27 Top Pet Friendly House Plants

Indoor plants are a fantastic addition to your home, and they offer a wide variety of benefits as well. They can enhance the appearance of your home, create a positive space for relaxation, reduce stress, purify the air, and make you feel good.

Pet safe house plants are necessary to find when you live with cats or dogs. Your pets are curious and will always want to check out the new plant you just brought home, so it is important to only allow pet safe house plants into your home.

Finding Pet Safe Houseplants

Unsafe plants can poison your beloved furry family member, so safe plants are crucial when looking to brighten up your interior. Research is the only way to find safe plants, and the ASPCA is a fantastic resource. To make things easier, we have included some pet friendly plants below.

The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA) provides hundreds of plants that are non-toxic to cats and dogs. Please keep in mind that non-toxic does not mean that your pet will not become sick after eating a plant.

Cats and dogs digest plants differently, so while the plant is non-toxic and will not kill them, it can still give them an upset stomach and cause them to vomit. The best way to care for your pet is to limit the amount of non-pet friendly plants that are around the house they can eat or nibble on.

All of the house plants below have been recognized as non-toxic to both cats and dogs, so you can be confident that these plants will be a welcome addition to your living space.

Fabulous Flowers For Furry Friends

Gerbera Daisy

Gerbera Daisies (Gerbera jamesonii) are colorful perennial flowers that love bright sunlight and a moderate temperature. They are non-toxic to both cats and dogs, so they make a wonderful indoor plant that will add a pop of color to your home.

Gerbera daisies are easy to take care of as long as you can provide enough sunlight for them. You can remove any wilted flowers to encourage the plant to bloom more. They come in a variety of colors, including red, yellow, orange, white, and different pastel colors, allowing you to add a natural touch to your indoor décor.

Brodiaea Pulchella

Brodiaea pulchella (Dichelostemma pulchellum), also known as wild hyacinth, is one species of many within the hyacinth family. This type displays clusters of bright blue stars that can enchant a room on their own or compliment beautiful flower arrangement.

They are non-toxic to cats and dogs. You can force them to bloom out of season while they are indoors, and since wild hyacinth grows from a bulb, they will bloom year after year.

Petunia

Petunias (Petunia species) are non-toxic to cats and dogs, and they come in a variety of colors to accent their trumpet-shaped flowers. They are easy to care for and you only need to water them every few days.

There are different types of petunias, and you can decide if you’d like to have them complimenting a pot or cascading from a hanging basket. Petunias are beautiful plants in their own right, adding a variety of colors to your home, but they are also valuable around other house plants.

Various pests do not like petunias, so they can help keep your other plants safe from nibbling bugs that find their way inside.

Zinnia

Zinnia (Zinnia species) is a species of flowering plants that are non-toxic to both cats and dogs, so you don’t have to worry about your furry companion snatching a taste. They do attract pollinators with their nectar, so you will need to make sure to keep your house closed off from bees, ladybugs, and wasps.

Zinnia are cheerful little flowers that are annual bloomers, and they enjoy plenty of sunlight. They usually last for a few months, and you can help them bloom longer by pruning the dead blossoms as they wilt. Zinnias are a lovely compliment to any home arrangement, and if you opt to hang them outside a window, they will also attract hummingbirds.

Grape Hyacinth

Grape hyacinth (Muscari armeniacum) are bulb-type flowers that usually spring up before other flowers after winter. They require pruning as their flowers fade, and you may need to relocate the bulbs if they show signs of overcrowding.

Dogs and cats are safe around these flowers because they are non-toxic to both pets. They have a delicate fragrance and a deep blue color, which makes them the perfect centerpiece to bring a touch of spring into your home. You can also force grape hyacinths to bloom out of season while they are kept indoors.

Winter Cattleya

Known as the “Queen of Orchids”, the winter cattleya (Cattleya trianae) is a beautiful flower that can live for a very long time and bloom year after year. They are non-toxic to dogs and cats, so keeping the plant for years is possible for a dedicated orchid lover who also loves their pet(s).

Winter cattleya require a lot of light in the morning and reduced direct sunlight throughout the rest of the day. They are tropical plants, so they enjoy cool air and a moist environment. A cool mist humidifier can do wonders for the elegant winter cattleya to keep it hydrated throughout the day while indoors.

While this orchid requires more maintenance than other flowers, the longevity and beautiful blooms it produces are well worth the work.

African Violet

African violets (Saintpaulia confusa) are safe for homes with cats and dogs because they are non-toxic to both. They are not related to actual violets, but they look similar and are able to grow indoors much better than real violets.

African violets are fine with low light, unlike true violets, so they are perfect to bring into your home. They are dainty and extremely low maintenance flowers that can add a delicate touch of nature to your home.

Nasturtium

Nasturtiums (Tropaeolum majus) come in over 50 varieties and are available as dwarfs to keep indoors. They are non-toxic to dogs and cats, and they require very little maintenance. In fact, they do better with a little neglect and may not flower if you show them too much love.

They require part-time sun but can live in full sun. Nasturtiums are survivalists and need well-drained, poor-quality soil to produce large blooms. They are perfect for someone who loves indoor flowers but needs a low maintenance plant.

Venus Fly Trap

Venus fly traps (Dionaea muscipula) are fun centerpieces in any home since they are carnivorous plants. They are non-toxic to both cats and dogs, so your furry friend will be safe from this plant. Venus fly traps need moist and slightly acidic soil with a high humidity, so the easiest way to care for them is to grow them in a terrarium.

You will need to set them in a place that can catch insects or use tweezers to feed them instead. Venus fly traps require a little more care than the other flowers in this list due to their diet, but they make wonderful pet-plants for your home.

Leafy Greens

Aluminum Plant

The aluminum plant, also known as the Pilea plant (Pilea cadierei) or watermelon Pilea, is an evergreen plant that thrives in a tropical environment. They produce deep green leaves with patches of silver and are perfect for hanging baskets.

You can deter your pets from eating aluminum plants by hanging them, but ultimately they are non-toxic to cats and dogs, so you do not have to worry about your furry friend sneaking a bite. Aluminum plants enjoy a constant temperature and partial shade during the summer months.

During the winter months, it is a good idea to move them to a sunnier area. Aluminum plants can improve the air quality in your home by absorbing carbon dioxide while pumping oxygen back into the air.

Spider Ivy

Spider ivy (Chlorophytum comosum) is an extremely adaptable houseplant and is easy to grow and maintain. They require indirect sunlight and well-drained soil, and they enjoy drying out between watering.

They are non-toxic to cats and dogs, but there is data suggesting that spider ivy is a mild hallucinogen to cats. It is similar to catnip for cats, but they are not considered toxic.

Some cats may respond poorly to eating this plant by vomiting if they ingest a lot, so you will need to keep your cat’s personality in mind when deciding if this plant is a good fit for your home.

Spider ivy is excellent at absorbing carbon dioxide while producing oxygen for your home, which makes it a wonderful air purifier.

Friendship Plant

Friendship plants (Pilea involucrata) are fuzzy-leafed plants that love warm temperatures and humidity.

They need direct sunlight for a few hours during the day, but otherwise they are content in low light. Friendship plants are non-toxic to dogs and cats, and they can take root very quickly to form a new plant, making them perfect as gifts. They also eat up carbon dioxide and can increase humidity within your home.

Miniature Maranta

Miniature marantas (Calathea micans) are safe around cats and dogs since they are non-toxic to both animals.

They are easy to care for, but they do prefer bright, indirect sunlight with a high humidity, a warm temperature, and well-drained soil. Miniature marantas provide beautifully pointed leaves with silvery stripes of color, which makes them a perfect choice to enhance your indoor space

Useful Plants

Basil Plant

Sweet basil (Ocimum basilicum) is a fantastic, and super common, herb for cooking. It is a staple for an indoor herb garden, and it is easy to grow. Sweet basil is non-toxic to both cats and dogs, so you are free to use it as much as you want within your home.

It requires plenty of light and a good draining system. You can use basil for delicious dishes or to make aromatic oils and teas. Lemon-basil tea is a common cold and flu remedy, and basil can also reduce stress and help improve respiratory ailments.

Cornflower

Cornflowers (Centaurea cyanus) are more commonly known as bachelor’s buttons and come in both annual and perennial varieties. They require well-drained soil and a lot of light, and you will have to thin them before their first leaves will grow.

Cornflowers are non-toxic to cats and dogs, which means you can make them the centerpiece of your room. They are short lived, beautifully blue flowers that truly steal the spotlight in any room they are placed in.

You can also dry them as an herb and use them in teas. Cornflowers can help with fevers and constipation.

Pot Marigold (Calendula)

Pot marigolds (Calendula officinalis) are not true marigolds, and they are commonly referred to as Calendula in order to differentiate them from true marigolds.

They are safe for cats and dogs because they are non-toxic to both pets. An easy choice for ideal perfect pet friendly house plants. Calendulas grow well in mixed flower pots to add brightness and texture. This plant will grow well as long as you keep the soil moist and provide ample sunlight.

Calendulas are edible and often used in salads due to their mildly zesty flavor profile. They can also be used in teas to help reduce fevers and sore throats.

Dill

Dill (Anethum graveolens) is another common herb found in many indoor gardens. It requires deep containers of at least twelve inches long and plenty of sunlight.

Dill also needs warm temperatures and moist soil in order to sprout. It is non-toxic to dogs and cats, and it is a wonderful accompaniment to your home-cooked meals. Dill contains vitamin C, vitamin, A, and magnesium, which are all required for your body to remain healthy. You can also use it with vinegar to pickle various vegetables.

Lemon Balm

Lemon balm (Melissa officinalis) provides a soft lemony scent and is a lovely herb to use in cooking and to make essential oils. It goes well with salads, savory dishes, and teas.

Lemon balm is used to help digestive health since it is related to mint. It needs a well-training container and a lot of sunlight, but other than that, it is fairly easy to care for.

You will need to pinch any flowers off as soon as you see them forming in order to keep the leaves from developing an off flavor. Lemon balm is safe for cats and dogs since it is non-toxic to them.

Wild Strawberry

Wild strawberries (Fragaria) are non-toxic to dogs and cats, and they are much smaller than the strawberries you see in the store. They take a few months to flower before they form their signature red berries. Wild strawberries love full sun or partial shade and rich, moist soil.

You can grow them in containers or hanging baskets, so they are a versatile fruit for your home. Wild strawberries are a wonderful snack to eat on their own or add to salads, desserts, jams, and much more. They are an excellent source of vitamin C, manganese, and antioxidants.

Low Maintenance Succulents

Mexican Rosettes

Mexican rosettes (Echeveria) are beautiful succulents that form the shape of a rose. They are easy to care for and enjoy a little neglect. They are designed to live with little water and in warm climates.

They are non-toxic to cats and dogs and the perfect pet friendly house plant to choose from, so you will not have to worry if your furry roommate tries to nibble on them.

Mexican rosettes are perfect for new indoor gardeners or people who prefer low maintenance plants. They add a wonderful pop of texture and color to any indoor garden.

Thimble Cactus

The thimble cactus (Mammillaria fragilis) is an adorable little cactus that sprouts various spiny stems, each one with its own tiny offshoots that resemble webs or thimbles. They produce yellow flowers throughout the spring and are slow-growing cacti.

Thimble cacti can break easily, so you will need to handle them with care when you move them around. Besides that, they only need a lot of sunlight and a little water. Cats and dogs can investigate this cactus safely since it is non-toxic to both pets.

Thimble cacti add a unique look for someone who already loves succulent plants but would like to stray from the normal rosette-style plants most commonly seen in indoor gardens.

Hens and Chicks

Hens and chicks (Echeveria elegans) are interesting succulent plants because they consist of a single, large plant in the center with many small rosettes surrounding it. It is adaptable for poor soil conditions and little water, so this plant is perfect as a low-maintenance succulent.

Hens and chicks need warm temperatures and lots of sunlight in order to thrive. Since hens and chicks produce multiple rosettes, you can easily grow a lovely succulent garden with just a few plants.

They are non-toxic to dogs and cats, so it is a wonderful plant to leave on your windowsill. They also help with air quality since they provide oxygen and humidity.

Cushion Aloe

Cushion aloe (Aloe retusa), also known as Haworthia retusa or window succulents, are non-toxic to cats and dogs. Although they are similar to succulents, they are actually a cousin to aloe and a species all their own.

They have thick, juicy petals that form a star-shaped rosette and are cared for much like the other succulents with warm temperatures, bright sunlight, and little water. The stunning design of the Haworthia is a great addition to your indoor garden.

Painted Lady

The painted lady (Echeveria multicaulis) is also known as a copper rose because of its red leaf tips. They grow best outdoors, but they are common indoor plants with well-drained soil and full sunlight.

Painted ladies are not toxic to dogs or cats. If the painted lady is introduced to poor growing conditions, it may become dormant until the environment is better. Since this succulent is low maintenance, it is perfect for beginners or already established succulent gardens.

They also improve the air quality in your home by taking in carbon dioxide and emitting oxygen.

Pearly Dots

Pearly dots (Haworthia margaritifera) are from the same family as the cushion aloe, so they are not succulents at all. Their thick leaves protrude into points and contain small white dots, thus giving them the name “pearly dots.”

They require little water and attention as long as they have plenty of sunlight. Pearly dots are non-toxic to cats and dogs, and their bright spotted design makes them a unique centerpiece to display in your home.

Large Indoor Plants

Parlor Palm

Parlor palms(Chamaedorea elegans), also known as Good Luck Palms, are fantastic indoor plants if you do not have a lot of sunlight to offer them.

They can grow up to four feet tall indoors and are non-toxic to cats and dogs, so you can safely keep them inside your home without worrying about your furry roommate.

They do not like direct sunlight, so it is best to keep them in the shade. They can grow slowly without any windows and do not require much water, so these are perfect if you prefer low maintenance plants. Parlor palms are excellent air purifiers because they are so large.

Areca Palm

Areca palms (Dypsis lutescens) are bold plants that grow up to seven feet tall. They are not difficult to care for, but they do need more attention than other plants on this list.

Areca palms require bright, indirect sunlight, and they will need to be repotted every two to three years in order to keep their soil and roots healthy. They are non-toxic to both cats and dogs. Their large fronds and tall stature are popular for home décor and add a brightness to the room.

They also reduce the carbon dioxide within the room and release oxygen.