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Pet Friendly Plants That Won't Harm Your Furry Friends
August 11, 2021
If you are a plant enthusiast with pets at home and are keen to expand your indoor garden, the last thing you want is to get a potentially toxic houseplant that can harm them. And while we are all aware of some popular poisonous varieties, like Sansevieria and lilies, many would feel apprehensive about growing numerous beautiful and exotic plants that are actually non-toxic and completely safe for cats and dogs.
So, let’s explore some pet-friendly indoor plants that won’t pose any risk to your furry friends.
What Indoor Plants Are Safe for Pets?
Plants contain different compounds, some of which are proven to be toxic to pets and sometimes humans. Saponins and calcium oxalates are chemicals in many houseplants, which are considered poisonous to cats and dogs. So, indoor plants that are free of these compounds are generally pet-safe.
With that said, it’s best to keep greenery out of reach from your feline or canine companions. They are naturally curious and can be easily attracted to your houseplants, playing with trailing stems and rubbing their fur against the foliage. The problem comes when your pet decides to nibble on a plant and ingests a large amount of it, especially if it’s toxic. You should take your furry friend to the vet straight away for immediate attention.
Here are our top 3 pet-safe plant varieties, recognized by the ASPCA, that you can safely grow at home if you own a cat or a dog:
1. Spider Plant
The Spider plant (Chlorophytum comosum) is not toxic to dogs and cats. It does not contain harmful compounds that can affect your pet’s health. Still, do not allow your furry companion to eat large amounts of the plant to prevent an upset stomach.
2. Prayer Plants
Calathea and Maranta plants are also known as Prayer plants and feature gorgeous patterned leaves that move as if in prayer, hence the name. Both Marantas and Calathea plants are pet-friendly and don’t pose serious risks to your cat or dog if ingested.
3. Orchids
Orchids have delicate blooms of different colors and glossy green leaves and are the most popular and much-loved flowering plants worldwide. And the good news is that they are non-toxic to cats and dogs, despite their exotic look.
Non-Toxic Plants for Cats: What Are Safe Indoor Plants for Cats?
Cats naturally show interest in indoor vegetation, as eating plants helps them pass hairballs. So, let’s explore a list of the best cat-safe plants to grow indoors that won’t harm your feline baby.
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Peperomia: From Baby Rubber Plant to Watermelon Peperomia and the popular Peacock Plant, these beauties are safe for your cat. Easy to grow and low-maintenance, Peperomia plants are ideal for households with pets.
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Boston Fern: Most indoor ferns (with a few exceptions) are non-toxic to cats. The popular Boston fern is a favorite to grow among cat lovers as it’s also safe for cats and other pet animals.
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Indoor Palm Trees: Popular palms, like the Parlor palm, the Cat palm, and the Ponytail palm, are all suitable for homes with cats. Still, as they are often grown as floor plants, ensure your cat doesn’t ingest large quantities of fronds, which can lead to digestive issues.
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Chinese Money Plant: The lucky Pilea peperomioides is also a popular cat-safe plant to add to your indoor garden. It prefers indirect light and low humidity and can be grown in a hanging planter, away from your cat’s paws.
Dog-Friendly Plants: What Plants Are Best for Dogs?
Many houseplants can be dangerous or toxic to your dog. It is essential to avoid plants that can harm your dog if it likes to nibble on things to explore them. Here are our favorite nontoxic plants for dogs:
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African Violet: The blooming African Violet is a gorgeous dog-safe plant that can add color to home interiors. It also makes the perfect gift for any occasion, including Mother’s Day, especially for pet moms.
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Cast Iron Plant: The indestructible Cast Iron Plant is a dog-friendly plant that won’t harm your canine buddy. It’s also non-toxic for cats and other pets.
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Money Tree: The Money Tree is a must-have if you have a dog or a cat, as it’s non-toxic to animals and is believed to bring wealth and good luck in your life.
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Indoor Olive Tree: The beautiful indoor Olive Tree is another dog-safe and pet-friendly plant. If the climate allows it, you can also grow it as a potted plant outdoors on your patio or porch.
Pet-safe Plants: FAQS
Q: How to pet-proof indoor plants?
A: To protect your indoor plants from getting damaged by your pets, keep them out of reach, on high shelves, or in hanging baskets. You can also spray them with an organic repellent to deter your cat or dog from nibbling on the leaves.
Q: What easy plant is safe for cats?
A: Bromeliads are easy-care plants that are safe for cats. They require infrequent watering, making them perfect plants for beginners with pets, whether it’s a cat or a dog.
Q: What is the most poisonous plant for dogs?
A: The Sago Palm is one of the most toxic plants for dogs, which can cause serious harm if your puppy decides to nibble on its fronds. Seek expert help if you notice any symptoms of poisoning in your dog.
Q: Do cats know to avoid toxic plants?
A: Cats don’t discern well between toxic and pet-friendly plants. Your kitty will not hesitate to chew on their foliage if it feels like it and has easy access to your greenery. Thus, keep toxic plants out of your feline pet’s reach to prevent incidents.
Q: Can I get a snake plant if I have a dog?
A: All snake plants are considered toxic to dogs and cats. If you have a dog and get a Snake Plant, ensure it’s out of reach so your dog cannot accidently eat parts from it.
Q: What indoor air-cleaning plants are safe for cats?
A: The Areca Palm is one of the best air-purifying plants that is considered non-toxic and safe for cats.
Conclusion
If you are a plant lover and a cat or dog owner, at the same time, it’s key to ensure your pets’ safety. Choose only pet-friendly house plants that cannot harm your furry friends. Be apprehensive of puppies and kittens nibbling on your greenery, even if it’s non-toxic. Ingesting too much plant matter by young pet animals can result in discomfort and digestive problems. Watch closely for signs of poisoning or symptoms of stomach upset in your cats and dogs and seek specialist help from your vet.
Sources: ASPCA
