Pet Friendly Plants: Keep Your Pets Safe and Happy

Choosing pet friendly plants is important for every home with animals. Many common houseplants can be dangerous for pets. Some plants are toxic and can make cats and dogs very sick if they eat them. Pet safe houseplants, non-toxic plants for pets, and plants safe for cats and dogs help keep your pets healthy and happy. Pet owners should care about plant toxicity because pets often chew on leaves or dig in the soil. Picking the right plants means you can enjoy a green home without worrying about your pets getting hurt.

What Are Pet Friendly Plants?

Pet friendly plants are plants that do not harm animals if touched or eaten. These are also called non-toxic plants or safe plants for pets. A plant is safe for pets if it does not contain chemicals that can make animals sick. Unsafe plants can cause vomiting, diarrhea, or even worse problems. Trusted sources like the ASPCA database list which plants are safe and which are not. Always check if a new plant is a pet-safe indoor plant before bringing it home.

Benefits of Pet Friendly Plants

Pet friendly plants help clean the air in your home. They remove toxins and give back fresh oxygen. This makes the air better for both people and pets. These plants also make your home look nice and feel more relaxing. Having green plants can lower stress and make you feel happy. Pet safe plants let you enjoy these benefits without putting your pets at risk.

Top Pet Friendly Plants for Your Home

Here are some of the best pet friendly plants you can safely keep in your home. These plants are non-toxic to cats and dogs. They are also easy to care for and make your home look fresh and green.

1. Safe Flora and Fauna for the Pets 

Decorating an apartment you share with pets when you choose to go with non-toxic plants and flowers is a must. Many options exist to have fun, and no harm will befall them, as well as coexist with your dogs. Identifying the safe pets is the key to establishing a safe home environment.  

2. Areca Palm (Dypsis lutescens)

The areca palm is a beautiful, non-toxic palm. It grows well indoors and is safe for cats and dogs. This plant also helps to clean the air and adds a tropical feel to your home.

3. Boston Fern (Nephrolepis exaltata)

Boston ferns are pet safe ferns. They love humidity and help purify the air. They are safe for cats and dogs, but eating too much may cause a mild stomach upset. Keep the fern out of reach if your pet likes to chew on plants.

4. Parlor Palm (Chamaedorea elegans)

The parlor palm is a pet safe indoor palm. It is good for rooms with low light. This plant is safe for pets and is easy to care for. It also helps to clean the air.

5. African Violets

An African Violet blooming plant is among the most preferred indoor flowering plants for safekeeping. These types are also called “easy to care for” and “brightly colored” plants. African Violets are the best choice for busy owners who want to decorate their homes with a splash of color without worrying about their pets’ health. This is because they prefer indirect sunlight and a relatively constant watering schedule.  

6. Calathea

Calathea is a non-toxic houseplant with colorful leaves. It is safe for both cats and dogs. Calathea likes medium light and moist soil. It makes your home look bright and lively.

7. Peperomia

Peperomia is a pet safe succulent. It is easy to care for and comes in many shapes and colors. Peperomia is non-toxic to cats and dogs. Even if pets nibble on it, it will not harm them.

8. Money Tree (Pachira aquatica)

The money tree is often called a pet safe tree. It is said to bring good luck. While it is not considered toxic, eating a lot can cause mild stomach upset in dogs, so it is best to keep an eye on your pets around this plant.

9. Ponytail Palm (Beaucarnea recurvata)

The ponytail palm is a drought tolerant plant. It is non-toxic to cats and dogs. If your pet eats a lot of it, they might get a mild stomach ache, but it is not poisonous.

10. Polka Dot Plant (Hypoestes phyllostachya)

The polka dot plant is a colorful pet safe plant. It is easy to care for and brightens up any room. This plant is not toxic to dogs and is safe for homes with pets.

11. Venus Flytrap

The Venus flytrap is a unique, pet safe carnivorous plant. It is not toxic to cats or dogs. This plant can be a fun and interesting addition to your pet-friendly home.

These plants are great choices if you want a green home and safe pets. Always watch your pets around plants, and try to keep plants out of reach if your pets like to chew on leaves. If you are ever unsure about a plant, check trusted sources like the ASPCA database for more information.

Pet Friendly Plants for Gardens and Outdoors

You can enjoy a beautiful garden and keep your pets safe at the same time. Many outdoor plants, herbs, and flowers are non-toxic and safe for cats and dogs. Here are some great choices for a pet friendly garden:

2. Catnip

Catnip is safe for cats and dogs. Cats love to play with it and may eat the leaves. Catnip is not addictive and does not harm your cat, but eating too much can cause mild stomach upset. Always use catnip that is free from chemicals and pesticides.

3. Catmint

Catmint is another safe plant for pets. It is not toxic to cats or dogs. Cats may enjoy chewing on the leaves, but small amounts are safe. Catmint also attracts bees and butterflies to your garden.

4. Lettuce

Lettuce, such as iceberg lettuce, is safe for cats and dogs. It is a non-toxic plant and can be eaten by both pets and people. Lettuce can help with hydration and digestion, but only give it in small amounts to avoid stomach upset.

5. Basil

Basil is a safe herb for pets. It is non-toxic and can be grown in gardens or pots. Both people and pets can eat basil leaves. It is easy to grow and adds flavor to food.

6. Rosemary

Rosemary is safe for cats and dogs. It is a hardy herb that grows well in gardens. You can use rosemary in cooking, and it is safe for pets to sniff or chew in small amounts.

7. Sunflowers

Sunflowers are non-toxic and safe for pets. They are bright and cheerful flowers that grow well outdoors. Sunflower seeds can be eaten by people, but only give plain, unsalted seeds to pets.

8. Snapdragons

Snapdragons are colorful flowers that are safe for cats and dogs. They are easy to grow from seeds and add color to your garden. Snapdragons are also safe to have around curious pets.

9. Bamboo

Bamboo is a pet safe plant for gardens. It is non-toxic to cats and dogs and grows quickly. Bamboo can provide shade and privacy in your garden.

Some of these plants, like lettuce and basil, are edible for both pets and people. Always make sure your garden plants are free from pesticides and chemicals before letting pets or people eat them.

By choosing these pet friendly plants, you can create a safe and happy outdoor space for your whole family, including your furry friends.

Plants to Avoid: Common Toxic Houseplants

Some popular houseplants are toxic to pets and should not be kept in homes with cats or dogs. These plants can cause serious health problems if your pet chews on them or eats any part of the plant. Here are some common toxic houseplants to avoid:

1. Lilies

Lilies are very dangerous, especially for cats. All parts of the lily plant are toxic. If a cat eats or even licks any part of a lily, it can cause kidney failure. Symptoms include drooling, vomiting, poor appetite, weakness, and even seizures. If not treated quickly, lilies can be deadly for cats.

2. Pothos

Pothos, also called “Devil’s Ivy,” is a common houseplant. It contains chemicals called calcium oxalates. If pets chew on the leaves, it can cause burning and swelling in the mouth, vomiting, and diarrhea. Both cats and dogs can get sick from pothos.

3. Philodendron

Philodendron is another very popular indoor plant. Like pothos, it contains calcium oxalates. Eating philodendron can cause burning in the mouth, swelling, drooling, vomiting, and diarrhea. It is toxic to both cats and dogs.

4. ZZ Plant

The ZZ plant is often chosen for its easy care and ability to grow in low light. However, it is poisonous to pets. Touching or eating this plant can cause vomiting, diarrhea, and mouth irritation. It is best to keep the ZZ plant out of homes with pets.

Other Toxic Houseplants to Avoid:

• Sago Palm
• Dieffenbachia (Dumb Cane)
• Aloe Vera
• Amaryllis
• Jade Plant
• Snake Plant
• Kalanchoe
• Begonia
• Peace Lily
• Cyclamen
• English Ivy
• Monstera

Always check if a plant is safe before bringing it home. The ASPCA database is a trusted source for pet-safe plant lists. You can also ask your vet for advice.

Tips for Creating a Pet-Friendly Plant Environment

You can enjoy plants and keep your pets safe by following a few simple steps:

• Place plants out of reach. Use hanging baskets or high shelves to keep plants away from curious pets.
• Watch your pets around new plants. If your pet eats a plant and acts sick (vomiting, drooling, not eating, or acting tired), call your vet right away.
• Introduce new plants slowly. See how your pet reacts to new plants before placing them in easy-to-reach spots.
• Create plant-free zones. If your pet is very curious, keep some rooms or areas free of plants.
• Cover plant soil. Use stones or other materials to cover the soil so pets do not dig or use the pot as a litter box.
• Use pet-safe repellents. Citrus peels or diluted lemon juice can help keep pets away from plants, but never use essential oils, as they can be toxic to pets.
• Give your pets alternatives. Provide safe plants like cat grass or chew toys to distract pets from houseplants.

By choosing safe plants and using these tips, you can have a green home and keep your pets healthy and happy.

Conclusion

Your apartment decor doesn’t have to be a choice between aesthetics and your pet’s safety because many plant options are beautiful and pet-friendly. Today’s non-toxic, eco-friendly alternatives can help you do that without jeopardizing your pets’ health or safety. Owning a pet or not, these plants are a perfect fit for a pet-friendly home as they come in low-maintenance varieties such as Spider Plant and African Violet for a splash of colors. Remember that a pet-safe environment is connected to the right plants and creates a warm place for your furry friends.

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