If you’re a furry friend parent with a green thumb, knowing which common houseplants you can grow indoors (even outdoors) and which are toxic is non-negotiable. Many common household plants are toxic to dogs and cats, causing anything from gastroenteritis and vomiting to stomach cramps and severe poisoning.
In this guide, we’ll highlight pet-friendly plants that will spruce up your house and toxic plants that you should avoid at all costs.
Pet-friendly plants
Many pets, especially cats, are curious and love to have a quick nibble or lick to check things out. Choosing pet-safe plants eliminates your worry and any risk of poisoning. When you choose the right pet-friendly plants, both you and your pets can benefit from:
- Air purification
- Safe indoor greenery/aesthetically pleasing interior
- Stress relief
Pet-friendly houseplants
There are so many pet-friendly houseplants to choose from! Check out the infographic for a full view, or consider placing a few indigenous options around the house, like:
- Aloe maculata: A safe succulent that’s drought-tolerant
- Strelitzia nicolai: Tropical-looking plant that does well indoors and outdoors
- Chlorophytum comosum: AKA a Spider plant, is hardy and adds vibrance indoors
- Kniphofia uvaria: AKA a Red hot poker, has vibrant flowers and is a great perennial
- Restio species: A fynbos grass-like plant that would flourish on a stoep
Toxic pet plants
Any plant that can be harmful (or even fatal) if ingested is labelled toxic. What makes them so toxic?
Here are a few chemicals that could be the cause:
- Needle-like crystals, or insoluble oxalates, are released into the tissues around them when chewed or crushed
- Cardiac glycosides, which interfere with the electrolyte balance in heart muscles
- Pyrrolizidine alkaloids can cause liver damage
List of toxic pet plants
- Lilies (extremely dangerous to cats)
- Pothos
- Dieffenbachia
- Oleander, Nerium oleander (indigenous)
- Azaleas
- Datura ferox / Datura stramonium (indigenous)
- Euphorbia species (indigenous)
- Cyclamen hederifolium (indigenous)
- Brunsvigia species (indigenous)
What to do if your pet ingests a toxic plant
Even the most vigilant pet owners can miss it: your furry friend might sneak a bite while you’re cooking dinner or busy at work. The first sign something’s wrong is usually a change in behaviour or the appearance of symptoms, like vomiting, drooling, or lethargy. As soon as you notice anything unusual, it’s important to act quickly to keep your pet safe.
Plant poisoning symptoms
- Gastrointestinal signs: such as vomiting, diarrhoea, drooling, or loss of appetite
- Oral and skin reactions: Pawing at the mouth or face, swelling of lips, tongue or mouth, and skin irritations or rashes
- Neurological symptoms: Lethargy or unusual tiredness, tremors or seizures, uncoordinated movements, and restlessness or agitation
- Heart and breathing issues (severe cases): Irregular heartbeat, laboured or rapid breathing, or collapse
Emergency steps
- Stay calm and immediately remove access to the plant, or place your pet in a safe space.
- Identify the plant by taking a photo or noting the species.
- Call your veterinarian immediately or your closest local vet.
- Do NOT induce vomiting unless instructed by a professional.
- Provide fresh water for your pet (do not force them to drink).
- Follow vet instructions and monitor symptoms, taking note of any changes.
Putting your green thumb to good use and creating a pet-friendly home doesn’t mean giving up on greenery. There are so many pet-friendly houseplants to choose from, you might not know where to start! Always keep an eye on your pets, research any new plants before bringing them home, and act quickly if they show signs of illness. With a little awareness and planning, you can have a thriving, vibrant indoor garden that’s safe for every member of your household.
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