How to Choose a Pet-Friendly Plant When You Have A Cat or Dog

In a world where our furry companions are not just pets but beloved members of our family, ensuring their safety and well-being becomes a top priority. One often overlooked aspect of pet care is the environment in which they live, particularly when it comes to the greenery that surrounds them. Imagine creating a lush, vibrant indoor jungle that not only elevates your living space but also keeps your four-legged friends safe and healthy. Some cat and dog owners want pet-safe plants but do not know where to start.

That is where our friends from Figaro Garden come into the picture. Every Spring, we are frequently asked at Moonlight Natural Pet Store what are some pet-friendly or pet-safe indoor plants. So, we connected with Figaro Garden who are plant experts located on Victoria Drive, Vancouver to answer these questions. Their suggestions range from trendy succulents to elegant palms, each plant not only adds a touch of elegance to your decor but also serves as a natural air purifier, creating a serene and inviting atmosphere.

Join us on a botanical journey as Figaro Garden helps us in selecting, caring for, and styling these pet-friendly plants, transforming your living space into a sanctuary where both you and your beloved companions can thrive.

Figaro Garden’s Take on Pet-Safe Plants

“Pets are an integral part of Figaro’s Garden, ” says owner Hartley Rosen. “We delight in doggie visitors—leashed and well-behaved dogs are always welcome in the shop. And then of course there are the cats: our own (hi, Huey!) and—sometimes—neighbourhood visitors. As such, guiding customers toward non-toxic plants is something that is quite important.”

“In this guide, we’ll talk about 3 beneficial herbs for pets and also explore pet-safe plants that not only beautify your living space but also coexist harmoniously with your pets.”

Why the Choice of a House Plant in a Home With Pets Matters

Simply put, many common house plants can be toxic if ingested by cats or dogs, causing a range of symptoms from mild discomfort to severe, life-threatening illness. For responsible pet parents who also want to have plants, it is important to:

1. Find non-toxic pet-safe plants.
2. Know your pet. Not all pets are interested in eating plants so knowing your pet is another key factor.
3. Place plants so it is safe from curious pets and the plant grows healthy.

Huey, the Figaro’s shop cat, is rather picky and will only eat the occasional catnip plant. Other pets, however, might delight in chowing down on your house plants.

Note that for pets ingesting a large amount of any plant material even non-toxic ones can cause stomach upset and other symptoms.
If your pet is exhibiting any negative symptoms after ingesting a plant, please contact your veterinarian.

3 Beneficial Herbs for Cats & Dogs

• Oregano Leaf – this is a great herb for dogs that has good antioxidant properties. It is also known to contain vitamin A, C, & K & minerals.
  • Use: Feed a leaf or two at a time if your pet is interested or puree and add to your pet’s meal.
  • Plant Care: Plant oregano in the Spring and aim for direct sunlight. Water the oregano once per week and allow the soil to dry out between watering.

• Basil – is another great herb that is rich in vitamins, minerals and antioxidants including beta carotene. It is also known to help increase insulin function in dogs. For cats, as they are obligate carnivores, just ensure they eat just a tiny bit at a time if they are interested.
  • Plant Care: Direct sunlight is great for basil and here again aim for well-drained soil between watering.  Taking leaves off and care will ensure the Basil becomes fuller.
• Mint – is rich in Vitamin A and C and great for freshening breath.
  • Use: Feed a leaf or two at a time if your pet is interested or puree and add to your pet’s meal.
  • Plant Care: Mint is a Spring plant if you are aiming to plant outdoor. Mint prefer partial shade and lightly moist soil.

A lot of the fresh herbs get a bad reputation as potentially toxic because of the toxicity of their essential oils. However, in fresh form and with a leaf or two given to your pet are actually beneficial. More is not usually advised especially in the case of cats which tend to be more sensitive.

Choosing the Right Pet-Safe House Plants for a Pet-Friendly Home

Pet owners have quite a few options when it comes to choosing plants to beautify their homes from ferns to easy to care plants. Here is our list of pet-safe house plants divided into a few popular categories:

Easy-Care Pet-Friendly Plants for the Home

We chose to start with this category as new indoor gardeners are sometimes looking for a safe option for plants that they do not kill easily. Here are several options to choose from when looking for easy-care plants that are safe for pets:

1. Spider Plant
2. Prayer Plant
3. Air Plant and
4. Hoya Australis

Plant Care: These require indirect light and make great easy-care house plants and are non-toxic to boot.

Pet-Safe Plants for Low Light

For homes that do not get a lot of light, here are some pet-safe plants that are as tough-as-nails beauties.

The Cast Iron Plant is a good start for new gardeners who are worried about not having green thumbs and are also well-suited for low-light conditions.

For homes that get low lighting or indirect bright light, the Calathea might be your plant of choice.

Tropicals to Avoid

Unfortunately, many popular tropical plants suited to low light are also toxic to pets. Avoid the following plants for households that have pets: Chinese Evergreen, ZZ Plant, Snake Plant and Peace Lily.

Pet-Safe Succulents for the Home

The Echeveria or Haworthia are good pet-friendly succulents that are good if you have a sunny spot in the home.

Succulents to Avoid

Although popular, the String of Pearls, Aloe and Jade are mildly to moderately toxic to pets.

Pet-Safe Ferns for the Home

Most true ferns are safe for pets. Here is a list of ferns that make the cut for pet-friendly homes:

Ferns to Avoid

The Asparagus Fern is not a true fern but a member of the Lily Family, whose members are all nearly toxic to people and pets.

Pet-Safe Palms for the Home

Not all Palm Family plants are safe for pets, but there are a couple that make the cut. These include the Areca Palm and Parlor Palm.
An honorable mention will include the popular Ponytail Palm, which is safe for cats and dogs but not a true palm.

Tips for a Pet-Friendly Plant Home

Here are some additional tips to ensure you are introducing the right plants into your home.

1. Placement: Place plants out of reach of curious pets. Hanging planters, shelves, or dedicated plant stands can help create a safer environment unless your cat is known to be an avid climber.
2. Monitor pets and plants: Check leaves for signs of pet chewing on them. If you have curious cats, consider providing alternative greenery, such as cat grass, for them to chew on.
3. Regular maintenance: Some plants may shed leaves or require pruning. Regular grooming not only keeps your plants looking their best but also minimizes the risk of fallen leaves tempting your pets.

Creating a pet-friendly home can be quite rewarding. It brings in health benefits for both you and your pet and really makes a space feel more healthy and complete.

To see these and other pet-friendly plants, visit Figaro’s Garden, or contact them to see what’s in store and how they can provide you with tips and tricks.

Figaro’s Garden, 1896 Victoria Drive, Vancouver, BC, V5N 4K2
Phone: 604-253-1696
Email: info@figarosgarden.ca