Pet-Safe Plants Ireland: The Best Non-Toxic Houseplants for Cats and Dogs
Houseplants for Irish homes with cats and dogs that the ASPCA lists as non-toxic include Calathea (prayer plants), Kentia Palm (Howea forsteriana) and Areca Palm (Dypsis lutescens). This guide covers pet-safe plants available in Ireland, which Christmas plants to keep away from pets, and delivery throughout the country, so you can choose greenery for a home with pets.
According to the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Centre, over 700 plant species are toxic to cats or dogs. In Ireland, the most commonly sold toxic houseplants include pothos (Epipremnum aureum), peace lily (Spathiphyllum), and monstera (Monstera deliciosa) — all widely stocked in garden centres and supermarkets. Choosing verified non-toxic alternatives is one of the simplest things you can do to protect a pet.
Which Houseplants Are Safe for Cats in Ireland?
Calathea species, including Calathea makoyana (Peacock Plant) and Calathea lancifolia (Rattlesnake Plant), are listed as non-toxic to cats by the ASPCA, which has a genus-wide entry for Calathea spp. The closely related prayer plant (Maranta leuconeura) is also listed as non-toxic. Both share practical advantages for Irish homes: they prefer indirect light and tolerate the lower natural light levels common from October to February in Ireland, and they thrive at typical Irish indoor temperatures of 18–22°C.
Calathea Makoyana Peacock Plant — 40–50cm
Which Plants Are Safe for Dogs in Ireland?
The best plants for dogs in Ireland include Calathea species (prayer plants), Kentia Palm and Areca Palm, all listed as non-toxic to dogs by the ASPCA. For larger Irish homes or households with bigger dogs, palm species are particularly good choices: the Kentia Palm (Howea forsteriana) and Areca Palm (Dypsis lutescens) are non-toxic, very hardy in Irish indoor conditions, and tall enough that their foliage is typically beyond easy reach.
Areca Palm (Dypsis Lutescens) 24cm Pot 120cm Tall Indoor Plant
What Common Houseplants Are Toxic to Pets? (Plants to Avoid)
The most common toxic houseplants sold in Ireland include pothos, monstera, peace lily, philodendron, and snake plant. Many of these are sold in supermarkets, garden centres, and online plant shops throughout Ireland without any toxicity warning. If you have cats or dogs, it is essential to identify and remove any of these plants from your home.
- Pothos / Epipremnum aureum — toxic to cats and dogs (calcium oxalate crystals; causes drooling, vomiting, difficulty swallowing)
- Monstera deliciosa — toxic to cats and dogs (same calcium oxalate crystals; a very common Irish houseplant)
- Philodendron (all species) — toxic to cats and dogs (oral irritation, swelling, gastrointestinal upset)
- Peace Lily / Spathiphyllum — toxic to cats and dogs (calcium oxalate; causes drooling, vomiting, difficulty swallowing)
- Snake Plant / Sansevieria / Dracaena trifasciata — toxic to cats and dogs (saponins; causes nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea)
- Lily / Lilium species — highly toxic to cats (even small amounts can cause acute kidney failure)
- Dracaena (all species) — toxic to dogs and cats
- Dieffenbachia — toxic to cats and dogs (severe oral burning and swelling)
Source: ASPCA Animal Poison Control Centre — aspca.org/pet-care/animal-poison-control
If you suspect your pet has ingested a toxic plant, contact your vet immediately and tell them the plant's name.
Are Christmas Plants Safe for Cats and Dogs?
Some are, some aren't. The ASPCA rates the Christmas cactus (Schlumbergera) as non-toxic to cats and dogs. Poinsettia sap can cause drooling or a mild stomach upset, but its reputation is far worse than the reality. Holly leaves and berries have low toxicity and can cause vomiting and diarrhoea. Mistletoe is the one to take seriously: its berries can cause vomiting, low blood pressure and breathing difficulty. Amaryllis is also toxic, especially the bulb.
Two traditional plants for winter pots and doorsteps — Christmas rose (Helleborus niger) and ivy (Hedera) — are listed as toxic too, so keep them outdoors and away from pets that chew.
For a Christmas gift to a home with pets, choose a plant the ASPCA lists as non-toxic, such as a palm or a Calathea. Order by 10 December for Christmas delivery in Ireland, and see our Christmas plants guide for more festive ideas.
Are There Pet-Safe Outdoor Plants for Irish Gardens?
For Irish gardens shared with dogs, the ASPCA lists herbs such as rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis) and thyme (Thymus vulgaris) as non-toxic to dogs and cats. The Kentia Palm and Areca Palm, both listed as non-toxic, can also be placed outdoors on sheltered patios during Ireland's warmer months (May to September).
How Do These Pet-Safe Plants Compare?
The table below compares the featured plants by ASPCA listing, care level and light needs, making it easy to choose the right plant for your Irish home.
| Plant | Cats (ASPCA) | Dogs (ASPCA) | Care Level | Light Needs |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Calathea Makoyana (Peacock Plant) | ✅ Non-toxic | ✅ Non-toxic | Moderate | Indirect |
| Calathea Orbifolia | ✅ Non-toxic | ✅ Non-toxic | Moderate | Low–indirect |
| Calathea Ornata Sanderiana (Pink Stripes) | ✅ Non-toxic | ✅ Non-toxic | Moderate | Indirect |
| Calathea Lancifolia (Rattlesnake Plant) | ✅ Non-toxic | ✅ Non-toxic | Moderate | Indirect–partial shade |
| Calathea Majestica 'Princeps' (Pinstripe) | ✅ Non-toxic | ✅ Non-toxic | Moderate | Bright indirect |
| Maranta Prayer Plant (Kerchoveana) | ✅ Non-toxic | ✅ Non-toxic | Easy–Moderate | Indirect |
| Kentia Palm (Howea forsteriana) | ✅ Non-toxic | ✅ Non-toxic | Easy | Low–partial shade |
| Areca Palm (Dypsis lutescens) | ✅ Non-toxic | ✅ Non-toxic | Easy | Bright indirect |
| Parlour Palm (Chamaedorea elegans) | ✅ Non-toxic | ✅ Non-toxic | Easy | Low–medium |
| Ponytail Palm (Beaucarnea recurvata) | ✅ Non-toxic | ✅ Non-toxic | Easy | Bright indirect |
| Bird's Nest Fern (Asplenium antiquum) | Not listed by the ASPCA | Not listed by the ASPCA | Easy | Low–indirect |
Frequently Asked Questions About Pet-Safe Plants in Ireland
Shop the plants from this guide
These are the pet-safe plants this guide recommends for homes with cats and dogs.
- Pet-safe plants collection – plants checked against the ASPCA non-toxic list
- Kentia Palm, 120cm – ASPCA-listed non-toxic palm for low winter light
- Calathea Makoyana Peacock Plant – ASPCA-listed non-toxic, patterned leaves, indirect light
- Parlour Palm, 55cm – easy-care, ASPCA-listed non-toxic palm
Free delivery to Ireland and 24 more EU countries, usually within 5–8 working days. Every plant arrives healthy or we make it right.
Explore More Guides
- Christmas Plants Ireland — evergreen gifts and festive plants, including a section on pet-safe Christmas plants
- Best Bathroom Plants for Irish Homes — many bathroom plants overlap with pet-safe species; discover the top humidity-loving options
- Best Bedroom Plants for Better Sleep — find the safest and most sleep-promoting plants for Irish bedrooms
- Asplenium Antiquum Care Guide — a complete care guide for the Bird's Nest Fern, one of Ireland's favourite ferns
- Pet-Safe Plants Collection — browse plants listed as non-toxic to cats and dogs, available for delivery in Ireland
- Plant Gifting Guide Ireland — find the perfect plant gift, including pet-safe options, for every occasion
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