Pet Friendly Plants for Sale Online

All About Pet Safe House Plants

Pet friendly houseplants are a great solution to change the aesthetic in your home without endangering your four-legged friends. Mixing houseplants and pets can be tricky business. Some pets seem to have a talent for getting into mischief. Your cat may have ignored all the other plants in your house but decides to continue nibbling your new fern. 

Your old canine friend might not show much interest, but your new rescue dog digs up and eats any plants she can reach. Keeping a pet-safe home is part of being a responsible pet parent. 

Why do Pets Eat Plants?

Your dog is not a cow, and your cat is not a sheep, so why are they trying to eat your plants? 

Pets may bother plants for a variety of reasons. Some veterinarians suggest your pet might eat a plant out of boredom, playfulness, from a missing dietary need, or simply because your dog really likes the taste of grass. 

Others suggest plant eating might be due to an upset stomach, and eating a plant rapidly may be an attempt to cause vomiting that will clear the issue. 

One study indicated that almost 80% of pet owners say their pet has eaten a plant. If your animal friend doesn’t leave plants your houseplants be, you are not alone.

Are Snake Plants Pet Friendly?

While snake plants are extremely unique and low maintenance, unfortunately, they are also toxic to dogs. If your dog gets a hold of your snake plant and tries to eat it, the houseplant can cause your dog to produce vomit and diarrhea. We recommend only getting a snake plant if you can put it out of reach of your pets.

Which Plants are the Most Dangerous to Pets?

According to the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals® (ASPCA®), there are dozens of common house plants that can be dangerous to pets. Some of the most common plants that are not safe for pets are lilies, mistletoes, and daffodils. Make sure to check if a plant is toxic to your pet before buying. Instead, shop for one of our pet friendly plants, like miniature palm trees and spider plants.

Why is My Cat Eating My Plant?

Cats chewing on plants or grass is not at all uncommon, and is believed to be a part of their natural identity. Cats enjoy the faint aromas and tastes of some plants, which is why it’s so important to choose pet friendly house plants. If you still don’t want your cat to nibble on your pet friendly plants, you can add a couple drops from a citrus fruit to keep them away.

Houseplants and Pet Safety Tips

Creating a safer home for your pets (and for your plants) can begin with these steps.

Keep Houseplants Out of Reach

Like with little kids, sometimes the easiest way to prevent your bowser from eating your orchids is to simply place them out of reach. We admit ‘out of reach’ may be harder to achieve with a cat. 

Plants that seem to tempt your pet can be placed on higher shelves, on top of cabinets, or in other locations where temptation is not so readily available. 

Placing plants out of reach reduces not only the opportunity but also the possible temptation due to playfulness or tactile sensation.

Exercise and Activities

Some experts believe pets may sometimes bother plants out of boredom or excess energy. If so, that’s another good reason to ensure your pet is getting the chance to burn some calories. 

Take them for a walk, let them run in the yard if it is safe, and provide them with choices for play toys and other objects like scratching posts. That way, your pet friendly plants will be less of an item of obsession.

Choosing Pet Friendly Plants

Of course, keeping plants that are highly toxic out of your home is essential. Even a plant on top of the kitchen cabinets can be knocked down by your cat–for your new puppy’s edible enjoyment. If you doubt a particular plant’s safety, the ASPCA maintains a list of toxic and non-toxic plants for cats and dogs. 

Our Rattlesnake Calathea is a bright, colorful houseplant that tolerates low light levels and is a pet safe plant. Boston ferns are another easy-to-care-for and popular pet-safe plant. They look great in hanging baskets or draped over shelves and tables. 

Remember eating any plant can still cause nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, or other distress for your pet, just as you would likely feel ill after eating a couple of fistfuls of grass. Always call your vet if something seems wrong.

Be sure to start with Perfect Plants to find all kinds of pet friendly house plants for sale.