Updated: 2025
7 Popular Plants That Are Poisonous to Your Pets (And What to Use Instead)
Quick answer: Popular plants like monstera, pothos, peace lily, aloe, and sago palm look amazing but are toxic to cats and dogs. Safer swaps include parlor palm, spider plant, calathea, peperomia, and orchids. Not sure if your plant is safe? Run it through our AI Plant Doctor Tool for an instant safety check.
Why This Matters
Pets chew. It’s natural. But even a small bite of certain plants can trigger vomiting, drooling, lethargy, or worse. This list highlights the most common houseplants you see on Instagram, in stores, and in homes—and shows you safe, equally beautiful alternatives.
1) Monstera Deliciosa (Swiss Cheese Plant)
Toxic because: Contains insoluble calcium oxalates, causing mouth irritation and vomiting if chewed.
Swap with: Parlor Palm (same tropical vibe, safe for pets).
2) Pothos (Devil’s Ivy)
Toxic because: Also full of calcium oxalates; one of the most common pet poisoning plants.
Swap with: Swedish Ivy or Peperomia (similar trailing look, ASPCA-safe).
3) Peace Lily (Spathiphyllum)
Toxic because: Causes mouth pain, drooling, vomiting in pets.
Swap with: Phalaenopsis Orchid or Bromeliad (both flowering, both safe).
4) Aloe Vera
Toxic because: Contains saponins/anthraquinones → vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy.
Swap with: Haworthia (succulent look-alike, safe).
5) Sago Palm (Cycas revoluta)
Toxic because: Extremely poisonous; all parts, especially seeds, can cause liver failure.
Swap with: Areca Palm or Parlor Palm (non-toxic palm look).
6) Dieffenbachia (Dumb Cane)
Toxic because: Chewing releases oxalates that irritate mouth/tongue, causing swelling.
Swap with: Calathea or Prayer Plant (beautiful foliage, pet-safe).
7) Philodendron
Toxic because: Also loaded with oxalates; common in trailing and climbing forms.
Swap with: Peperomia or Spider Plant (easy, safe, beginner-friendly).
Signs of Plant Poisoning in Pets
- Drooling or foaming
- Vomiting or diarrhea
- Lethargy, hiding, lack of appetite
- Mouth pawing or swelling
Action: If you notice these, contact your vet or ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at (888) 426-4435 immediately.
Safer Swaps = Same Look, No Risk
For every trendy toxic plant, there’s a safe alternative that looks just as good. Our AI Plant Doctor Tool instantly tells you if a plant is safe and suggests swaps that fit your home’s light, humidity, and style.
Helpful Internal Links
FAQ: Toxic Plants and Pets (2025)
Which houseplants are most dangerous for pets?
Sago palm, monstera, pothos, dieffenbachia, and philodendron are among the worst offenders—avoid them if you have pets.
Are lilies toxic to cats?
Yes—especially true lilies (Lilium, Hemerocallis). Even small exposures can cause kidney failure in cats.
How do I know if my plant is safe?
Cross-check with the ASPCA toxic plant list, or faster—use our AI Plant Doctor Tool for an instant safe/unsafe verdict.
Can I keep toxic plants if pets can’t reach them?
Maybe—but pets can surprise you by climbing or knocking plants over. Safer swaps remove the risk entirely.