You want a plant that suits your room and will not hurt your cat or dog. This list covers houseplants the ASPCA lists as non-toxic to both dogs and cats, sorted by the light they need. We checked each ASPCA entry individually and matched light needs to extension guidance.
Check the botanical name on the label before buying. Common names are shared between safe and toxic plants. The counterpart to this page, our toxic houseplants guide, lists what to avoid.
How to judge your light
University of Illinois Extension gives this guide by window direction and distance:
| Light level | North window | East or west window | South window |
|---|---|---|---|
| Low | A few feet away | 1–3 m (3–10 ft) away | 4.5–6 m (15–20 ft) away |
| Medium | Directly in front | A few feet away | 1–3 m (3–10 ft) away |
| High (bright) | – | Directly in front | Up to 1.5 m (5 ft) away |
Illinois lists each plant’s minimum light. Most plants grow better with more light than the minimum.
The list at a glance
| Plant | Botanical name (ASPCA) | Minimum light | Light source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Parlor palm | Chamaedorea elegans | Low | Illinois |
| Boston fern | Nephrolepis exaltata ‘Bostoniensis’ | Low | Illinois |
| Cast iron plant | Aspidistra elatior | Low | Iowa State |
| Spider plant | Chlorophytum comosum | Medium | Illinois |
| Peperomia (baby rubber plant, watermelon peperomia) | Peperomia obtusifolia, P. argyreia | Medium | Illinois (P. obtusifolia) |
| Prayer plant and calathea | Maranta, Calathea spp. | Medium | Illinois (Maranta) |
| Staghorn fern | Platycerium bifurcatum | Medium | Illinois |
| Moth orchid | Phalaenopsis | Low to medium; east window best | NC State |
| African violet | Saintpaulia | Bright, cool; north-facing windows | Minnesota |
| Kentia palm | Howea forsteriana | Bright indirect; tolerates lower | RHS |
| Ponytail palm | Beaucarnea recurvata | High | Illinois, Iowa State |
| Wax plant | Hoya carnosa | High | Illinois |
| Christmas cactus | Schlumbergera | Bright, cool in autumn | Minnesota |
Low light: north rooms and spots back from the window
Parlor palm. Illinois lists Chamaedorea elegans with a low minimum light need. The ASPCA files it under parlor palm, bamboo palm and good luck palm, all non-toxic to dogs and cats.
Boston fern. Also a low-light plant in the Illinois list. The ASPCA lists Nephrolepis exaltata ‘Bostoniensis’ as non-toxic to dogs and cats. Ferns need steady moisture, so see our Boston fern care guide before buying.
Cast iron plant. Iowa State says it “endures heat, dust, low light, and lack of water better than most other houseplants.” Grow it in well-drained, evenly moist soil. The ASPCA lists it as non-toxic to dogs, cats and horses. See our cast iron plant guide.
Medium light: near a north window or back from an east or west one
Spider plant. Illinois puts it in the medium group; Iowa State says it prefers indirect light and average moisture. The ASPCA lists Chlorophytum comosum as non-toxic to dogs and cats. See our spider plant care guide.
Peperomia. Illinois lists Peperomia obtusifolia as medium light. Iowa State says to let the soil dry moderately between waterings, because peperomias “will rot if over-watered.” The ASPCA lists both baby rubber plant (P. obtusifolia) and watermelon peperomia (P. argyreia) as non-toxic to dogs and cats.
Prayer plant and calathea. Illinois lists Maranta as medium light. The ASPCA lists Calathea spp. and its prayer plant entry as non-toxic to dogs, cats and horses. Compare the two in calathea vs maranta.
Staghorn fern. Medium light in the Illinois list, and non-toxic to dogs, cats and horses per the ASPCA.
Moth orchid. NC State says Phalaenopsis prefers low light, warmth and high humidity, and that an east windowsill is the best placement. The ASPCA lists it as non-toxic to dogs, cats and horses.
Bright, filtered light
African violet. The University of Minnesota recommends a bright, cool spot, and says north, northwest or northeast windows work well. The ASPCA lists Saintpaulia as non-toxic to dogs, cats and horses. Our African violet care guide covers watering without wetting the leaves.
Kentia palm. The RHS says kentia palm prefers bright, indirect light but tolerates lower light better than many palms, and should be kept out of direct sun. The ASPCA lists it as non-toxic to dogs and cats.
High light: in or close to a sunny window
Ponytail palm. Illinois lists it as high light. Iowa State says it grows best in direct light but tolerates lower levels, and that its swollen base stores water, so avoid overwatering. The ASPCA lists Beaucarnea recurvata as non-toxic to dogs, cats and horses.
Wax plant. Illinois lists Hoya carnosa as high or bright light. The ASPCA lists it as non-toxic to dogs and cats. See our hoya care guide.
Christmas cactus. Minnesota Extension recommends a cool, bright location and explains that short days and cool nights trigger flower buds. The ASPCA lists Christmas cactus as non-toxic to dogs, cats and horses.
Non-toxic is not the same as edible
The ASPCA’s non-toxic label means no toxic principle is listed for that animal. It does not make the plant a treat. Two entries on the non-toxic list still describe mild signs:
- Money tree (Pachira aquatica): nausea, vomiting and loose stool.
- Polka dot plant (Hypoestes phyllostachya): mild vomiting and diarrhoea.
The non-toxic rating also covers only the plant. Fertilizer, pesticides and leaf-shine products need their own label check. If your pet seems unwell after chewing any plant, call your vet or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center on (888) 426-4435.
Look-alikes that are toxic
- Asparagus fern is not a true fern. The ASPCA lists it as toxic to dogs and cats, with skin reactions on repeated contact and stomach upset from the berries.
- Sago palm is a cycad, not a palm. The ASPCA lists it as toxic to dogs, cats and horses, with liver failure among the signs.
- Peace lily and other aroids such as pothos and philodendron are toxic. True lilies are dangerous to cats even in small amounts.
For a room-by-room starter list with mixed toxicity, see easy indoor plants for beginners.
References
- University of Illinois Extension: Houseplants: Lighting
- Iowa State University Extension and Outreach: Easy low-maintenance houseplants
- University of Minnesota Extension: Growing African violets
- University of Minnesota Extension: Holiday cacti
- NC State Extension Gardener Plant Toolbox: Phalaenopsis
- Royal Horticultural Society: Care tips for thirsty houseplants (kentia palm)
- ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center: Toxic and non-toxic plants list
- ASPCA plant entries: Parlor Palm, Boston Fern, Cast Iron Plant, Spider Plant, Baby Rubber Plant, Watermelon Peperomia, Prayer Plant, Calathea, Common Staghorn Fern, Phalaenopsis Orchid, African Violet, Kentia Palm, Pony Tail, Wax Plant, Christmas Cactus, Money Tree, Polka Dot Plant, Asparagus Fern, Sago Palm