Houseplants Safe for Cats and Dogs (ASPCA-Listed)

Updated 1 October 2026 · about 5 min read

Plenty of popular houseplants are listed by the ASPCA as non-toxic to both cats and dogs, including spider plant, Boston fern, calathea, prayer plant, parlor palm, areca palm, peperomia, haworthia, African violet, cast iron plant and phalaenopsis orchid. Common plants to keep away from pets include lilies (dangerous to cats), sago palm, pothos, philodendron, monstera, ZZ plant, snake plant and peace lily. If your pet eats a plant and you're worried, call your vet or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at (888) 426-4435.

Where this list comes from

Every plant in the safe list below is one we checked against the ASPCA's toxic and non-toxic plant database, where each was listed as non-toxic to both dogs and cats. Common names are messy, and two different plants often share one name, so it helps to know the scientific name too. When you're unsure, look up the specific plant on the ASPCA site before bringing it home.

"Non-toxic" means the plant isn't expected to poison your pet. It doesn't mean your pet can eat as much as it likes. Any plant material can cause mild vomiting or an upset stomach, especially in cats that chew a lot of leaves.

Houseplants listed as non-toxic to cats and dogs

Spider plant (Chlorophytum comosum)

The classic pet-friendly houseplant: easy, fast-growing, and happy in a hanging basket. Cats often love chewing the arching leaves, so expect some nibbling. Bright, indirect light; water when the top inch of soil is dry.

Boston fern (Nephrolepis exaltata 'Bostoniensis')

Lush, feathery fronds that look great on a plant stand or hanging. It likes consistent moisture, humidity and bright, indirect light, and will drop leaflets if it dries out.

Prayer plant (Maranta leuconeura) and calathea

Both are listed as non-toxic and both have striking patterned leaves that fold up at night. They prefer medium, indirect light, evenly moist soil and higher humidity, and they're prone to brown leaf tips in dry air or with hard tap water.

Parlor palm (Chamaedorea elegans)

A compact, slow-growing palm that tolerates lower light well. Keep the soil lightly moist.

Areca palm (Dypsis lutescens, also listed as Chrysalidocarpus lutescens)

A larger, feathery palm, sometimes sold as golden cane palm or butterfly palm. It wants bright, indirect light and regular watering.

Peperomia

Several peperomias are listed as non-toxic, including baby rubber plant (Peperomia obtusifolia), watermelon peperomia (Peperomia argyreia) and metallic peperomia. Their thick leaves store water, so let the soil dry partway between waterings.

Haworthia

Small, spiky succulents, including the zebra haworthia, that are a safer alternative to aloe (which is toxic to pets). Bright light, gritty soil, and infrequent watering.

African violet (Saintpaulia)

Compact flowering plants that bloom repeatedly in bright, indirect light. Water from the bottom to keep the fuzzy leaves dry.

Polka dot plant (Hypoestes phyllostachya)

Colorful pink, red or white speckled leaves. The ASPCA lists it as non-toxic, though it notes eating it may cause mild vomiting or diarrhea. Bright, indirect light and evenly moist soil.

Cast iron plant (Aspidistra elatior)

One of the toughest houseplants available, and a strong choice for dim rooms. Very tolerant of low light and irregular care.

More ASPCA-listed safe options

  • Ponytail palm (Beaucarnea recurvata): a drought-tolerant succulent with a swollen trunk.
  • Christmas cactus (Schlumbergera): a holiday bloomer that likes bright, indirect light.
  • Phalaenopsis orchid: the common moth orchid sold in grocery stores.
  • Wax plant (Hoya carnosa): a trailing plant with waxy leaves and fragrant flower clusters.
  • Burro's tail (Sedum morganianum): a trailing succulent with plump, bead-like leaves.

Common houseplants that are toxic to pets

These are listed as toxic by the ASPCA. Our guide to houseplants toxic to cats covers symptoms and severity in more detail.

Most dangerous:

  • True lilies and daylilies (Lilium and Hemerocallis): can cause kidney failure in cats, even from small amounts of leaves, petals or pollen. Treat any exposure as an emergency.
  • Sago palm (Cycas revoluta): severely toxic to both dogs and cats, with the seeds being the most dangerous part.

Mouth irritants (calcium oxalate crystals): pothos, philodendron, monstera, ZZ plant, peace lily, Chinese evergreen, dieffenbachia (dumb cane), anthurium, calla lily and elephant ear. Chewing causes drooling, pawing at the mouth and sometimes vomiting. The ASPCA describes severity as generally low, but swelling of the mouth or throat needs a vet.

Stomach upset: snake plant, aloe, jade plant, dracaena and English ivy can cause vomiting and diarrhea if eaten.

What to do if your pet eats a plant

  1. Remove the plant and any pieces from your pet's mouth and reach.
  2. Identify the plant. Check the tag or, if there isn't one, take clear photos of the leaves, stems and any flowers. Note how much was eaten and when.
  3. Call for advice. Contact your veterinarian, or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at (888) 426-4435, which is staffed 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. A consultation fee may apply.
  4. Don't induce vomiting unless a vet tells you to.
  5. Watch for symptoms such as drooling, vomiting, diarrhea, pawing at the mouth, lethargy or swelling, and follow your vet's guidance.

If a cat has had any contact with a true lily, don't wait for symptoms. Go to a vet right away.

Knowing exactly what a plant is helps whoever you call. Planted can identify a plant from a photo, so you can look it up on the ASPCA list before it comes home, and its care schedules help you keep pet-safe plants healthy once they're there.

Tips for living with pets and plants

  • Check before you buy. Look up every new plant, including gifts and bouquets, on the ASPCA list.
  • Use height, with caution. Hanging baskets help with dogs. Cats can reach most shelves, so keep toxic plants in rooms you can close, or skip them.
  • Give pets their own greens. A pot of cat grass gives cats something to chew instead of your plants.
  • Watch the soil and products too. Fertilizers and pesticides can be harmful to pets. Store them out of reach and follow label directions.

Common questions

Are succulents safe for cats and dogs?

Some are and some aren't. Haworthia, burro's tail, Christmas cactus and echeveria are listed as non-toxic by the ASPCA, while aloe, jade plant and kalanchoe are listed as toxic. Check each succulent individually rather than treating them as one group.

Is a spider plant safe for cats?

Yes. The ASPCA lists the spider plant as non-toxic to both cats and dogs. Cats often love chewing it, and eating a lot may cause mild stomach upset, but it isn't poisonous.

What is the safest low light plant for pets?

The cast iron plant and parlor palm are both listed as non-toxic by the ASPCA and tolerate lower light well. Calatheas and prayer plants are also safe, though they're fussier about humidity.

Is the ASPCA poison control number free?

The ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at (888) 426-4435 is available 24/7, but a consultation fee may apply. Your regular vet is also a good first call during office hours.