Plants and fungi accounted for 8.1% of the pet poisoning cases that were called into the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (APPC) in 2023.
While the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals’ plant guide lists 415 plants that are toxic to dogs and 422 plants that are toxic to cats, not all of these plants are equally dangerous or common. To ensure your furry friend is happy and healthy in your home, learn which ones to keep on your radar.
Here are 10 popular winter plants—five to avoid and five that are safe.
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NO
American Holly
If you have curious cats and dogs, it may be best to skip decking the halls, at least with authentic American holly, that is. Ingesting this plant can cause cats and dogs to experience vomiting, diarrhea and depression.
Golden Pothos
A lush climbing plant common among office scenery everywhere, the golden pothos is a popular, easy-to-grow and low-maintenance plant. Unfortunately, the golden pothos is less delightful for furry members of the family. Cats and dogs that ingest this plant might experience intense oral irritation, excessive drooling, vomiting and difficulty swallowing.
Poinsettia
These bright plants are popular take-home gifts at winter raffles and office Christmas parties, but consider swapping your winnings with a friend who doesn’t have pets. This holiday favorite causes irritation to the mouth and stomach and sometimes vomiting for any unfortunate cat or dog curious enough to take a nibble.
Peace Lily
This eye-catching and easy-to-grow plant has glossy green leaves and elegant white flowers that make it an attractive and tempting addition to your home décor. However, your home décor is unlikely to stay intact if your cat or dog manages to sneak a bite of this plant. Ingesting parts of the plant by your pets can cause them to experience burning and irritation in their mouths, excessive drooling, vomiting and even trouble swallowing.
Snake Plant
This popular plant is also called the golden bird’s nest, mother-in-law’s tongue and good luck plant, but for cats and dogs, it’s anything but good luck. When a cat or dog ingests part of the snake plant, they might experience nausea, vomiting and diarrhea.
YES
Boston Fern
Its nontoxic status makes this fluffy green monster of a house plant an ideal choice for fern-ishing your home.
Christmas Cactus
The Christmas Cactus, also called the Easter Cactus, is a vibrant holiday favorite and a safe bet. Not only is this cactus nontoxic to cats and dogs, but it also lacks the sharp spines of its prickly brethren.
Hawthoria
Hawthoria, also called zebra plants, are low maintenance and striking to look at. They also don’t take up much space. Even better, they won’t hurt Mittens or Spot.
Peperomia
This plant, also known as a baby rubber plant or American rubber plant, is safe for dogs and cats. If you’re looking for something bright, green and soft to enhance your living space, this gem is a promising candidate.
Sweetheart Hoya
Commonly known as wax hearts or valentine hoya, these waxy plants are a long way from their home in Southeast Asia—but that doesn’t mean they aren’t the perfect plant for your family. These plants smell great, are easy to care for and, most importantly, are nontoxic for our four-legged friends, cats and dogs.
Check the pet toxin status of your in-home greenery online at aspca.org.
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