Woman playing with her cat at home with house plants in the background.

Pet safe house plants

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Woman playing with her cat at home with house plants in the background.

Learn about some pet friendly plants, as well as poisonous house plants to avoid, to help keep your cat and dog happy and healthy.

There's nothing like being surrounded by the great outdoors, so you may consider adding some plants as a part of your home décor. While plants are a great addition to any space, you may want to keep your cat or dog in mind. Pet safe house plants are important to help keep your puppy or kitten safe, especially when you're away from home.

Pet safe house plants to consider for your cat and dog

Pet safety is a top priority when you're a pet owner. This may include pet-proofing your home so your puppy or kitten doesn't eat something they shouldn't. When you're choosing your home décor throughout the seasons, be mindful of which foliage to keep and to avoid when it comes to your pets.

A pet friendly home not only includes the proper pet care items but also provides a safe space that's free of items that can cause your pets harm. You want your pets to enjoy their home and garden freely, without any worry. Pet safe house plants are an important design factor to consider when you have pets.

Here are some non-toxic and pet safe plants to consider the next time you decorate your space:

  • Spider plant. A great beginner plant that's a pet safe option for your dog or cat to include in your décor. Also, this plant is low maintenance and can be used to decorate a shelf, bookcase or hang in a hallway.
  • Prayer plant. If you're looking to add a bold pattern to your home, the prayer plant may be a great addition and can help add enrichment to your space.
  • Pony-tail palm. This pint-sized plant may be a great addition to a smaller space and can thrive indoors.
  • Staghorn fern. This functional and unique plant may help add some decoration to an empty wall.
  • Wax plant. A unique house plant that may help clean your air and is also non-toxic to dogs and cats.

Poisonous house plants

Just as it's important to be mindful of pet safe plants for your cat and dog, it's also beneficial to be aware of plants that can be toxic to your puppy or kitten. Toxic house plants may come in all shapes and sizes, some of which you may not expect. Naturally, depending on if you have a dog or a cat, you may be concerned with different plants when it comes to toxicity.

Toxic house plants for pets

  • Lilies. A seasonal favorite in spring, lilies are toxic when they're ingested by your pets. For example, your pet may show a variety of severe signs ranging from everything to kidney damage, kidney failure or even death. Consider another pet safe house plant like a gerbera daisy or petunia.
  • Sago Palm. Although this plant can be great for air quality, it can be harmful if ingested by your pet. Also, it may be more popular in warmer climates and often can be spotted as décor in the yard. Be mindful of Sago Palm and avoid putting it in your home. This toxic and attractive plant may attract kittens and puppies with its foliage. All parts are toxic to all cats and dogs, including the leaves, roots and seeds.
  • Tulips. While this flower is beautiful, it can cause harm if ingested by your cat or dog. The bulb in a tulip can be highly toxic and can cause kidney damage as well as other issues.
  • Daffodil. This plant tends to be a popular pick to include in a bouquet, but you may want to skip it the next time you reach for the vase if you have a dog or a cat in your home. This plant can cause vomiting, diarrhea, hypertension and drooling in all pets.
  • Foxglove. This dramatic and striking plant may be nice to look at, but it can do some damage to your pet's heart. All parts of the foxglove plant are poisonous, even the water from the vase.
  • Aloe Vera. Although aloe vera may have many medical uses for humans, it's not a pet safe option for your home. In fact, it may cause vomiting or diarrhea if your cat or dog ingests this plant.
  • Oleander. This popular garden plant can have a severe reaction in cats and dogs including dehydration, shock, lethargy, seizures and tremors.
  • Dumb Cane. While this tropical house plant may be popular, it can cause a slew of medical issues including swelling, drooling and vomiting.

Signs of toxic plant ingestion in cats and dogs

Any type of foreign body ingestion is not to be taken lightly when it comes to your cat or dog. Also, depending on the size or type of the plant, your pet's reaction may differ. If you believe your pet has ingested a plant, please seek the medical care of your veterinarian.

Some pets may experience mild to major reactions to toxic plant ingestion such as the following:

  • Irritation
  • Swelling
  • Nausea
  • Vomiting
  • Diarrhea
  • Weakness
  • Trouble breathing
  • Collapse
  • Tremors
  • Kidney damage
  • Liver damage

If you believe your pet may have ingested a toxic plant, it's important to seek the medical care of your veterinarian.

Do your research on pet safe house plants

What you may think is a safe option may mean something else to your cat or dog. If you're unsure about which plants are pet friendly, do your research. Consider talking to a home and garden professional, as they may help you find a plant similar in style or color that won't harm your puppy or kitten.

Before you plan to bring home any new plants or do any gardening, talk with your veterinarian. Their guidance and expertise can help you pick pet safe options that are approved for your dog or cat.

Plants can add health perks and enrichment to your cat or dog

Not only are plants beautiful to look at, but they can add benefits for you and your pets. Plants may help decrease stress, purify the air and calm people and pets.

If you're looking for an alternative way to entertain your dog or cat, you may want to consider adding herbs. Some herbs and plants can help provide stimulation, enrichment and nutrients to your pet's day. For example, items like wheatgrass may help provide health benefits to your cat.

Responsible pet ownership

Part of being a responsible pet owner is preparing for the unexpected. Naturally, no pet owner wants the stress of a sick dog or cat. Whether you have a puppy, kitten or an adult cat or dog, it's helpful to consider your pet medical insurance options when it comes to helping keep your pets happy and healthy.

Whether you choose to decorate one room or the entire home, pet friendly house plants can help provide wellness for the entire family. By doing your research, talking with your veterinarian and considering your pet's needs when you plan your space, your dog or cat can rest easy in a safer home environment.

Discover how a pet insurance policy can be there for your pet during their lifetime.

Terms and conditions do apply. We love informed decisions. See the Trupanion policy for full coverage details.

Pet insurance products are underwritten in the United States by American Pet Insurance Company and ZPIC Insurance Company, 6100-4th Ave. S, Seattle, WA 98108. Administered by Trupanion Managers USA, Inc. (CA license No. 0G22803, NPN 9588590). Terms and conditions apply, see full policy on Trupanion's website for details.

State Farm Mutual Automobile Insurance Company, its subsidiaries and affiliates, neither offer nor are financially responsible for pet insurance products. State Farm is a separate entity and is not affiliated with Trupanion or American Pet Insurance.

The information in this article was obtained from various sources not associated with State Farm® (including State Farm Mutual Automobile Insurance Company and its subsidiaries and affiliates). While we believe it to be reliable and accurate, we do not warrant the accuracy or reliability of the information. State Farm is not responsible for, and does not endorse or approve, either implicitly or explicitly, the content of any third party sites that might be hyperlinked from this page. The information is not intended to replace manuals, instructions or information provided by a manufacturer or the advice of a qualified professional, or to affect coverage under any applicable insurance policy. These suggestions are not a complete list of every loss control measure. State Farm makes no guarantees of results from use of this information.

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