Houseplants

The Best Pet-Safe Houseplants

Living with cats and dogs does not mean giving up on a green home. Many of the most popular houseplants are toxic if a curious pet takes a bite, but a surprising number of beautiful, easy species are completely safe. Every plant on this list is listed as non-toxic to cats and dogs by the ASPCA, so a nibbled leaf will not send you racing to the vet. We have chosen pet-safe plants that also happen to be forgiving and good-looking, spanning arching foliage, soft ferns, graceful palms, and patterned leaves, so you can build a lush, worry-free collection around even the most determined plant-chewer.

1. Spider Plant

   Bright indirectWhen top inch is dryVery easy

   ASPCA non-toxic to cats and dogs. Its arching striped leaves and dangling plantlets are tough, fast-growing, and forgiving, though cats are often drawn to bat at the trailing babies, so a high spot suits it.

2. Boston Fern

   Medium indirectKeep consistently moistModerate

   ASPCA non-toxic to cats and dogs. Lush, feathery fronds bring a soft classic look to bathrooms and shaded porches. It craves humidity and steady moisture, rewarding the attention with full, cascading growth.

3. Parlor Palm

   Low to medium indirectKeep lightly moistEasy

   ASPCA non-toxic to cats and dogs. A compact, slow-growing palm with delicate feathery fronds that tolerates lower light, bringing safe tropical texture to homes with pets and modest windows alike.

4. Areca Palm

   Bright indirectKeep lightly moistModerate

   ASPCA non-toxic to cats and dogs. Tall, graceful golden-stemmed fronds make a dramatic, pet-safe floor plant. It wants bright indirect light and even moisture, filling a corner with airy greenery.

5. Calathea Orbifolia

   Medium indirectKeep lightly moistModerate

   ASPCA non-toxic to cats and dogs. Its large round leaves are striped silver-green and undeniably striking. It demands humidity and gentle indirect light, but rewards the care with showy, safe foliage.

6. Prayer Plant

   Low to medium indirectKeep lightly moistModerate

   ASPCA non-toxic to cats and dogs. Boldly veined leaves fold up at night and unfurl by day, adding living movement. It likes humidity and steady moisture, thriving away from direct sun.

7. Ponytail Palm

   Bright indirect to directEvery 2-3 weeksVery easy

   ASPCA non-toxic to cats and dogs. Despite the name it is a succulent, storing water in a swollen base topped with cascading curly leaves. Drought-tolerant, sculptural, and refreshingly low-maintenance.

8. Baby Rubber Plant

   Medium to bright indirectWhen top inch is dryEasy

   ASPCA non-toxic to cats and dogs. This peperomia carries thick, glossy, water-storing leaves on a tidy compact frame. It is forgiving of missed waterings and stays a manageable size on a shelf or desk.

9. Cast Iron Plant

   Low to medium indirectWhen top inch is dryVery easy

   ASPCA non-toxic to cats and dogs. Famously tough, it endures deep shade, drafts, and irregular watering. Broad arching dark-green blades bring dependable, pet-safe structure to difficult corners.