If you love your plants and your pets, you know the struggle — a beautiful indoor jungle can be a tempting playground (or snack) for curious paws. But with the right choices, you can have both: a lush indoor garden that’s safe, stylish, and pet-friendly.
In this guide, you’ll learn how to design a space where your pets and plants can coexist peacefully, which plants are safe (and which to avoid), plus tips to protect your greenery from little troublemakers.
Why Pet Safety Matters in Indoor Gardening
Many common houseplants are toxic to animals and can cause:
- 🐶 Drooling, vomiting, or diarrhea
- 🐱 Irritated mouth or skin
- 😿 Breathing difficulties or lethargy
- In severe cases, more serious health problems
Since pets explore with their mouths and paws, choosing the right plants is essential.
Step 1: Choose Pet-Safe Plants
These plants are non-toxic to cats and dogs, according to the ASPCA and vet-approved sources.
✅ Pet-safe favorites:
- Spider Plant – Air-purifying and fun for cats to bat (non-toxic if nibbled)
- Areca Palm – Elegant, tropical, and totally safe
- Calathea – Gorgeous leaves and gentle on pets
- Prayer Plant (Maranta) – Low light and pet-safe
- Bamboo Palm – Adds height without risk
- Peperomia – Compact, textured, and chew-safe
- Baby Rubber Plant (Peperomia obtusifolia) – Not to be confused with toxic ficus varieties
- Boston Fern – Fluffy and pet-friendly
- African Violet – Pretty blooms with no danger
- Herbs like Basil, Thyme, and Parsley – Great for pets and people alike
Step 2: Plants to Avoid Around Pets
These popular plants are toxic and should be kept out of reach — or out of the house altogether if your pet is especially curious.
❌ Common toxic plants:
- Monstera (Swiss Cheese Plant)
- Fiddle Leaf Fig
- Peace Lily
- Pothos
- Snake Plant
- Aloe Vera
- Dieffenbachia (Dumb Cane)
- Sago Palm (extremely toxic)
- English Ivy
- Rubber Plant (Ficus elastica)
Pro Tip: Always check the ASPCA toxic plant list before buying something new.
Step 3: Design Your Garden with Pets in Mind
🪴 Use height to your advantage:
- Place plants on floating shelves, wall-mounted planters, or hanging baskets
- Use tall plant stands to keep greenery out of reach
- Elevate larger floor plants behind furniture or in corners pets can’t reach
🐾 Create a designated “plant zone”:
- Use a room divider, baby gate, or shelf wall to separate plants from pet hangout areas
- Keep trailing plants away from ledges where cats like to jump
Step 4: Use Pet-Proof Containers
Your planter choices can help prevent accidents (and digging disasters).
Best pet-proof container ideas:
- Heavy ceramic or concrete pots that pets can’t knock over
- Closed terrariums for humidity-loving plants and zero pet access
- Self-watering planters with built-in covers
- Wall planters and vertical gardens for tight spaces
Avoid: Wicker baskets (tempting chew toys) and small, tippy pots
Step 5: Deter Curious Pets (Gently)
Even with safe plants, you may want to discourage chewing, digging, or swatting.
Natural deterrents:
- Citrus peels near pots (most pets dislike the smell)
- Pet-safe deterrent sprays from pet stores
- Double-sided tape around pots temporarily
- Smooth river stones on top of soil to prevent digging
Behavioral tips:
- Provide toys or cat grass nearby to redirect attention
- Use a firm “no” and distraction when pets go after plants
- Reward pets for ignoring plants — positive reinforcement works!
Step 6: Keep a Clean, Pet-Friendly Routine
✅ Check leaves regularly for chew marks or stress
✅ Clean up any dropped leaves, petals, or soil
✅ Avoid fertilizers or pest sprays that aren’t labeled pet-safe
✅ If you repot, keep curious pets away from the process
✅ Watch for signs of plant munching like drooling or upset stomach
Fun Pet & Plant Pairings
Make your pet feel included in the green lifestyle!
| Pet | Plant Pairing | Why It Works |
| Cat | Cat grass or catnip | Safe to chew, fun to nibble |
| Dog | Basil or parsley | Edible, easy to grow, good for digestion |
| Chill pets | Calathea or Maranta | Great visual motion (leaves move!) |
| Energetic pets | Tall Areca palm | Less tempting than low plants |
Peace Between Paws and Plants
You don’t have to choose between your furry friends and your plant babies — you can absolutely have both with a little knowledge and setup. Stick to safe species, style smart, and gently train your pets to coexist with greenery.
Soon, you’ll have a home full of fresh air, lush leaves, and happy tails. 🪴🐕🐈