House plants and flowers are a brilliant way to decorate your home, though pet owners need to be wise when choosing new additions for their home to keep their four-legged friend safe. Cats and dogs are curious by nature, and will likely chew on plants when you put them up in your home. However, certain varieties can be especially harmful to your pets, so it’s important to choose the right ones to keep them happy and healthy.
Whether you’ve got a dog, a cat, or both living together, our guide on safe flowers and plants for cats and dogs contains plenty of useful advice, with our picks for the safest plants for risk-free growing.
Which plants are toxic to cats and dogs?
There are certain varieties of plants that are especially toxic to dogs and cats, so these should be avoided in your home at all costs. This list is not exhaustive, so you should research the type of plant you plan to buy to check whether it's safe for your pet before purchasing.
The varieties of flowers and plants that you should avoid for either type of pet include:
Toxic plants for cats
Lilies
Lilies are extremely toxic to cats, even in small amounts. Ingesting any part of a lily can cause kidney failure, which can be fatal if not treated immediately. Cats are more likely to nibble on plants, and lilies' toxicity is highly potent to them.
Foxglove
Foxgloves contain compounds that can cause heart problems, including arrhythmias, in cats. Cats may chew on the plant, which is highly toxic and can lead to severe cardiovascular issues.
Tulips
Tulips contain tulipalin A, which is a chemical compound that can cause drooling, vomiting, and diarrhoea if ingested. Cats may chew on the plant, especially the bulbs, making them vulnerable to poisoning.
Toxic plants for dogs
Sago palms
Sago palms are extremely toxic to dogs, especially the seeds (nuts), and their ingestion can lead to liver failure and death. Dogs are likely to chew on the seeds or leaves of sago palms, which contain toxins that can be fatal if consumed, even in small amounts.
Yew
Yew plants, including the berries, can cause sudden death in dogs due to heart failure and breathing problems. Dogs are inclined to eat the berries or leaves, and the toxins in these parts are particularly dangerous for them.
Oleanders
Oleanders are highly toxic to dogs, and ingesting even a small amount can cause severe heart problems and death. Dogs tend to chew on plants and might ingest large amounts of oleander leaves or flowers, making it especially dangerous.
Safe plants for cats and dogs
Having a pet doesn’t mean that you can’t decorate your home with beautiful plant life, as there are plenty of choices that are safe for cats and dogs, even if they have a little nibble here or there. Our top picks for pet-friendly flowers and plants are:
Spider plants
Spider plants are non-toxic to both cats and dogs. While pets may chew on the plant's long leaves, it doesn’t pose a threat to their health. These plants are easy to care for, thrive even without direct light, and also purify the air.
African violets
African violets are non-toxic to both cats and dogs, making them a good choice for pet-friendly homes.
These small, flowering plants produce beautiful blooms in a range of colours and are perfect for bright windowsills. They're easy to care for and grow very well indoors.
Calatheas
Calatheas are non-toxic to both cats and dogs, making them a safe indoor plant choice for households with pets. These plants are known for their striking, patterned leaves that fold up at night as a type of ‘prayer plant’. These thrive in low light and humid conditions, making them ideal for your bathroom or kitchen.
Parlour palms
Parlour palms are non-toxic to both cats and dogs and are completely safe if your pets decide to nibble on their leaves or dig in the soil. Known for their attractive, feathery fronds, parlour palms are easy to care for as a great choice for beginners.
Money trees
Money trees are non-toxic to both cats and dogs, making them an excellent choice for homes with pets. Even if your pet chews on the leaves or stems, it won't pose any harm. These plants might not be making you rich any time soon, though they do produce a lovely braided trunk and large, glossy green leaves, and are said to bring good luck and positive energy to the home.
Roses
Roses are non-toxic to both cats and dogs. Their flowers and leaves pose no risk if ingested; however, the thorns can injure pets if they’re overly curious or playful around the plant. Therefore, they won’t pose a significant health hazard to your pets, though it's a good idea to place roses in areas where they can’t easily reach them.
Innovative pet products at Closer Pets
Now that you know about plants to avoid and which are safest for your furry friends, you can grow all kinds of plants with the reassurance that they’re completely safe in your home.
At Closer Pets, we have a diverse variety of quality cat products and dog products to enhance both your and your pet’s lives. These include our pet water fountains to keep your pet hydrated with filtered, naturally oxygenated water, our automatic pet feeders to keep them regularly fed while away from home, and pet doors to easily let them roam as they please.
If you’d like to know more about our pet products and the benefits they offer, our team will happily answer any questions you may have when you get in touch.