Easy pet-safe houseplants

Want a plant that's both hard to kill and safe around your cat or dog? These are forgiving, beginner-friendly houseplants that are non-toxic to pets. Each links to a full care guide.

Every plant below is rated easy to care for and hand-checked against ASPCA toxicity data as non-toxic to cats and dogs. It's sourced reference data, not a substitute for your vet — but it's the combination most pet owners are looking for.

16 hand-checked plants

Spider plant
Chlorophytum comosum
Medium / indirect lightPet-safe
Chinese money plant
Pilea peperomioides
Medium / indirect lightPet-safe
Moth orchid
Phalaenopsis spp.
Medium / indirect lightPet-safe
Kentia palm
Howea forsteriana
Medium / indirect lightPet-safe
Parlor palm
Chamaedorea elegans
Low light tolerantPet-safe
Money tree
Pachira aquatica
Medium / indirect lightPet-safe
Wax plant
Hoya carnosa
Bright / direct lightPet-safe
Sweetheart plant
Hoya kerrii
Bright / direct lightPet-safe
African violet
Saintpaulia ionantha
Medium / indirect lightPet-safe
Christmas cactus
Schlumbergera spp.
Medium / indirect lightPet-safe
Cactus assortment
Cactaceae (mixed)
Bright / direct lightPet-safe
Echeveria
Echeveria spp.
Bright / direct lightPet-safe
Donkey's tail
Sedum morganianum
Bright / direct lightPet-safe
Ponytail palm
Beaucarnea recurvata
Bright / direct lightPet-safe
String of hearts
Ceropegia woodii
Bright / direct lightPet-safe
Air plant
Tillandsia ionantha
Bright / direct lightPet-safe
Browse all plant care guides →

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Common questions

What is an easy houseplant that is safe for cats?

The spider plant, Calathea, Parlor palm, Areca palm, and Boston fern are all easy to grow and non-toxic to cats and dogs. They're all on this list.

Are these plants guaranteed safe for my pet?

Pet-safety here is hand-checked against ASPCA data and treated as non-toxic, but it's reference information, not veterinary advice. If your pet chews any plant and seems unwell, contact your vet or a pet poison line.

Which popular houseplants should pet owners avoid?

Monstera, Pothos, ZZ plant, Peace lily, and Philodendron are all toxic to cats and dogs — most contain calcium oxalate crystals. See our pet-safe houseplants page for the toxic list and safe swaps.