Houseplants are a beautiful way to bring life and tranquillity into your living space. They improve air quality, boost your mood, and add natural charm to any room. However, many common indoor plants can be toxic to pets, causing everything from mild irritation to severe health issues. Whether you're a seasoned plant lover or just starting your indoor garden, it's essential to choose varieties that are safe for your furry companions.
At Woonona Petfoods, we’re all about creating safe, happy environments for pets and their people. In this guide, we’ll explore the best pet-friendly indoor plants, offer tips for keeping plants out of paws' reach, and suggest products to help keep your pets curious but safe.
Why Plant Safety Matters for Pets
Dogs and cats are naturally curious, and many love to chew, dig, or bat at houseplants. Unfortunately, several popular indoor varieties, including peace lilies, snake plants, and pothos, contain compounds that can be toxic when ingested. Symptoms of plant poisoning in pets may include:
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Drooling
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Vomiting or diarrhoea
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Lethargy
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Difficulty breathing
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Loss of appetite
To avoid unwanted vet visits (and peace of mind), it’s best to stick with pet-safe plants.
Top Pet-Friendly Indoor Plants
Choosing pet-safe indoor plants doesn’t mean compromising on style. With so many beautiful, non-toxic options available, you can create an indoor oasis that’s both calming and completely safe for your four-legged family members. Remember to monitor your pet’s behaviour, keep plants tidy, and choose non-toxic varieties that thrive in your home’s conditions. Here are some gorgeous, non-toxic indoor plants that are safe for both cats and dogs:
Spider Plant (Chlorophytum comosum)
Spider plants are hardy, easy to care for, and completely pet-safe. Their cascading green and white leaves make a striking visual display, and they also help purify indoor air. Perfect for hanging baskets or shelves out of reach.
Areca Palm (Dypsis lutescens)
Also known as the butterfly or golden cane palm, this lush tropical plant is a safe choice for pets. It thrives in bright, indirect light and adds a beautiful statement to any room.
Parlour Palm (Chamaedorea elegans)
With its graceful, feathery fronds, the parlour palm is both elegant and safe. It tolerates low light, making it ideal for homes or apartments without lots of sun.
Calathea (Calathea spp.)
Known for their stunning patterns and colours, Calatheas are a favourite among houseplant collectors, and they're pet-safe too. Just keep them in humid, filtered-light areas for best results.
Peperomia (Peperomia spp.)
These small, easy-care plants come in a variety of shapes and colours, from heart-shaped leaves to rippled textures. Non-toxic and compact, they’re ideal for desktops and bookshelves.
Boston Fern (Nephrolepis exaltata)
Boston ferns are classic indoor greenery with soft, arching fronds. They thrive in humid areas like bathrooms and are completely safe for pets.
Bamboo Palm (Chamaedorea seifrizii)
Another excellent air purifier, the bamboo palm is pet-friendly and can grow tall, making it a lovely focal point in large rooms.
Plant Placement and Pet Safety
Even safe plants can cause minor digestive upset if consumed in large quantities, and some pets are known to dig in pots or knock things over. Here are a few tips for keeping plants pet-friendly and pet-proof:
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Elevate Your Plants: Use hanging planters, shelves, or plant stands to keep greenery out of reach, especially for curious cats.
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Cover Soil: Add a layer of stones or pine bark mulch to deter digging.
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Use Decorative Barriers: Decorative plant cages or fencing can prevent pets from accessing sensitive pots.
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Discourage Nibbling: If your pet insists on chewing leaves, try spraying with a pet-safe deterrent like Aristopet Repellent Spray
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Provide Alternatives: Offer your cat pet grass or catnip to redirect chewing behaviour.
Beware of These Common Toxic Plants
It's just as important to know which plants to avoid. The following are toxic to both cats and dogs:
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Peace Lily
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Snake Plant (Mother-in-Law's Tongue)
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ZZ Plant
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Pothos
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Aloe Vera
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Philodendron
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Sago Palm
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Dieffenbachia (Dumb Cane)
If you suspect your pet has ingested a toxic plant, contact your vet immediately or call the Animal Poisons Helpline (1300 869 738 in Australia).
Grow-Your-Own Cat Grass: Safe and Nutritious Options
If your pets love nibbling on greenery, providing them with their own pet-safe plants can help protect your decorative indoor plants while supporting their health. Cat grass is especially popular with indoor cats, offering natural fibre and aiding digestion.
Mr Fothergill’s Cat Grass is a quick and easy option to grow at home. This densely tufted, hardy grass supports healthy digestion and helps reduce hairballs, making it ideal for indoor cats. For continuous availability, sow in succession throughout the year.
For a tidier solution, the Catit 2.0 Senses Grass Planter is a clever, no-mess system designed for growing fresh cat grass indoors. It includes a planter and seed pack, with a compact, easy-to-clean design that fits seamlessly with the Catit Senses 2.0 range. The grass offers the same natural benefits while keeping your home clean.
Another great all-in-one option is the Cat Grass Sprouting Kit, which includes a mini greenhouse, Jiffy® Quick Soil Mix Pellet, and Mr Fothergill’s Cat Grass seeds. This kit is perfect for convenient seed raising and provides cats with a rich source of essential vitamins and minerals to support wellbeing and digestive health.
Other Recommended Products for a Safe Home Environment
To further support a pet-safe indoor environment, consider using enrichment tools and behavioural aids that help redirect unwanted habits like chewing or digging. Urine Off Cat & Kitten Spray is a great starting point, this enzymatic cleaner removes odours while also acting as a behavioural deterrent, making it useful around plant pots or furniture where cats might be tempted to mark or dig. For pets who chew out of boredom, LickiMats offer a calming and engaging alternative. Spread with peanut butter or wet food, these mats encourage soothing licking behaviour that keeps pets mentally occupied and away from your plants.
For dogs that dig in pots or show destructive tendencies indoors, KONG enrichment toys can be a game-changer. When filled with treats or frozen snacks, they provide lasting stimulation and reduce boredom-related behaviours. Meanwhile, cats prone to stress, often a cause of plant chewing, can benefit from Feliway Diffusers. These pheromone-based plug-ins help create a calming atmosphere, making your home a more peaceful and plant-safe space for everyone.
Beautify your home without the worry. If you're unsure which plants are safe or want more advice on pet-proofing your indoor garden, our friendly team at Woonona Petfoods is always happy to help. With the right knowledge and products, you can enjoy lush, pet-safe greenery and peace of mind year-round.
