pet safe plants

Sharing your home with pets doesn’t mean you have to give up plants — it just means choosing the right ones. These pet-safe indoor plants are completely non-toxic to cats and dogs and still offer serious design impact, air-purifying qualities, and low-effort care.

Perfect for living rooms, kitchens, bedrooms, and bathrooms — without the worry.

Why Pet-Safe Plants Matter

Many popular houseplants, like Pothos, Snake Plant, or Monstera, are toxic to pets and can cause vomiting, lethargy, or worse.

But plenty of stylish alternatives exist — and these options allow you to green your space while keeping your furry companions safe.

✅🐾 These plants are:

  • 100% non-toxic to cats and dogs

  • Beautiful and easy to decorate with

  • Beginner-friendly and low-maintenance

  • Perfect for hanging baskets, shelves, or styled corners

1. Spider Plant (Chlorophytum comosum)

A fast-growing, air-purifying classic with ribbon-like leaves that arch gracefully.

Fun fact: cats are often attracted to them — but thankfully, they’re safe.

Spider Plant (Chlorophytum comosum)
Spider Plant (Chlorophytum comosum)

Spider Plant Care Overview

Care Element Details
Light Bright, indirect preferred
Water Weekly; allow slight dry-out
Humidity Moderate; mist occasionally
Soil Well-draining potting mix
  • Very adaptable and easy to propagate

  • Great for hanging planters or elevated pots

  • Safe even if your cat takes a bite

→ Spider Plant Care: How to Grow a Happy, Trailing Houseplant

2. Calathea (Calathea spp.)

Known for its colorful, patterned leaves and movement (they fold up at night!), Calatheas are non-toxic and thrive in medium to high humidity.

calathea orbifolia
Calathea (calathea orbifolia)

Calathea Care Overview

Care Element Details
Light Medium to bright, indirect light
Water Keep soil moist but not soggy
Humidity High; loves a bathroom setting
Soil Rich, moisture-retaining mix
  • Best in bathrooms or grouped with other humidity lovers

  • Place away from drafts

  • Pet-safe and visually stunning

→ Calathea Care: How To Keep Your Prayer Plant Thriving Indoors

3. Boston Fern (Nephrolepis exaltata)

With its soft, flowing fronds and ability to thrive in humid air, Boston Ferns bring a touch of the wild into your home — without risk to pets.

Potted Boston Fern
Potted Boston Fern

Boston Fern Care Overview

Care Element Details
Light Filtered, bright indirect
Water Keep soil evenly moist
Humidity High; mist frequently
Soil Light, loamy mix
  • Ideal for pedestal pots or hanging baskets

  • Loves steam and moisture — great in bathrooms or kitchens

  • Fully non-toxic and safe for nibblers

→ Boston Fern Care: How to Keep This Classic Houseplant Lush and Thriving

4. Areca Palm (Dypsis lutescens)

A tropical indoor palm that’s pet-safe and adds dramatic height to any room.

Areca Palms purify the air and create instant serenity.

Areca palm houseplant
Baby’s Tears Areca Palm (Soleirolia soleirolii)

Areca Palm Care Overview

Care Element Details
Light Bright, indirect sunlight
Water Water when top inch is dry
Humidity Moderate to high
Soil Well-draining with organic content
  • Great for corners and empty wall spaces

  • Non-toxic to both cats and dogs

  • Adds gentle movement to the air

→ Areca Palm Care: Growing a Lush, Tropical Statement Plant

5. Peperomia (Peperomia spp.)

Compact and full of character, Peperomia varieties are perfect for desks, side tables, or small shelves.

There’s a type for every style — all pet-safe.

Peperomia argyreia watermelon
Peperomia argyreia watermelon

Peperomia Care Overview

Care Element Details
Light Medium to bright, indirect
Water Allow top inch to dry between waterings
Humidity Moderate; tolerates dryness well
Soil Well-draining; use succulent mix
  • Great for small-space living

  • Easy to care for and slow-growing

  • Beautiful textures, shapes, and colors

→ Peperomia Plant Care. Beginner Guide & Expert Tips

⚠️🐾 Pet Safety Note

Even pet-safe plants should be placed responsibly. Curious pets can still knock over pots or get mild digestive upset from over-nibbling. Use plant stands, floating shelves, or hanging planters to create safe, stylish boundaries.

Avoid using leaf polish or synthetic fertilizers unless clearly labeled as non-toxic.

✅🐾 All plants listed here are non-toxic to cats and dogs.

Styling Tips for Pet-Friendly Greenery

  • Hang Spider Plants and Boston Ferns in Macramé Planters

  • Group Calatheas, Peperomias, and Areca Palms in decorative floor or ceramic planters

  • Elevate delicate plants using Mid-Century Stands or Floating Shelves

  • Match plant tones to your interiors — Calathea for bold accents, Peperomia for color pops, Areca for calm height

  • Use a Moisture Meter to prevent stress from over- or under-watering

Favorite Product Picks

Further Reading

→ House Plant Hacks Every Indoor Gardener Should Know
→ Non-Toxic Bathroom Plants That Look Great Too
→ 31 Plants That Cause Allergies In Cats, Dogs & Other Pets