A Plant Shop Owner’s Guide to Pet-Friendly Plants for Homes With Cats and Dogs
As the owner of The Plant Project, with locations in Houston and Dallas, I talk to pet owners every single day who want the same thing: a home filled with beautiful plants that’s also safe for their pets. I’ve lived this question personally, too.
I’ve owned plants alongside pets, watched cats test leaves with their teeth, and helped countless customers navigate conflicting advice they’ve found online.
So when someone asks me:
“What plants are actually pet friendly?”
The internet is full of conflicting answers, long toxic-plant lists, and advice that can feel overwhelming or fear-based. My goal with this guide is to simplify things, offer clarity, and help you make confident plant choices for a home that includes both plants and pets.
What Does “Pet-Friendly” Really Mean?
When people search for pet-friendly plants, they’re usually trying to answer one core concern: Will this plant hurt my pet if it’s eaten?
In this post, pet-friendly means non-toxic if ingested. That’s it. A few important clarifications: Non-toxic does not mean a plant is meant to be eaten
Eating large amounts of any plant can still cause mild stomach upset - Individual pets behave—and react—differently.
This definition reflects how we guide customers every day at The Plant Project. It’s realistic, practical, and rooted in real-world experience—not panic.
Why Pet-Safe Plant Advice Can Be So Confusing
If you’ve ever Googled “Are plants safe for pets?” and felt overwhelmed, you’re not alone. Many online lists lump plants into “toxic” or “safe” without explaining dose, behavior, or context.
Some plants are labeled dangerous based on mild irritation, while others are genuinely toxic—yet they’re often treated the same online.
Add in social media misinformation and fear-based headlines, and it’s easy to feel like every plant is a risk. 1 That’s why we focus on non-toxic plants, intentional placement, and real-world experience instead of blanket rules
Cats and dogs interact with plants very differently.
Cats are more sensitive to toxins and more likely to nibble leaves Dogs are less sensitive overall but more likely to chew larger amounts.
That’s why this list is evenly split: five plants that are cat-safe, five that are dog-safe, with some overlap where appropriate.
🌿 Cat-Safe & Easy Care
1. Spider Plant (Chlorophytum comosum) An easy-care, pet-friendly indoor plant that thrives in bright to medium indirect light. Hardy and forgiving, it’s one of the most well-known non-toxic plants for cats. (Yes, cats are often drawn to it— placement matters.)
2. Parlor Palm (Chamaedorea elegans) A classic indoor palm that’s non-toxic for cats and does well in low to medium indirect light. It stays manageable in size and works beautifully in living rooms and bedrooms.
3. Calathea / Prayer Plant Family Known for their patterned leaves, these pet-safe indoor plants prefer medium indirect light and consistent watering. Non-toxic for cats, but best for owners comfortable with a bit of routine care
Dog-Safe & Easy Care
4. Ponytail Palm (Beaucarnea recurvata) A sculptural indoor plant that tolerates bright indirect light and missed waterings. Non-toxic for dogs and a great option for busy households.
5. Peperomia Varieties Compact, stylish, and well-suited for indoor shelves and desks, peperomias thrive in medium to bright indirect light. Many varieties are non-toxic for both cats and dogs.
Higher-Maintenance, Pet-Friendly Plants
These plants are still non-toxic for pets, but they benefit from more attentive care and thoughtful placement.
These plants may require more attention, but they’re still safe choices for pet homes.
🌿 Cat-Safe, Higher Maintenance
6. Areca Palm (Dypsis lutescens) A lush pet-friendly indoor palm that prefers bright, indirect light and consistent watering. Safe for cats, but happiest with regular care.
7. Boston Fern (Nephrolepis exaltata) A classic cat-safe indoor plant that thrives in bright, indirect light and higher humidity. Ideal for bathrooms or kitchens with good light.
🐶Dog-Safe, Higher Maintenance
8. Polka Dot Plant (Hypoestes phyllostachya)
A colorful pet-safe indoor plant that prefers bright indirect light. It benefits from regular pruning and consistent watering.
9. Friendship Plant (Pilea involucrata)
A textured, non-toxic indoor plant for dogs that grows best in medium indirect light. A little particular about watering, but very rewarding.
🌿🐶🐱Safe for Both (With Intentional placement)
10. Bamboo Palm (Chamaedorea seifrizii)
A statement indoor palm that’s non-toxic for both cats and dogs. It prefers bright to medium indirect light and works well in larger pet-friendly spaces.
Plant Placement Matters More Than you Think…
Choosing pet-safe plants is only part of the equation. Where and how you place your plants often matters more than the plant itself.
A Simple Pet-Friendly Plant Placement Checklist Use this as a quick guide when styling your space:
Know your pet’s habits: Leaf nibblers need different setups than pets who ignore plants entirely
Use height intentionally: Elevate plants with sturdy plant stands or tall planters
Shelving is your friend: Wall shelves work well for compact or trailing indoor plants.
Hang with care: Hanging plants should be fully out of reach—not just barely.
Choose rooms wisely: Offices, guest rooms, and bedrooms often see less pet traffic
Avoid temptation zones: Keep plants away from favorite nap spots, litter boxes, and food areas
Observe and adjust: Even non-toxic plants may need to be moved based on behavior.
Plants We Recommend at The Plant Project
At The Plant Project, we curate our inventory with real homes in mind—including homes with pets.
The plants listed above are staples in our shops because they balance style, ease of care, and pet safety without feeling overly precious or intimidating.
If you’re shopping for pet-friendly indoor plants, we recommend starting with: Spider plants and peperomia varieties for shelves and desktops. Palms like parlor palm or bamboo palm for floor plants Calatheas and prayer plants for pet owners who want visual interest Our team is always happy to help you choose plants that fit your light, lifestyle, and pets—whether you’re just starting out or adding to a growing collection.
Ask Us In our botanical boutique
Still unsure what will work in your space?
Bring your questions (and even photos of your home) into The Plant Project. Our team helps pet owners make plant choices every day, and we’re always happy to talk through light, placement, and pet behavior before you buy.
Your Creative Grower
