Pet-Friendly Plants

It is common for dogs and cats to be attracted to plants. One possible reason is certain species of plants taste good to your pets.

Dogs and cats often eat plants for nutrients they may not get in their pet food. Dogs that are nauseous or retaining gas generally chew on grass and plants to help make them feel better.
In many cases, dogs and cats chew on plants and landscaping when they are just bored. It helps to have a few pet-friendly plants around.

Read further to become familiar with the species of plants that are safe for your cat or dog to be around.

If you are looking for a low-maintenance blooming houseplant that can brighten your home, consider the African Violet. This plant thrives in moderate light and moist soil and produces year-round purple and pink flowers and fuzzy green leaves. They’ll attract the attention of your pet, but African Violets are non-toxic to your dog or cat.

True ferns like Boston and maidenhair are popular indoor cat-safe plants with homeowners. Ferns are low maintenance, thrive on indirect light and humid conditions and require food only every couple of months.

There are species of plants with “fern” in their names that are not actual ferns. Some, like the asparagus fern, can be toxic to your cat, so look for only true ferns as cat-safe house plants.

Palms are good as starter plants for homeowners and apartment dwellers and are cat-safe houseplants. Parlor palms, ponytail palms and butterfly palms develop bold fronds that create a focal presence in any room. Water the dry topsoil and your palm can reach a height of 4 to 5 feet or more.

Prayer plants are ideal for small residential spaces and suitable as cat- and dog-safe plants. The red, cream and green leaves curl at night. The prayer plant grows best in medium or low light and requires moderate watering.

The rattlesnake plant can grow up to 30 inches and is popular as an indoor ornamental plant because of its eye-catching wavy green and purple foliage. Despite its name, the rattlesnake plant is not harmful to dogs and cats that come into contact with it or take a bite out of it.

There are many varieties of succulents and some, like jade and aloe vera plants, can be mildly toxic to pets. Choose cat- and dog-safe houseplants from succulents like echeveria, hens and chicks, haworthia and tender and hardy sedum. Succulents do best in bright light and with moderate watering and are small enough for a countertop and open shelves.

The friendship plant is a cat-safe indoor plant distinguished by fuzzy leaves with intricate patterns. This species of plant only needs a few hours of sunlight daily and grows up to 12 inches. The friendship plant is not toxic to cats that might nibble on it once in a while.

This pet-friendly houseplant is commonly grown outdoors as well as indoors. Cats are particularly attracted to the spider plant because it resembles long grass, which cats eat to settle their stomachs. This cat-safe outdoor plant grows best in bright, indirect light outdoors and can grow up to a foot tall.

An indoor or outdoor herb garden adds flavor to your cooking. Dogs and cats also find them tasty. Not all herbs are suitable and even pet-friendly plants like rosemary, parsley and dill can upset your pet’s stomach. Basil, sage, cilantro and thyme are some the herbs for your garden that are the safest for your dog or cat.

Fuchsias are often grown in hanging baskets and are popular in landscaped gardens. The tubular plants are a safe choice for dog-safe outdoor plants. Fuchsias are not toxic to dogs that eat the plant’s berries, seed pods or flowers. They may get indigestion afterward, but the plants will not cause long-term damage to your dog.

Coral bells provide good cover for landscaping projects and appear in a wide array of colors. These outdoor perennials produce leaves that create an attractive mound of foilage in a container or mixed border. Coral bells are another safe choice for outdoor cat- and dog-safe plants.

The cast-iron plant, which also goes by the name of the bar room plant, is a sturdy species of cat-safe houseplants renowned for withstanding irregular watering. This long-lasting indoor plant grows in almost any type of conditions. Your pet may find the dark green foilage of these plants fascinating, but the cast-iron plant is nontoxic.

These cheerful plants herald the arrival of summer and are suitable pet-safe plants for any garden. The seeds are nutritious for people and wildlife. Dogs enjoy the seeds, making sunflowers ideal dog-safe plants to thrive in a yard.

Snapdragons are annuals noticeable by their bright array of tubular flowers. They add charm and color to any residential yard, and you can grow them with the peace of mind that your dog will not become ill from taking a bite or two from them. The snapdragon flowers and stalks are non-toxic for your dog.

Pachira aquatica is the scientific name of the cat-safe plants known as the money tree. The money tree is a low-maintenance decorative tree that is easy to grow indoors. Kittens in particular are attracted to money trees for climbing.

There is a species of jade plant (crassula ovata) also sold by the name money tree, but this plant is not safe for your cat.

Camellia hedges flourish in partial shade and can grow up to 12 feet in height. Its flowers bloom in early spring, so if your dog takes an interest in them, don’t worry. Camellia is non-toxic to dogs if touched or eaten.

This low-growing plant with yellow blooms that resemble sunflowers draws the attention of dogs and cats, but creeping zinnia is nontoxic. Creeping zinnia is prolific and creates lush green ground cover. It also thrives in planters and box containers.

Petunias come in a range of floral
colors and bloom for much of the year. These pet-friendly plants are popular as ground cover and grow well in hanging baskets and window boxes. Your dog or cat may find the trumpet-shaped flowers interesting but contact with petunias will not harm them.

Roses are a staple in most gardens. They bring beauty and elegance to any landscaped yard. Roses are nontoxic to pets that try to
consume the petals, though your dog or cat may feel the sting if they get too close to the thorns.

While the petals and stems of roses are safe for pets, keep in mind that the chemicals you use on roses can be hazardous to pets’ health. Avoid using fertilizers, insecticides and granules that contain
disulfoton, which can be lethal to dogs.