Published on August 13, 2025
Plant lovers and pet parents, have you considered that some common houseplants are toxic to cats and dogs? Your curious cat or playful dog might nibble on leaves, but many poisonous plants for pets contain compounds that can be harmful or even deadly. Before you run around throwing out your beloved orchids and spider plants, learn why certain plants may be dangerous and which plants to avoid.
Why Some Plants Are Dangerous for Pets
All plants contain natural chemical compounds. However, compounds such as cardiac glycosides, oxalates, and various alkaloids are toxic to pets and can cause a variety of symptoms. These symptoms can include vomiting, oral irritation, liver and kidney damage, among other symptoms.
Your pets could be exposed to these compounds if they: chew on plant leaves, drink water from plant trays, or come in contact with pollen from the plants. So, which plants have these poisonous compounds?
10 Common Household Plants Toxic to Pets
1. Lilies – Extremely Toxic to Cats
Toxic parts: All parts, especially pollen and petals.
Risks: Kidney failure in cats; vomiting in dogs.
2. Sago Palm – Deadly for Dogs and Cats
Toxic parts: Seeds and leaves.
Risks: Severe liver damage, vomiting, seizures.
3. Aloe Vera – Healing for Humans, Harmful to Pets
Image Source: The Spruce
Toxic parts: Leaf skin and gel latex.
Risks: Vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy.
4. Philodendron – A Common Houseplant That Irritates Pets
Toxic parts: All plant parts (calcium oxalates).
Risks: Drooling, mouth swelling, difficulty swallowing.
5. Pothos (Devil’s Ivy) – Attractive but Dangerous to Pets
Image Source: The Spruce
Toxic parts: All plant parts.
Risks: Oral irritation, vomiting, excessive drooling.
6. Dieffenbachia (Dumb Cane) – Causes Severe Oral Pain
Toxic parts: All plant parts.
Risks: Swelling of mouth and tongue, difficulty breathing.
7. Peace Lily – Mild but Still Toxic to Cats and Dogs
Image Source: The Spruce
Toxic parts: All plant parts.
Risks: Oral irritation, drooling, mild digestive upset.
8. Monstera – A Monster for Pets Digestive Systems
Image Source: The Planters Place
Toxic parts: All plant parts .
Risks: Oral irritation, drooling, vomiting.
9. Tulips & Hyacinths – Toxic Bulbs in Spring Gardens
Image Source: Abigail Albers
Toxic parts: Bulbs contain the highest concentration of toxins.
Risks: Severe vomiting, diarrhea, drooling.
10. English Ivy – Pretty Leaves, Painful Consequences
Toxic parts: Leaves and berries.
Risks: Abdominal pain, vomiting, drooling.
This list is not a complete list of poisonous plants for pets, however it covers some of the most common household plants that are harmful to pets. For more information on poisonous plants, see ASPCA’s Poisonous Plant list.
What To Do If Your Pet Ingests a Toxic Plant
Even with precautions in place, accidents can still occur. Do your research on the plants you keep in your home, but if your pet does ingest plant material, take immediate action. Remain calm and follow these steps:
First, remove plant material from the mouth, and rinse with water. Do not induce vomiting unless instructed to do so by your veterinarian.
Next, call your veterinarian or a pet poison control hotline . Tell them what happened and follow their instructions. Your vet knows best.
Finally, keep a sample of the plant in case your vet needs it for identification.
Pet-Safe Alternatives
Image Source: Nouveau Raw
You got rid of your toxic plants for cats and dogs, but what safe houseplants for pets can you have instead? Some pet-safe options are Parlor Palms, Spider Plants, Orchids, Cast Iron Plants, and Calatheas.
Please note that while these plants are considered non-toxic to dogs and cats, they can still cause digestive upset if eaten in large amounts.
By swapping out your plants for pet-safe alternatives, you are keeping your furry family members safe and your home beautiful.
Final Tips for Pet-Safe Homes
- Keep plants out of reach (hanging baskets, shelves).
- Train your pets not to chew on plants.
- Regularly check new plants before bringing them home.
- Ask your vet if you are unsure about the plants in your home.
At WorldCare Pet, we know that your pet’s safety is the number one priority. By double-checking your houseplants, you can be sure that your pets will be safe at home. All pet parents should know about the potential risks of common houseplants poisonous to cats and dogs and how to replace them with pet-safe indoor plants. Share this list with your fellow pet parents and contact us to learn more about keeping your pet safe during travel and at home!
Kaitlyn Reid is a Marketing Assistant at WorldCare Pet, where she helps share stories, tips, and guidance for smooth pet relocations worldwide. A devoted dog mom to Piper, she combines her love for animals with her marketing expertise to connect pet parents with the information they need for stress-free moves. Her goal is to make every transferee’s journey as seamless and reassuring as possible.