Which houseplants are toxic to dogs and cats?

There are loads of purported health benefits to keeping houseplants – better air quality, improved mood and, for plants kept on desks at home, greater focus. But not all plants benefit our furry friends quite so well.

Cats can be particularly vulnerable to certain houseplants, while dogs may also become unwell if they chew their leaves, stems or bulbs. Some, including sago palms, can be extremely dangerous to both dogs and cats.

Here’s a look at which houseplants are toxic to pets and which are generally safe to have at home.

What houseplants are toxic to dogs?

Several common houseplants are toxic to dogs and can cause anything from mild irritation to serious illness. The list of houseplants that can be harmful to dogs include:

Sago palm

A small, palm-like plant that can cause sickness, diarrhoea, weakness, liver damage and, in severe cases, life-threatening illness.

Peace lily

Known for its distinctive white flowers, peace lilies can irritate your dog’s mouth, causing drooling, pawing at the mouth and trouble swallowing.

Philodendron

A leafy plant that’s often grown as a climber, they can irritate the mouth and throat and cause drooling or sickness.

Dieffenbachia or dumb cane

Recognisable by its large, patterned leaves, these plants can cause a burning or sore mouth, excessive drooling and trouble swallowing.

Aloe vera

A succulent with thick, spiky leaves, aloe vera can cause sickness, diarrhoea and tiredness if eaten.

Snake plant

Known for its tall, sword-shaped leaves, snake plants can cause sickness, diarrhoea and an upset stomach.

English ivy

A trailing plant with distinctive lobed leaves that can cause an upset stomach, drooling and skin irritation.

ZZ plant

Known for its glossy, dark-green leaves, they can irritate the mouth and cause drooling or an upset stomach.

Some dogs are more likely to chew houseplants than others, particularly puppies and dogs that explore objects with their mouths. 

To reduce the risk, keep potentially harmful plants out of reach. With highly poisonous varieties, such as the sago palm, it’s safest not to keep them in your home at all if you have a dog.

You can also find out which garden plants are poisonous or dangerous for dogs.

What houseplants are toxic to cats?

Many of the houseplants that are toxic to dogs can also be harmful to cats. However, there are a few other popular plants that cat owners should know about:

Cheese plant or monstera

Known for its large, split leaves, cheese plants can irritate your cat’s mouth and throat, leading to drooling, sickness and trouble swallowing.

Ficus

A family of plants that includes the popular rubber plant, they can cause an upset stomach and may irritate your cat’s skin or mouth.

Dracaena 

A leafy plant with long, often striped leaves, it can cause sickness, loss of appetite, drooling and tiredness.

Cyclamen

A group of compact perennials with colourful flowers, cyclamens can cause sickness and diarrhoea. Eating a larger amount may lead to more serious problems.

Asparagus fern

A soft, feathery-looking plant that can cause an upset stomach, while repeated contact may irritate your cat’s skin.

Cats are excellent climbers, so putting a toxic plant on a shelf or windowsill might not be enough to keep it safely out of reach. They can also swallow pollen or bits of plant that get onto their fur when they clean themselves. If your cat likes nibbling leaves, the safest option is not to keep toxic houseplants at home.

True lilies: A warning for cat owners

It’s also worth mentioning true lilies in this guide. Although they’re usually brought into the home as cut flowers (not houseplants), they’re extremely poisonous to cats. Even a small amount of a leaf, flower or pollen can cause potentially fatal kidney failure. If you have a cat, it’s safest not to bring true lilies into your home at all.

If you think your cat has come into contact with a true lily, seek veterinary advice immediately.

You can also find out which garden plants are poisonous or dangerous for cats.

What houseplants are not toxic to cats and dogs?

The good news for plant-loving pet owners is that there are many great-looking houseplants that are considered safe to keep around cats and dogs. These include popular species like spider plants, areca palms and calatheas.

Some houseplants that are generally considered safe around cats and dogs include:

Even if a plant is considered pet-friendly, that doesn’t mean it’s edible, so it’s still best to discourage your cat or dog from chewing its leaves. Eating a large amount of any plant material could give your pet an upset stomach.

Symptoms of plant poisoning in cats and dogs

The symptoms of plant poisoning depend on the type of plant and how much your pet has eaten.

Some common signs of plant poisoning in cats and dogs include:

More serious symptoms can include:

Cats that have eaten true lilies may develop signs of kidney damage, including vomiting, tiredness and changes in drinking or urination.

What do I do if my cat or dog eats a toxic houseplant?

If your cat or dog eats a toxic houseplant, particularly one of the more dangerous plants on this list, contact your vet for advice straight away.

If possible:

• Gently remove any plant material left in your pet’s mouth.
• Try to identify the plant.
• Take a photo or a sample of the plant to show your vet.
• Don’t try to make your pet sick unless your vet specifically tells you to, as this could make things worse.
• Look out for symptoms such as repeated vomiting, weakness, trouble breathing or collapse.

In less serious cases, your pet may recover quickly with little more than an upset stomach. However, if they seem very unwell, are having trouble breathing or have collapsed, contact your vet immediately for urgent help.

Does pet insurance cover plant poisoning?

Yes, pet insurance may help towards the cost of treating plant poisoning, depending on your policy and what it covers.

Agria’s lifetime pet insurance can help with the cost of eligible veterinary treatment for unexpected illnesses and injuries, including poisoning. This might include vet consultations, emergency appointments, tests, medication, hospital stays and other care your pet needs.

Some cases of plant poisoning need urgent treatment, and the costs can quickly add up. It’s always worth checking your policy documents so you know exactly what’s covered.