Houseplants make homes beautiful, cleaner and more vibrant — but many common plants can be dangerous to cats and dogs. Pets explore the world with their mouths, noses and paws, and even a single nibble of the wrong plant can lead to vomiting, irritation or more serious health problems. Having a complete, accurate list of safe and toxic plants is essential for any pet parent, especially in the United States where many popular indoor and outdoor plants appear in most households.
This guide provides the most up-to-date, easy-to-use list of toxic and pet-safe plants for cats and dogs in 2025. We include clear tables, symptoms to watch for, and safe alternatives to replace toxic plants in your home. Bookmark this list — it’s a powerful reference to keep your pets safe every day.
Why Some Plants Are Toxic to Pets
Plants contain natural chemicals designed to protect themselves from being eaten by insects, wildlife or fungi. Unfortunately, many of these natural defense compounds can be harmful to cats and dogs, especially because pets have more sensitive digestive systems.
Common plant toxins include:
Calcium oxalate crystals (cause mouth and throat irritation)
Glycosides (affect the heart)
Terpenoids and essential oils (liver irritation)
Saponins (intestinal upset)
Alkaloids (nervous system issues)
Cats are more sensitive than dogs to many plant toxins, partly due to how their livers process compounds. Even “mildly” toxic plants can cause bigger problems for cats.
Complete List of Toxic Plants for Cats and Dogs (2025)
The following table includes the most common toxic plants found in U.S. households and gardens. If you own any of these, consider relocating them out of reach or replacing them with safe alternatives.
| Plant Name | Toxic To | Toxicity Level | Common Symptoms |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lilies (All varieties) | Cats (highly toxic), Dogs (mild) | Severe | Kidney failure in cats, vomiting, lethargy |
| Aloe Vera | Cats & Dogs | Moderate | Vomiting, diarrhea, tremors |
| Dieffenbachia (Dumb Cane) | Cats & Dogs | Moderate | Mouth irritation, drooling, swelling |
| Monstera Deliciosa | Cats & Dogs | Mild–Moderate | Drooling, swelling, vomiting |
| Peace Lily | Cats & Dogs | Moderate | Mouth burning, vomiting, difficulty swallowing |
| Pothos (Golden, Marble Queen) | Cats & Dogs | Moderate | Oral irritation, vomiting |
| Philodendron (All varieties) | Cats & Dogs | Moderate | Swelling, drooling, stomach upset |
| Sago Palm | Cats & Dogs | Severe | Liver failure, bloody stool, seizures |
| Oleander | Cats & Dogs | Severe | Arrhythmia, tremors, cardiac collapse |
| Azalea | Cats & Dogs | High | Drooling, weakness, abdominal pain |
| English Ivy | Cats & Dogs | Moderate | Rash, vomiting, diarrhea |
| Yucca | Cats & Dogs | Moderate | Vomiting, drooling, weakness |
| Caladium | Cats & Dogs | Moderate | Throat burns, drooling, vomiting |
| Jade Plant | Cats & Dogs | Mild–Moderate | Stomach upset, incoordination |
| Bird of Paradise | Cats & Dogs | Moderate | Nausea, drowsiness, rapid heart rate |
| Snake Plant (Sansevieria) | Cats & Dogs | Moderate | Vomiting, nausea, diarrhea |
Safe Plants for Cats and Dogs
The following plants are widely considered safe for both cats and dogs and are excellent alternatives if you want a pet-friendly indoor garden.
| Plant Name | Safe For | Pet-Friendly Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Spider Plant | Cats & Dogs | Non-toxic; cats may play with dangling leaves |
| Bamboo Palm | Cats & Dogs | Air-purifying and entirely pet-safe |
| Areca Palm | Cats & Dogs | One of the best large safe houseplants |
| Boston Fern | Cats & Dogs | Fully non-toxic; loves humidity |
| Parlor Palm | Cats & Dogs | Slow-growing and completely pet-safe |
| Calathea (All varieties) | Cats & Dogs | Vibrant patterns without toxic compounds |
| Haworthia | Cats & Dogs | A safe succulent alternative to aloe and jade |
| Peperomia | Cats & Dogs | Many varieties; moisture-loving and soft-leafed |
| Baby’s Tears | Cats & Dogs | Soft, delicate plant safe for curious pets |
| Ponytail Palm | Cats & Dogs | Not a true palm; fully non-toxic |
| Prayer Plant | Cats & Dogs | Beautiful leaf movement; safe for all pets |
Symptoms of Plant Toxicity in Cats and Dogs
If your pet chews or bites a plant and begins acting differently, watch for these common signs:
Vomiting or diarrhea
Drooling or foaming
Mouth or tongue swelling
Pawing at the mouth
Lethargy or unusual sleepiness
Tremors or unsteady movement
Labored breathing
If symptoms are severe or the plant is known to be highly toxic, contact a veterinarian or pet poison hotline immediately.
How to Make Your Home Plant-Friendly and Pet-Safe
1. Choose Safe Plants First
When starting a plant collection, stick to non-toxic plants. There are dozens of beautiful, easy-care options that won’t harm pets.
2. Place Mildly Toxic Plants Out of Reach
If you do own plants that are not safe, place them:
On high shelves
Inside hanging baskets
In rooms the pets do not access
3. Train Pets to Avoid Plants
Use simple conditioning techniques like redirecting your pet with toys or treats.
4. Provide Pet-Friendly Greens
Offer safe chew alternatives such as:
Cat grass
Pet-safe wheatgrass
Herbs like basil or thyme
5. Monitor New Plants Carefully
Some pets nibble plants out of curiosity. Watch behavior closely during the first week after adding a new plant.
FAQ About Toxic and Safe Plants for Cats and Dogs
Are cats more sensitive to toxic plants than dogs
Yes. Cats are generally more sensitive because their bodies process toxins differently, and they groom themselves more often, increasing exposure. Plants mildly toxic to dogs may be more harmful to cats.
What should I do if my pet eats a toxic plant
Remove any plant material from their mouth, check which plant they ate, and contact your veterinarian or a pet poison hotline immediately. Do not induce vomiting unless a vet instructs you to do so.
Are all lily plants dangerous to pets
Yes for cats — all true lilies are extremely dangerous and can cause severe kidney issues. Dogs may experience stomach upset but are less vulnerable than cats.
Is aloe safe for pets
No. Aloe vera is toxic to both cats and dogs due to saponins in the plant. It may cause vomiting, diarrhea and lethargy. Safe alternatives include Haworthia and other non-toxic succulents.
Why do cats chew on houseplants
Cats explore through taste, may seek fiber, or may be attracted by movement or texture. Some chew plants out of boredom. Offering safe alternatives like cat grass can reduce this behavior.
Are pothos and philodendrons really toxic
Yes. Both contain calcium oxalate crystals that irritate the mouth, lips and throat. Chewing even a small amount can cause drooling, swelling and vomiting in both cats and dogs.
Can I keep mildly toxic plants if they’re out of reach
Yes, many pet owners do. Place them in high shelves, hanging baskets or closed rooms. Monitor your pets to ensure they cannot access the plants when unsupervised.
Are all palms safe for pets
No. True palms like Areca Palm, Parlor Palm and Bamboo Palm are safe. However, Sago Palm is extremely toxic and should never be kept around pets.
Is it safe to keep outdoor toxic plants if I have pets
It depends. Many toxic plants are common in yards (oleander, azalea, sago palm). If your pets go outdoors unsupervised, replace toxic plants or block access to specific garden areas.
What plants are safest if I want a pet-friendly home
Great safe choices include Spider Plant, Calathea, Boston Fern, Areca Palm, Parlor Palm, Ponytail Palm and Peperomia. These are non-toxic and widely available in the U.S.
Can essential-oil-producing plants harm pets
Yes. Some plants with strong essential oils can irritate your pet’s liver or nervous system. Mint, eucalyptus and some herbs may cause issues if heavily chewed.
How can I stop my pets from chewing my plants
Provide cat grass, use bitter sprays, enrich your pet’s environment with toys and climbing areas, and place plants in elevated or protected areas.
Final Thoughts
Plants and pets can happily coexist with the right precautions. By choosing pet-safe varieties and understanding which plants to avoid, you can create a beautiful indoor or outdoor environment without risking your cat’s or dog’s well-being. Whether you’re a new plant parent, a longtime gardener or just decorating your home, this list provides everything you need to keep pets safe in 2025 and beyond.
Saving and sharing this list can help other pet owners stay informed and protect their beloved animals from preventable harm.