Which Houseplants Are Safe for Cats and Dogs?
Oct 28, 2026 / Public Storage
Pet-safe houseplants are plants identified as non-toxic to cats and dogs by a trusted resource such as the ASPCA. If your cat thinks every leaf is a snack or your dog treats the living room like a tasting room, choose safer plant varieties and keep potentially harmful plants out of reach—or out of the home.
Pets are the ultimate roommates. They’re funny, loyal, a little chaotic, and always ready to keep things interesting. We baby-proof homes for little ones, and the same idea applies when you have fur babies roaming around.
A little caution now can save a lot of drama later.
Key Takeaways:
- Check plants against the ASPCA Toxic and Non-Toxic Plants database before bringing them home.
- Some popular houseplants can be harmful if cats or dogs chew on them.
- Safer options may include spider plants, Boston ferns, areca palms, parlor palms, African violets, and certain orchids.
- Keep outdoor plants and cut flowers in mind, too—not just houseplants.
- If you think a pet has eaten a harmful plant, contact your veterinarian or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at 888-426-4435 right away.
- Storage can hold empty pots, seasonal décor, and other approved household items—but never live plants.
What Houseplants Should You Keep Away From Pets?
The ASPCA is a useful resource for pet parents and maintains an extensive list of plants that may be toxic to dogs, cats, or both. Symptoms can range from irritating to serious, so it is worth checking a plant before it becomes part of the home.
Some common houseplants are a total no-go for pets. Sago palm is one of the most concerning, and every part of it—including the seeds—can be harmful. Pothos, sometimes called devil’s ivy, may look cute trailing from a shelf, but it can cause problems if pets chew on it.
Other plants to research carefully before bringing home include:
- Aloe vera
- Asparagus fern
- Philodendron
- Peace lily
- Jade plant
- Lilies
- Dieffenbachia
- Dracaena
- Snake plant
- Weeping fig
- ZZ plant
The safest approach is to check the exact plant name through the ASPCA database or ask a knowledgeable nursery employee. Common names can overlap, and a plant that looks similar to a safe variety may not have the same pet considerations.
Are Hanging Plants Safe if You Have Pets?
Hanging a plant or placing it on a tall stand can reduce access, but it does not remove all risk. Cats climb. Dogs jump. And leaves, flowers, or soil can still fall onto the floor.
If a plant is known to be harmful to pets, keeping it in a room your pet cannot access may be safer than simply placing it higher up. If that setup is not realistic, choosing a different plant can give everyone more peace of mind.
A plant stand is not a force field. Your fur baby may still find a way to investigate something they should not.
What Are Some Pet-Safe Plants to Try?
If you want plant energy in the house without the constant side-eye every time your cat gets near a leaf, start with varieties identified as non-toxic to cats and dogs.
Check the specific variety before purchasing. A plant’s care needs—light, moisture, temperature, and pet access—still matter even when it is considered non-toxic.
What Outdoor Plants Should Pet Owners Watch For?
Outdoor plants can create the same issue as houseplants, especially if pets spend time in the backyard or stop to inspect landscaping during walks.
Plants worth checking carefully include:
- Amaryllis
- Azalea
- Rhododendron
- Begonia
- Chrysanthemum
- Cyclamen
- Daffodils
- Foxglove
- Geranium
- Gladiolus
- Hydrangea
- Hosta
- Iris
- Flamingo flower
- Japanese yew
- Lantana
- Lupine
- Night-blooming jasmine
- Oleander
- Peony
- Tulip
- Wisteria
This is not a complete list. Before planting something new in the yard, adding a bouquet to the table, or bringing home a cutting from a friend, check the exact plant against a reliable pet-safety resource.
What Should You Do if a Pet Eats a Plant?
If your pet chews on a plant you think may be harmful, stay calm and act quickly.
- Remove any plant material from your pet’s mouth if you can do so safely.
- Identify the plant or take a photo of it.
- Contact your veterinarian or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at 888-426-4435.
- Be ready to describe the plant, how much may have been eaten, and when it happened.
- If you are advised to seek in-person care, bring a sample or clear photo of the plant if possible.
Do not wait to see if symptoms appear before asking for guidance. A professional can help you decide what to do next.
Safe From Snout to Stem
A pet-friendly home starts with a little extra awareness and a few thoughtful swaps. Choosing safer plants—or keeping risky varieties in truly separate spaces—can help you enjoy the greenery without turning every leaf into a potential incident.
If empty pots, seasonal planters, décor, or other household items are crowding the shelf, sunny corner, or floor space you want to use, Public Storage can help you store approved belongings that are not part of your current setup. Live plants should always stay at home.
When your pets are curious, the safest flex is keeping risky plants out of paw’s reach.
FAQs: Pet-Safe Plants
What Houseplants Are Safe for Cats and Dogs?
Plants commonly identified as non-toxic to cats and dogs include spider plants, Boston ferns, areca palms, parlor palms, African violets, certain orchids, peperomia, polka dot plants, and holiday cactus. Check the exact plant variety with the ASPCA before purchasing.
What Houseplants Are Toxic to Pets?
Plants that may be harmful to pets include sago palm, pothos, aloe vera, philodendron, peace lily, jade plant, lilies, dieffenbachia, dracaena, snake plant, weeping fig, and ZZ plant. Consult the ASPCA database for the specific plant and pet species.
Can I Keep Toxic Plants on a High Shelf?
A high shelf may reduce access, but it does not eliminate risk. Cats can climb, dogs may jump, and leaves or flowers can fall. A truly pet-free room or a pet-safe alternative may be a better choice.
What Should I Do if My Pet Eats a Toxic Plant?
Remove plant material from your pet’s mouth if it is safe to do so, identify the plant, and contact your veterinarian or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at 888-426-4435 right away.
Can I Store Live Plants in a Storage Unit?
No. Do not store live plants in a storage unit. Storage can hold approved empty pots, seasonal décor, and other non-daily household items that are taking up space around your plant setup.
