚫 Peace Lily (Spathiphyllum)
Despite its name, it’s not so peaceful for pets! Causes irritation, drooling, and vomiting if chewed.

🚫 Monstera (Swiss Cheese Plant)
Very popular, but the sap can irritate your pet’s mouth and cause swelling.

🚫 Aloe Vera
Great for humans, but toxic for dogs and cats if ingested.

🚫 Pothos (Devil’s Ivy)
A tough indoor plant that’s unfortunately tough on pets too — can cause vomiting and oral irritation.

🚫 Philodendron
Contains calcium oxalate crystals that can make your pet’s mouth sore and cause stomach upset.

🚫 Sago Palm
Beautiful but deadly — all parts of this plant are toxic, especially the seeds.

🪴 Pet-Friendly Tips for Plant Lovers

• Keep toxic plants out of reach. Even high shelves can be a risk for cats who love to climb.

• Train curious pets. A gentle “no” and redirection can help dogs and cats learn what not to chew.

• Choose hanging or enclosed displays. Terrariums and wall planters keep plants safe and stylish.

• When in doubt, check first. 

💚 Final Thought

You don’t have to choose between your love for pets and your love for plants — with a little knowledge, you can enjoy both! Safe greenery keeps your home healthy and your pets happy. 🌸🐾

*Please note this is not an exhaustive list and there are many more plants that are safe and that are toxic that are not listed here.