Best Pet Friendly Houseplants for Cats & Dogs

If you share your home with a curious cat or dog, choosing the right houseplants matters. Some plants can cause irritation or stomach upset if chewed, while others are generally considered safer choices for homes with pets.

The good news is that there are plenty of beautiful pet friendly houseplants that can help you create a leafy home without worrying quite so much about curious paws and noses.

Looking for pet friendly plants?
Browse our Pet Friendly Plants collection for houseplants suitable for homes with cats and dogs.

What does pet friendly mean?

When we describe a plant as pet friendly, we usually mean it is commonly listed as non-toxic to cats and dogs.

That does not mean your pet should be encouraged to eat it. Any plant material can potentially cause mild stomach upset if eaten in quantity, especially for pets with sensitive tummies.

Worth knowing: if your pet is a determined plant chewer, it is still best to keep houseplants out of reach where possible.

1. Calathea and Maranta

Calatheas and Marantas are some of the most beautiful pet friendly houseplants. Their patterned leaves bring colour and movement to a room, and many varieties fold their leaves upwards at night.

They prefer bright, indirect light, consistent watering and a little extra humidity.

Best for: colourful foliage, bedrooms, living rooms and plant lovers who enjoy a little drama.

2. Spider Plant

The Spider Plant, or Chlorophytum, is a classic pet friendly houseplant and a brilliant choice for beginners.

It is easy to care for, fast growing and produces little plantlets that trail beautifully from the mother plant.

Best for: shelves, hanging pots and easy-care greenery.

3. Aspidistra

The Aspidistra, also known as the Cast Iron Plant, is wonderfully tough. It tolerates lower light, irregular watering and cooler rooms better than many houseplants.

It is also a great pet friendly option if you want something elegant, understated and very low maintenance.

Best for: hallways, darker rooms and low-maintenance homes.

4. Ferns

Many ferns are considered pet friendly, including popular choices such as Bird's Nest Ferns and Boston Ferns.

They enjoy bright, indirect light, consistent moisture and higher humidity, making them well suited to bathrooms with a window or kitchens.

Best for: lush foliage, bathrooms, kitchens and humid rooms.

5. Peperomia

Peperomia are compact, attractive and generally easy to care for. They come in a wide range of leaf shapes, colours and textures, making them ideal for small spaces.

Most prefer bright, indirect light and should be allowed to dry slightly between waterings.

Best for: desks, shelves, small rooms and easy-care plant collections.

6. Hoya

Hoyas are beautiful trailing or climbing houseplants with waxy leaves and, in the right conditions, clusters of scented flowers.

They prefer bright, indirect light and do not like to be overwatered, making them a good choice if you want something a little unusual but still fairly easy to manage.

Best for: hanging pots, shelves and bright rooms.

7. Parlour Palm

The Parlour Palm is a timeless houseplant that has been popular for generations. It brings a soft, leafy feel to a room and is usually very forgiving.

It tolerates lower light better than many palms and prefers to dry slightly between waterings.

Best for: living rooms, bedrooms and soft tropical texture.

8. Fittonia

Fittonia, often called the Nerve Plant, is loved for its delicate veined leaves. It stays compact and works beautifully in small pots or terrariums.

It prefers higher humidity and evenly moist compost, so it is not a plant to forget about completely.

Best for: terrariums, humid rooms and colourful foliage.

9. Rhipsalis

Rhipsalis are jungle cacti with trailing, textural stems. Unlike desert cacti, they prefer bright, indirect light and slightly more moisture.

They are a great pet friendly choice if you want something sculptural, unusual and suitable for hanging.

Best for: hanging pots, shelves and unusual plant collections.

10. Pilea

Pilea, including the popular Chinese Money Plant, is another great option for pet friendly homes.

It has distinctive round leaves, grows quickly in bright, indirect light and is easy to propagate once mature.

Best for: bright rooms, gifting and easy propagation.

Plants to be more cautious with

Some very popular houseplants are not usually considered pet friendly. These include:

Monstera
Philodendron
Epipremnum
Dieffenbachia
Alocasia
Peace Lily
Ficus
Dracaena
Sansevieria
Aloe vera

This does not necessarily mean you cannot own them, but if your pet is likely to chew leaves, it is safest to choose non-toxic alternatives or keep these plants well out of reach.

How to choose plants when you have pets

Before choosing a plant, ask yourself:

Does my pet chew plants?
Can my pet reach the plant?
Will fallen leaves be accessible?
Is the plant going in a room my pet uses often?
Would a hanging plant or high shelf be safer?

Good to know: many cats are especially tempted by trailing plants, grassy foliage and moving leaves.

Frequently asked questions

What are the best pet friendly houseplants?

Some of our favourite pet friendly houseplants include Calathea, Maranta, Spider Plants, Aspidistra, Ferns, Peperomia, Hoya, Parlour Palm, Fittonia, Rhipsalis and Pilea.

Are pet friendly plants completely safe?

Pet friendly plants are generally considered non-toxic, but eating any plant material can still cause mild stomach upset. It is best to discourage pets from chewing houseplants.

Are Monsteras pet friendly?

No. Monsteras are not usually considered pet friendly and should be kept away from pets that chew plants.

Are Spider Plants safe for cats and dogs?

Spider Plants are generally considered non-toxic to cats and dogs, although chewing large amounts may still cause mild stomach upset.

What should I do if my pet eats a plant?

If you are worried, contact your vet for advice. If possible, take a photo or sample of the plant so it can be identified.

Your pet friendly plant checklist

Choose plants commonly listed as non-toxic to cats and dogs
Keep plants out of reach if your pet likes to chew
Avoid highly tempting trailing plants at floor level
Clear fallen leaves quickly
Check plant names carefully before buying
Contact your vet if your pet eats a plant and you are unsure

Shop pet friendly houseplants

You can absolutely have pets and a beautiful plant collection. You just need to choose carefully.

Browse our Pet Friendly Plants collection online, or visit our Edinburgh shop and we'll help you choose the right plant for your home.