When a plant is described as pet-safe or non-toxic, it means it does not contain compounds that cause serious systemic poisoning if ingested. The ASPCA Poison Control database is the most widely used reference: plants listed as non-toxic have been assessed as not causing significant harm to cats, dogs, or horses at typical exposure levels.
Non-toxic does not mean completely harmless. Many non-toxic plants contain calcium oxalate crystals, saponins, or irritant compounds that can cause vomiting, drooling, or mild stomach upset if chewed or eaten in quantity. A Spider Plant is listed as non-toxic, but a cat that chews through several leaves may still vomit. The distinction matters because a toxic plant can cause serious organ damage, liver failure, or death, whereas a non-toxic plant typically causes temporary discomfort at worst.
The Best Houseplants Safe for Cats
The following plants are listed as non-toxic to cats by the ASPCA and perform well as houseplants in UK conditions.
Spider Plant (Chlorophytum comosum) are one of the most forgiving houseplants available and genuinely non-toxic to cats. Cats are often attracted to Spider Plants specifically: the plants produce mildly hallucinogenic compounds related to opium, which can cause cats to chew them compulsively. They will not be harmed, but excessive chewing can damage the plant.
Browse our Spider Plant collection →
The entire Calathea genus is non-toxic to cats and dogs. Calatheas are humidity-loving, indirect-light plants that do well in bedrooms and living rooms. The patterned foliage is among the most striking of any non-toxic houseplant.
Maranta are losely related to Calathea and are also non-toxic. Their leaves fold upward at night, which is why they are sometimes called prayer plants.
Most Fernss like the Boston Fern (Nephrolepis exaltata), Sword Fern, Button Fern, and most true ferns are non-toxic to cats and dogs. The major exception is Asparagus Fern (Asparagus setaceus), which is toxic despite its name and appearance.
Our fern collection focuses on plenty of non-toxic species.
Phalaenopsis (moth orchids) are non-toxic to cats and dogs and are among the most commonly kept houseplants in the UK.
The entire Bromeliad family, including air plants (Tillandsia), is non-toxic to cats and dogs. They require minimal care and are among the safest options for households with curious pets.
The main considerations with dogs are size and quantity. A large dog that ingests a significant amount of even a non-toxic plant is more likely to show gastrointestinal symptoms than a cat that nibbles at a leaf or two. Dogs are also more likely to dig up or chew through the pot itself rather than just eating leaves, which can cause choking hazards from pot shards. Consider pot weight and stability for homes with large dogs.
Common Toxic Houseplants to Avoid
The following plants are among the most commonly kept houseplants in the UK that are toxic to cats and/or dogs. If you have pets, it is worth checking whether any of these are already in your home.
Epipremnum is one of the most popular houseplants sold in the UK. It is toxic to cats and dogs due to insoluble calcium oxalates, causing oral irritation, drooling, vomiting, and difficulty swallowing if chewed.
Monstera also contains calcium oxalates. Toxic to cats and dogs if ingested, causing oral pain and vomiting. Ironically, it is one of the most commonly sold houseplants in the UK.
All Philodendron species contain calcium oxalates and are toxic to cats and dogs. Symptoms are similar to Pothos ingestion.
Peace Lily (Spathiphyllum) are toxic to cats and dogs. Often marketed as an air-purifying plant, but should be kept out of reach in pet households.
How to Pet-Proof Your Houseplant Collection
The practical answer for most households is not to remove all toxic plants, but to position them out of reach and reserve accessible spots for non-toxic alternatives. Hanging plants, high shelves, and rooms the pet does not access are all viable options for keeping toxic plants safely in the home.
For plants that cats or dogs are actively chewing, repositioning is usually more effective than deterrents. Bitter sprays have mixed results, and cats in particular tend to ignore them after initial exposure. If a cat is repeatedly targeting a specific plant, moving it to a room with a door is the most reliable solution.