Pet-safe indoor plants for cats and dogs

Among the plants we offer, several are listed as non-toxic to cats and dogs by the ASPCA:

• the spider plant, or Chlorophytum comosum, easy-going and very hardy;
• the Areca palm (Dypsis lutescens), which brings a lush green mass to a bright living room;
• the camellia, for a flowering plant.

« Non-toxic » does not mean « edible »: the ASPCA points out that any plant can cause vomiting if a pet swallows a lot of it.

According to the ASPCA, these very common indoor plants are toxic to cats and dogs:

• pothos, peace lily, philodendron, monstera, aglaonema and dieffenbachia: they contain calcium oxalate crystals that burn the mouth and cause drooling;
• snake plant and dracaena, including lucky bamboo, which is a dracaena: their saponins cause vomiting and diarrhoea;
• kalanchoe: vomiting and diarrhoea, more rarely heart rhythm problems;
• jade plant (Crassula ovata): vomiting and lethargy.

You can keep these plants, as long as they are truly out of reach.

True lilies (genus Lilium) and daylilies are among the most dangerous plants for cats: the ASPCA states they can cause kidney failure. A few leaves, petals or even pollen licked off the coat can be enough.

If you have a cat, do not bring lilies into the home, even as cut flowers. Dogs are much less sensitive, but a bouquet should still be kept out of reach.

A few simple habits reduce the risk:

• put toxic plants up high, on a wall shelf or hanging, where the cat does not jump;
• prefer hanging pots for trailing plants such as pothos;
• pick up fallen leaves;
• give the cat cat grass or a non-toxic plant to chew, to distract it.

Also be careful with fertilisers and treatment products: store them closed and out of reach, and read the label before watering.

Remove the plant remains from its mouth without making it vomit yourself, and note the name of the plant or take a photo. Then call your vet: they will tell you whether a visit is needed.

Go straight away if the pet drools heavily, vomits repeatedly, struggles to breathe, seems lethargic, or if a cat has been in contact with a lily. Keep your plant labels: the exact name helps the vet a lot.

The spider plant likes bright light without scorching direct sun, and water when the surface of the compost is dry. It handles summer heat well if watered a little more often, and produces offshoots you can replant.

The Areca palm needs a bright room, slightly moist compost with no standing water in the saucer, and likes its leaves misted when the air is dry or the air conditioning is on. Keep it away from cold or hot air vents.