Houseplants are the purr-fect way to spruce up your home. They add colour and life, and can even clean the air of toxins. But if you’re a pet owner, there are some plants that should be avoided for their safety. Here is a list of houseplants that are toxic to cats and dogs so you can be sure to choose wisely when decorating with plants.
Fiddle Leaf Fig (Ficus lyrata)
The fiddle leaf fig is incredibly popular right now, but unfortunately it’s one to avoid if you have pets. The leaves contain toxins which can cause vomiting, diarrhoea, and even seizures in some cases. If ingested, it’s recommended that you seek medical attention immediately as this plant can be very dangerous for pets.
Philodendron spp., Heartleaf Philodendron (Philodendron hederaceum), Micans Philodendron (Philodendron pedatum), Brazil Philodendron (Philodendron bipinnatifidum) These varieties of philodendrons all contain calcium oxalate crystals which can cause burning of the mouth and throat if ingested by cats or dogs. Some symptoms include drooling, difficulty swallowing, pawing at the mouth or face, and swelling of the tongue or lips. Seek medical care immediately if your pet has ingested any part of these plants!
ZZ Plant (Zamioculcas zamiifolia) The ZZ plant also contains calcium oxalate crystals which can cause serious issues if ingested by pets. Symptoms include excessive drooling, vomiting, difficulty swallowing, intense pain in the mouth and throat, pawing at the mouth/face area, and swelling of tongue/lips. If your pet has eaten any part of this plant seek out medical attention right away!
Peace Lily (Spathiphyllum spp.) Although pet owners may think they are safe because they don't have any thorns or spines on them like other plants do; peace lilies actually contain calcium oxalate crystals that will cause irritation in your pet's mouth if ingested. Symptoms to watch out for include excessive drooling, vomiting/diarrhea, pawing at the face/mouth area and swelling of tongue/lips.
Aloe Vera (Aloe barbadensis) Aloe vera is another common houseplant that is toxic to both cats and dogs due to its saponin content; saponins are glycosides found in many flowering plants which act as a natural defense against predators such as insects or animals who would try to eat them. Ingestion of aloe vera can lead to vomiting, diarrhoea & loss of appetite so it's best to keep this one out of reach from curious cats & dogs!
Dieffenbachia (Dumb Cane) Dieffenbachia are toxic to both cats and dogs if ingested. Symptoms of Dieffenbachia poisoning include oral irritation and swelling, excessive drooling, vomiting, and difficulty breathing.
Alocasia Sadly, Alocasia contains calcium oxalate crystals which makes them toxic to dogs, cats, and humans and can cause oral irritation, burning of the lips and mouth, swelling, vomiting, and difficulty swallowing and breathing if ingested.
Bird of paradise plants (Strelitzia) are tropical houseplants native to South Africa. They became popular as houseplants due to their large foliage and stunning orange and blue flowers that resemble birds in flight. Interestingly, the most infamous part of a bird of paradise plant—the flower—is also the most toxic. Symptoms can include gastrointestinal irritation resulting in nausea and vomiting as well as drowsiness.
Monstera. This genus of plants is mildly toxic to humans, and toxic to both dogs and cats. Symptoms of exposure include: Oral irritation, pain and swelling of mouth, tongue and lips, excessive drooling, vomiting, and difficulty swallowing.
Houseplants are great for sprucing up your decor while also keeping the air quality healthy, but they can be a hazard to our four-legged loved ones if not selected properly. To make sure your pet's safety isn't compromised, we've created an exclusive line of houseplant boxes that won't harm even humans best friend!
