Houseplants toxic to cats and dogs, and the safe ones to grow instead

By Sophie Sparkes · October 2026 · 7 min read

If you share your home with a cat or a dog, it is worth knowing which of your plants could make them ill. The good news is that only a handful of common plants are genuinely dangerous. Most "toxic" houseplants cause a sore mouth and an upset stomach rather than serious poisoning, and there is a long list of attractive plants that are safe to grow.

Short answer: the most dangerous plant for cats is any true lily (Lilium) or daylily (Hemerocallis): even a little pollen or water from the vase can cause kidney failure, so it is an emergency. For dogs, the sago palm is the most dangerous, causing liver failure. Popular houseplants such as peace lily, pothos, monstera, philodendron, aloe vera, jade plant and snake plant usually cause drooling, mouth irritation and vomiting. Safe choices include spider plant, Boston fern, calathea, prayer plant, parlour palm, areca palm, peperomia, African violet, moth orchid and Christmas cactus.

This guide follows the ASPCA's toxic and non-toxic plant lists, the most widely used reference. It is not a substitute for a vet: if you think your pet has eaten something harmful, call your vet straight away.

The two emergencies

Lilies and cats

True lilies (Lilium, including Easter, tiger, Asiatic and oriental lilies) and daylilies are extremely toxic to cats. Eating a leaf or petal, licking pollen off their fur, or drinking water from the vase can cause sudden kidney failure. Signs include vomiting, drooling, loss of appetite and lethargy, but damage can begin before symptoms show. Go to a vet immediately, even if your cat seems fine. The sooner treatment starts, the better the outlook. Many cat owners simply never bring lilies into the house, and it is worth checking bouquets, which often include them. Peace lilies and calla lilies are not true lilies and are far less dangerous.

Sago palm and dogs

The sago palm (Cycas revoluta) is a popular, palm-like houseplant and is highly toxic to dogs and cats. Every part is poisonous, the seeds most of all, and it can cause liver failure. Treat it as an emergency.

Common houseplants that are toxic

Most of these contain insoluble calcium oxalate crystals or saponins. Chewing them causes pain and irritation, which usually stops a pet eating much.

Pet-safe houseplants

These are all listed as non-toxic to cats and dogs by the ASPCA:

• Spider plant (Chlorophytum comosum): tough, easy, and loved by cats, which may chew it. It is safe, though a lot of any leaf can cause a mild upset stomach.
• Boston fern (Nephrolepis exaltata): ideal for a bright bathroom.
• Calathea and prayer plant (Maranta): patterned leaves, happy out of direct sun.
• Parlour palm (Chamaedorea elegans) and areca palm (Dypsis lutescens): the safe alternatives to the sago palm.
• Ponytail palm (Beaucarnea recurvata): drought tolerant and hard to kill.
• Peperomia: compact, with lots of leaf shapes.
• African violet (Saintpaulia) and moth orchid (Phalaenopsis): safe flowering plants.
• Christmas cactus (Schlumbergera): a safe festive choice.
• Cast iron plant (Aspidistra) and money tree (Pachira aquatica): tolerant of low light.
• Haworthia: a safe alternative to aloe for a sunny windowsill.

Watch out at Christmas

Winter brings several seasonal plants into the house at once:

• Lilies in Christmas bouquets: the most serious risk for cats.
• Amaryllis, and daffodil, tulip and hyacinth bulbs being forced indoors: the bulbs are the most toxic part, causing vomiting and diarrhoea.
• Mistletoe and holly: both toxic. Keep sprigs and fallen berries out of reach.
• Poinsettia: mildly irritating, and far less dangerous than its reputation suggests.

What to do if your pet eats a plant

1. Remove any plant material from their mouth and move them away from the plant.
2. Work out what the plant is. Keep the label, take a photo, or use a plant ID app.
3. Call your vet straight away, even if your pet seems fine, and tell them the plant and roughly how much was eaten. For lilies or sago palm, go in immediately.
4. Do not try to make your pet sick unless your vet tells you to.

Pets and plants questions

Which houseplants are toxic to cats?

The most dangerous are true lilies and daylilies, which can cause kidney failure, and the sago palm. Peace lily, pothos, monstera, philodendron, dieffenbachia, aloe vera, jade plant, snake plant, dracaena and English ivy are also toxic, but usually cause mouth irritation, drooling and vomiting rather than serious poisoning.

Are spider plants safe for cats?

Yes. Spider plants are non-toxic to cats and dogs. Cats often love chewing them, and eating a lot can cause a mild upset stomach, but they are not poisonous.

Is a peace lily toxic to cats?

Yes, but it is not a true lily and does not cause kidney failure. Its calcium oxalate crystals cause mouth pain, drooling and sometimes vomiting. Call your vet for advice if your cat has chewed one.

Is aloe vera toxic to dogs?

Yes. Aloe vera can cause vomiting, diarrhoea and lethargy in dogs and cats. The gel used on skin is less of a concern than the leaf itself.

Is a snake plant toxic to cats?

It is mildly toxic to cats and dogs. It contains saponins, which can cause nausea, vomiting and diarrhoea if chewed.

What houseplants are safe for cats and dogs?

Spider plant, Boston fern, calathea, prayer plant, parlour palm, areca palm, ponytail palm, peperomia, African violet, moth orchid, Christmas cactus, cast iron plant, money tree and haworthia are all non-toxic according to the ASPCA.

What should I do if my cat eats a lily?

Take your cat to a vet immediately, even if they seem well. Lily poisoning can cause kidney failure, and early treatment makes a big difference. Take the plant or a photo of it with you.