How to Choose Houseplants for a Home with Pets

A curious cat, a dog who investigates everything and a windowsill waiting for something green. Sound familiar? Choosing houseplants when you have pets takes a little thought, but there are plenty of possibilities to explore.

Here’s how to find a plant you’ll enjoy growing in a spot that works for your household.

1. Start with the spot

Before you fall in love with a plant, think about where you’d like it to live. Which direction does the window face? How far away will the plant sit? Are trees or neighbouring buildings blocking the daylight?

A bathroom with a small window might have enough light for some plants, or it might need a little help. A photo of the room can help us understand the space and suggest options with suitable growing needs.

Have a size or budget in mind? Tell us that too. Whether you’re filling a little pot or looking for something with a bit more presence, it helps us narrow the choices.

2. Consider your pet’s personality

Some pets barely notice houseplants. Others consider every new leaf worth a taste. Think about what your pet can reach, whether it climbs and whether it picks up fallen leaves.

A hanging pot or high shelf might work in one home and be easily reached in another. Look at the plant itself too. Sharp leaf edges can be a concern even when a plant is listed as non-toxic.

3. Get to know the plant’s name

The botanical name on a plant’s label is especially helpful when checking information about pets. Common names can refer to different plants, and an “assorted” listing may not identify the exact species.

If you’re unsure, ask us what we can confirm. A reference for one Hoya species, for example, won’t necessarily answer your question about another.

For a Canadian starting point, the Ontario SPCA has helpful information about plants and pets. It also points readers to the ASPCA’s searchable plant database for more detailed checks.

4. Look beyond the “pet-safe” label

Seeing “non-toxic” is helpful when choosing a plant for a home with cats or dogs. It doesn’t make the plant a snack, though. Even non-toxic leaves can cause an upset stomach if your pet eats them.

When you see “Pet Safe: Non-Toxic” in our catalogue, treat it as a starting point. Check the plant’s identity, which animals the information applies to and how your pet behaves around greenery. If you need advice about your particular pet, your veterinarian can help.

5. Explore a few possibilities

Once you know your space and what you’re looking for, you can put together a shortlist. These familiar plants have sources supporting their non-toxic classification. Each still needs the right light, care and placement.

• Spider Plant (Chlorophytum comosum)
  ASPCA lists Spider Plant as non-toxic to cats and dogs.

  

• Boston Fern
  ASPCA lists Boston Fern as non-toxic to cats and dogs. Check that it’s a Boston Fern, since other plants called ferns can be quite different.

  

• Wax Plant (Hoya carnosa)
  ASPCA lists this Hoya species as non-toxic to cats and dogs.

  

• Prayer Plant (Maranta leuconeura)
  UF/IFAS lists this patterned-leaf plant as non-toxic.

  

These are plants to get to know, rather than a list of what’s in stock today. Their non-toxic classification also doesn’t mean a pet can chew them freely without a problem.

6. Be open to another spot or another idea

If your favourite plant needs more light than the room offers, another location or a grow light might make it possible. Lighting won’t change whether a plant is toxic, so keep your pet’s access in mind as you explore the options.

For a determined leaf-chewer, you may need a space the pet genuinely cannot reach. If that isn’t practical, a decorative pot, faux greenery or another piece for the room might be a better fit. Those still need thoughtful placement, especially around pets who chew objects as well as plants.

Ready to explore a few ideas? Browse our house plants, find a different look in pots and containers, or discover gifts and décor in Priscilla’s Boutique.

Bring us a photo of your space if you’d like a hand choosing. We’d love to help you find something you’ll be happy to bring home.

If your pet has eaten a plant

Please call your veterinarian or an emergency vet promptly rather than waiting for a reply from the store. In Saskatoon, call WCVM at 306-966-7126 before heading in. You can also reach Pet Poison Helpline at 1-855-764-7661, available across Canada 24/7. A consultation fee applies.

Keep the plant label or take a photo if you can. We’re happy to help identify something purchased here, while your veterinary team helps you care for your pet.

Plant information and sources reviewed November 8, 2026.