"Many popular houseplants contain compounds that can make cats and dogs sick. The top offenders in homes today include pothos, peace lily, ZZ plant, philodendron, monstera, and dieffenbachia. Know which 15 to avoid and which pet-safe swaps to choose instead.
If your pet chews a toxic plant, you may see drooling, vomiting, or mouth irritation. The ASPCA poison control list is the go-to reference; we have aligned this list with their guidance. Before bringing any plant home, confirm its identity with the ePlant identifier and check toxicity in our encyclopedia. For safe options, see our toxic plants and safe alternatives guide.
15 Houseplants to Avoid With Cats and Dogs
- Pothos (Epipremnum aureum) – Calcium oxalate crystals; mouth and stomach upset. Safe swap: spider plant, peperomia.
- Peace lily (Spathiphyllum) – Same irritants; toxic to cats and dogs. Safe swap: Boston fern, African violet.
- ZZ plant (Zamioculcas zamiifolia) – All parts; gastrointestinal irritation. Safe swap: cast-iron plant, parlor palm.
- Philodendron – Calcium oxalate in leaves and stems. Safe swap: Calathea, prayer plant.
- Monstera (Monstera deliciosa) – Irritant sap; keep out of reach. Safe swap: areca palm, majesty palm.
- Dieffenbachia (dumb cane) – Highly irritating; swelling and pain. Safe swap: Chinese evergreen (Aglaonema) – some cultivars are safer; check ASPCA.
- Sago palm (Cycas revoluta) – Extremely toxic; liver failure possible. Avoid entirely. Safe swap: parlor palm, areca palm.
- Snake plant (Sansevieria) – Saponins; nausea and vomiting. Safe swap: Boston fern, spider plant.
- Jade plant (Crassula ovata) – Toxic to cats and dogs. Safe swap: Haworthia, echeveria (still keep out of reach).
- Aloe vera – Latex under the skin is toxic. Safe swap: Haworthia.
- English ivy (Hedera helix) – Gastrointestinal upset. Safe swap: Swedish ivy (Plectranthus).
- Lilies (true lilies, e.g. Easter lily) – Especially dangerous to cats; kidney failure. Safe swap: orchids, African violet.
- Oleander – All parts highly toxic. Do not keep indoors with pets.
- Cyclamen – Roots and tubers most toxic. Safe swap: African violet.
- Kalanchoe – Cardiac toxins. Safe swap: Christmas cactus, African violet.
When in doubt, check the ASPCA list and use ePlant to confirm plant ID before buying. For more options, read our pet-safe succulents and toxic plants and alternatives posts.
Pro Tip
Place any questionable plant on high shelves or in a room pets cannot access. If you suspect ingestion, contact your vet or the ASPCA Poison Control hotline immediately.
Identify Plants Before You Buy
Snap a photo with ePlant to confirm the species and check if it is safe for your pets.
Identify with ePlant