A Guide to Pet-Safe Indoor Plants 🌿🐾

If you share your home with a furry friend, you’ve probably asked yourself: “Are houseplants safe for my pets?”  The answer can be a little complicated. Some plants are completely safe, while others contain natural compounds that can cause anything from mild stomach upset to more serious reactions.

At Flourish Plant Mkt, we want you to feel confident when adding greenery to your home. That’s why we’ve created a dedicated pet-safe section in our shop. Plants in this section are labeled as non-toxic to cats and dogs with a paw symbol 🐾 on the pot sticker or shelf tag. You’ll also find the paw symbol on larger and hanging plants throughout the store.

Pet-Safe Plant Section

What Does “Toxic” Really Mean?

When it comes to plants, “toxic” doesn’t always mean deadly—but it does mean your pet could have an unpleasant reaction if they chew on or ingest the plant. Toxicity exists on a spectrum:

• Mildly toxic plants may cause drooling, upset stomach, or mild irritation.

• Moderately toxic plants can cause vomiting, diarrhea, or more noticeable discomfort.

• Seriously toxic plants may affect the kidneys, heart, or other vital organs and can be life-threatening.

Because every pet is different, what might only make one cat feel queasy could be much more harmful for another.

Why Some Popular Plants Are Toxic

Many of the most common houseplants—like Philodendrons and Epipremnum (Pothos)—contain calcium oxalate crystals. These crystals are part of the plant’s natural defense system in the wild. If a curious cat or dog chews on the leaves, the sharp crystals can irritate the mouth, tongue, and stomach lining. Symptoms are usually drooling, pawing at the mouth, and sometimes vomiting. While rarely fatal, it’s definitely uncomfortable for pets and worrying for owners. Always consult your veterinarian if you have any concerns if your pet has ingested a plant.

Then there are plants like the Easter Lily. Unlike Philodendrons or Pothos, lilies (especially true lilies like Lilium and Hemerocallis) are extremely toxic to cats. Even a small amount—pollen, leaves, or even drinking water from the vase—can cause kidney failure. This is why Easter Lilies are considered among the most dangerous plants for cat owners.

At our shop, we generally don’t carry plants from the “seriously toxic” category. Most of the plants you’ll see labeled as toxic in our store fall on the mild to moderate end of the scale. Still, we want you to have the information so you can make the best choice for your home. It is always wise to do your own research as well.

Happy shop dogs!

A Few Extra Tips for pet-safe plants

• Some pets ignore plants completely, while others just can’t resist nibbling. If your pet is curious, it’s best to stick with non-toxic options.

• If in doubt, always err on the safe side.

• Giving a plant as a gift? Choose from our pet-safe section if you’re not sure whether the recipient has pets. It’s a thoughtful touch that keeps both plant lovers and their furry companions happy.

• Our toxicity labels are based on cats and dogs. If you have other pets—like birds, reptiles, or rabbits—do a little extra research, since their sensitivities can differ.

• Always consult your veterinarian if you ever have concerns or are unsure how your pet may react to a new plant. We recommend keeping all plants up and out of the way from curious pets because too much of anything can be bad for anyone.

Plants bring so much joy into a home, and with a little awareness, they can safely coexist with pets, too. Whether you’re shopping for yourself or choosing a gift, our paw symbol 🐾 makes it easy to pick pet-approved plants. Stop by our shop to explore the collection—you’ll find plenty of safe, beautiful options to grow your indoor jungle without worry.