HousePlantsInfo guide
Pet-Safe Houseplants: Which Plants Are Toxic to Cats and Dogs?
Many popular houseplants can make cats and dogs sick if they chew them. Use the quick table below, then open the full guide for each plant.
If your pet ate a toxic plant and seems unwell, call your vet or an animal poison control line right away.
- 41free guides
- 13topics
- Nov 2026last updated
New to pets and houseplants? Start here
Read these first. They cover the basics that solve most problems.
- 12 Low Light Indoor Plants That Are Safe for CatsSafe plants for darker rooms.
- How to Keep Cats from Eating Houseplants: 8 Fixes That Actually WorkStop cats from chewing your plants.
- Is Sago Palm Toxic to Cats? Signs, Risks and What to Do FastThe most dangerous plant for pets.
- Is Snake Plant Toxic to Cats?A popular plant with a mild risk.
- Is the peacock plant toxic to cats? (Complete pet owner’s guide)A colorful, pet-safe pick.
- Houseplants Safe for Rabbits: 12 Lower-Risk Picks and 10 to Keep AwayLower-risk plants for rabbit homes.
Quick check: safe or toxic?
Based on the ASPCA plant lists for cats and dogs. Follow the link for each plant’s full care and safety guides.
| Plant | Cats and dogs | What to expect |
|---|---|---|
| Christmas cactus | Safe | Non-toxic; large amounts may upset the stomach. |
| Ponytail palm | Safe | Non-toxic. |
| Prayer plant | Safe | Non-toxic. |
| Peacock plant (calathea) | Safe | Non-toxic. |
| Polka dot plant | Safe | Non-toxic. |
| Sago palm | Toxic | Highly toxic; can cause liver failure. Call a vet right away. |
| Philodendron | Toxic | Mouth irritation, drooling, vomiting. |
| Dieffenbachia | Toxic | Mouth swelling and pain, drooling, vomiting. |
| Snake plant | Toxic | Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea. |
| Dracaena | Toxic | Vomiting, drooling, loss of appetite. |
| English ivy | Toxic | Vomiting, drooling, diarrhea. |
| Elephant ear | Toxic | Mouth pain and swelling, drooling. |
| Calla lily | Toxic | Mouth irritation, drooling, vomiting. |
Keeping pets and plants together8
Keep cats out of pots, pick safe plants and know which ones to avoid.
- How to Keep Cats from Pooping in Your House Plants: 8 Causes and the Fix for Each
- Which Tropical House Plant Is Poison for Cats?
- How to Keep Cats from Eating Houseplants: 8 Fixes That Actually Work
- Houseplants Safe for Rabbits: 12 Lower-Risk Picks and 10 to Keep Away
- How to Keep a Cat Away from a Potted House Plant?
- 12 Low Light Indoor Plants That Are Safe for Cats
- Can You Be Allergic to Houseplants? [Everything you need to know]
- Are Mosquito Bits Safe for Houseplants? How to Use Them to Stop Fungus Gnats
Cactus and succulents8
- Cactus Pricks? How to Treat Them Safely for You and Your Pets
- Can Cactus Cause Itching? 6 Causes and How to Stop Each One
- Can A Cactus Kill You?
- Are Peruvian Apple Cactus Poisonous?
- Are Christmas Cactus Bad for Allergies? What to Know Before You Buy
- Are Cactus Bad for Rabbits? 7 Real Risks and How to Keep Your Bunny Safe
- Are Cactus Bad for Dogs?
- Are Cactus Bad for Cats?
Indoor palms9
- Is the Majesty Palm Safe for Cats? Risks, Signs and 7 Ways to Protect Both
- Is Sago Palm Toxic to Cats? Signs, Risks and What to Do Fast
- Are Sago Plants Toxic to Humans
- Are Sago Palm Leaves Poisonous to Dogs
- Are Cycads Poisonous to Humans
- Are Ponytail Palms Toxic to Cats?
- Are Ponytail Palms Poisonous to Humans?
- Cycad Palm Poisonous to Dogs
- Majesty Palm Safe for Dogs | Is Majesty Palm Toxic to Dogs?
Fiddle leaf fig1
Philodendron2
Dieffenbachia2
Snake plant2
English ivy1
Dracaena (dragon tree)2
Elephant ear1
Prayer plant and calathea2
Polka dot plant1
Calla lily2
More plant guides
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Frequently Asked Questions
Which houseplants are safe for cats and dogs?
Prayer plant, peacock plant and other calatheas, polka dot plant, Christmas cactus, ponytail palm, spider plant and Boston fern are all listed as non-toxic to cats and dogs by the ASPCA.
Which common houseplants are toxic to pets?
Sago palm is the most dangerous and can cause liver failure. Philodendron, dieffenbachia, snake plant, dracaena, English ivy, elephant ear and calla lily are also toxic and usually cause mouth irritation, drooling or vomiting.
What should I do if my pet eats a toxic plant?
Take away any plant pieces, note the plant’s name and call your vet or an animal poison control center right away. Don’t try to make your pet vomit unless a vet tells you to.
Where can I check if a plant is toxic?
The ASPCA toxic and non-toxic plant list covers hundreds of plants for cats, dogs and horses.