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Plants bring life, color, and a touch of nature into our homes, creating a serene atmosphere. Research indicates they may even improve indoor air quality. However, it’s crucial to verify that your chosen greenery won’t harm your pets.
“Choosing pet-safe plants is essential to avoid emergency vet visits,” advises Dr. Katy Nelson, a senior veterinarian at Chewy. She explains that a plant is deemed toxic if it can harm pets through ingestion or contact.
Toxic plant exposure is surprisingly common for cats and dogs. The ASPCA’s Animal Poison Control Center lists plants among the top pet toxins, alongside medications and chocolate. In 2021, plants accounted for 9.8% of APCC cases, with severe incidents often involving cats and lilies.
“Consuming or even chewing on toxic plants can cause symptoms like vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy, drooling, seizures, coma, loss of coordination, liver or kidney failure, and even death,” warns Nelson. She advises pet owners to contact a veterinarian or animal poison control immediately if they suspect their pet has ingested a harmful plant.
While some plants pose risks to pets, many are completely safe to have at home. Beyond potentially enhancing indoor air quality, research suggests that greenery can boost focus and productivity, making it a great addition to your space. Here’s a list of 20 pet-safe plants to consider during your next shopping trip, along with 20 toxic ones to avoid.
20 Plants Safe for Cats and Dogs
1. Air Plants 2. Areca Palm 3. Banana Plant 4. Boston Fern 5. Bromeliad 6. Calathea 7. Christmas Cactus 8. Echeveria 9. Friendship Plant 10. Money Tree 11. Mosaic Plant 12. Parlor Palm 13. Ponytail Palm 14. Prayer Plant 15. Purple Waffle Plant 16. Royal Velvet Plant 17. Spider Plant 18. Swedish Ivy 19. Venus Fly Trap 20. Zebra Haworthia
... And 20 That Are Dangerous
1. Aloe 2. Aglaonema 3. Asparagus Fern 4. Azalea 5. Chrysanthemum 6. Cyclamen 7. Dieffenbachia 8. Elephant’s Ear 9. Eucalyptus 10. Hyacinth 11. Ivy 12. Jade Plant 13. Lilies 14. Oleander 15. Pothos 16. Philodendron 17. Rhododendron 18. Sago Palm 19. Snake Plant 20. Tulips
