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Pet-Safe Plants Ireland: The Best Non-Toxic Houseplants for Cats and Dogs

Feb 18, 2026

The safest houseplants for Irish homes with cats and dogs include the Bird's Nest Fern (Asplenium antiquum), Calathea (prayer plants), Peperomia, Kentia Palm (Howea forsteriana), and Areca Palm (Dypsis lutescens) — all listed as non-toxic to cats and dogs by the ASPCA. This guide covers the top pet-safe plants available in Ireland, from €13.95 to €124.95, with delivery throughout the country, so you can fill your home with greenery without worry.

🌿 DID YOU KNOW?

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?

The best houseplants safe for cats in Irish homes are the Bird's Nest Fern (Asplenium antiquum), Calathea species including Calathea makoyana (Peacock Plant) and Calathea lancifolia (Rattlesnake Plant), and Peperomia — all confirmed non-toxic by the ASPCA. These plants also 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.

Bird's Nest Fern Asplenium Antiquum in a black Selin pot, 45cm tall, pet-safe houseplant

Bird's Nest Fern with Black Selin Pot — 45cm

€42.90
17cm pot 45cm tall Non-toxic to cats & dogs Low light
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Calathea Makoyana Peacock Prayer Plant in a 14cm pot, pet-safe indoor plant Ireland

Calathea Makoyana Peacock Plant — 45cm

€18.95
14cm pot 45cm tall Pet-friendly Indirect light
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Peperomia Sarcophylla in a 15cm pot with patterned foliage, non-toxic houseplant Ireland

Peperomia Sarcophylla — 25cm

€22.95
15cm pot 25cm tall Non-toxic Easy care
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💡 ASPCA VERIFIED: All Calathea species — including Calathea makoyana, Calathea rufibarba, Calathea ornata, and Calathea lancifolia — are listed as non-toxic to cats and dogs by the ASPCA. The same applies to all Asplenium ferns and Peperomia. Always verify new plant purchases at aspca.org/pet-care/animal-poison-control/toxic-and-non-toxic-plants before bringing them home.

Which Plants Are Safe for Dogs in Ireland?

The best plants safe for dogs in Ireland include the Calathea family (prayer plants), Bird's Nest Fern, Peperomia, Kentia Palm, and Areca Palm — all non-toxic to dogs per ASPCA guidelines. 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.

Calathea Lancifolia Rattlesnake Plant in a 27cm pot, 70cm tall, pet-safe plant Ireland

Calathea Lancifolia Rattlesnake Plant — 70cm

€124.95
27cm pot 70cm tall Non-toxic to dogs Air-purifying
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Kentia Palm Howea Forsteriana 120cm tall in a 24cm pot, non-toxic pet-safe indoor plant Ireland

Kentia Palm — 120cm Statement Plant

€57.95
24cm pot 120cm tall Non-toxic Low light tolerant
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Areca Palm Dypsis Lutescens 110cm tall in anthracite Brussels pot, non-toxic for cats and dogs

Areca Palm with Pot — 110cm

€89.90
24cm pot + cover 110cm tall Non-toxic to dogs Air-purifying
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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.

⚠️ NEVER BRING THESE INTO A PET-FRIENDLY 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 — mildly 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) — mildly to moderately 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 or call the Animal Poison Helpline. In Ireland, the National Animal Poison Centre can be reached at 1800 911 999 (24 hours).

Are There Pet-Safe Outdoor Plants for Irish Gardens?

For Irish gardens shared with dogs, the safest options include plants from the Marantaceae and Arecaceae families, as well as herbs such as rosemary and thyme (both non-toxic). The Kentia Palm and Areca Palm can also be placed outdoors on sheltered patios during Ireland's warmer months (May to September). For a curated indoor garden set that brings pet-safe greenery into any room, the Kokedama Hanging Plants Set and Maranta Kokedama trio are excellent choices — both include confirmed non-toxic species and arrive ready to display.

Kokedama Jungle Mix set of three hanging moss ball plants including Peperomia, Crispy Wave Fern and Rattlesnake Plant, all non-toxic for pets

Kokedama Hanging Plants Set — 3 Non-Toxic Plants

€78.95
3 plants included Peperomia + Fern + Rattlesnake Non-toxic to pets Hanging display
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Maranta Prayer Plant Kokedama 3-pack in coconut fibre hanging pots, non-toxic for cats and dogs

Maranta Prayer Plant Kokedama — 3-Pack

€66.95
3 Maranta plants Coconut fibre pots Non-toxic Space-saving hanging
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How Do These Pet-Safe Plants Compare?

The table below compares all featured pet-safe plants by safety status, care level, price, and light needs — making it easy to choose the right plant for your Irish home.

Plant Safe for Cats Safe for Dogs Care Level Price Light Needs
Bird's Nest Fern (Asplenium antiquum) ✅ Non-toxic ✅ Non-toxic Easy €42.90 Low–indirect
Calathea Makoyana (Peacock Plant) ✅ Non-toxic ✅ Non-toxic Moderate €18.95 Indirect
Calathea Rufibarba (Velvet Prayer Plant) ✅ Non-toxic ✅ Non-toxic Moderate €13.95 Low–indirect
Calathea Ornata Sanderiana (Pink Stripes) ✅ Non-toxic ✅ Non-toxic Moderate €13.95 Indirect
Calathea Lancifolia (Rattlesnake Plant) ✅ Non-toxic ✅ Non-toxic Moderate €124.95 Indirect–partial shade
Peperomia Sarcophylla ✅ Non-toxic ✅ Non-toxic Easy €22.95 Half shade
Kokedama Set (Peperomia, Fern, Rattlesnake) ✅ Non-toxic ✅ Non-toxic Easy–Moderate €78.95 Indirect–partial shade
Maranta Prayer Plant Kokedama 3-Pack ✅ Non-toxic ✅ Non-toxic Easy–Moderate €66.95 Indirect
Kentia Palm (Howea forsteriana) ✅ Non-toxic ✅ Non-toxic Easy €57.95 Low–partial shade
Areca Palm (Dypsis lutescens) ✅ Non-toxic ✅ Non-toxic Easy €89.90 Bright indirect
💡 EXPERT TIP FOR IRISH PET OWNERS: Even non-toxic plants can cause mild stomach upset if eaten in large quantities — because the plant material itself is indigestible. If you have a cat or dog that actively chews plants, consider hanging plants (like the Kokedama sets) or placing plants on high shelves beyond reach. The Kentia Palm's tall form is a natural deterrent for most dogs.

Frequently Asked Questions About Pet-Safe Plants in Ireland

Are spider plants safe for cats?
Yes, spider plants (Chlorophytum comosum) are listed as non-toxic to cats by the ASPCA. However, they can have a mild hallucinogenic effect if eaten in large quantities — similar to catnip — which may cause vomiting. It is best to keep them out of easy reach of cats who enjoy nibbling on plants.
Is the Bird's Nest Fern safe for cats and dogs?
Yes, the Bird's Nest Fern (Asplenium antiquum) is listed as non-toxic to both cats and dogs by the ASPCA. It is one of the safest ferns you can keep in an Irish home with pets, and it thrives in the kind of indirect light and humidity typical of Irish interiors. Our Bird's Nest Fern with black pot is a popular choice for pet-owning households.
What is the most toxic common houseplant to cats?
Lilies (Lilium and Hemerocallis species) are the most dangerous houseplants for cats — even tiny amounts can cause acute kidney failure. Other highly toxic houseplants include Dieffenbachia, Sago Palm, and Oleander. The peace lily (Spathiphyllum), pothos, and monstera are also toxic and should be kept out of homes with cats.
Can cats eat any houseplants safely?
While no houseplant should be encouraged as cat food, many are non-toxic and safe if nibbled occasionally. ASPCA-listed non-toxic plants safe for cats include Calathea (prayer plants), Bird's Nest Fern, Peperomia, Kentia Palm, and Areca Palm. Always verify a specific plant species on the ASPCA website before purchasing for a home with cats.
Are succulents safe for cats?
Most common succulents are non-toxic to cats, including Echeveria, Haworthia, and most Sedum varieties. However, some succulents are toxic — Aloe vera is mildly toxic to cats, and Euphorbia succulents contain a toxic milky sap. Peperomia, which resembles a succulent in its compact, fleshy appearance, is fully non-toxic to cats and dogs and a safe choice for Irish pet owners.
What plants should I never buy if I have a cat?
If you have a cat, never bring home lilies (any Lilium or Hemerocallis species), pothos, monstera, philodendron, peace lily, snake plant, or Dieffenbachia. These are among the most common houseplants sold in Ireland and are all toxic to cats — ranging from causing oral irritation to kidney failure. Always check the ASPCA Animal Poison Control database before buying any new plant.
Are peace lilies safe for dogs?
No, peace lilies (Spathiphyllum) are toxic to dogs. They contain calcium oxalate crystals that cause oral irritation, drooling, vomiting, and difficulty swallowing. Despite their popular use as houseplants and office plants in Ireland, peace lilies should be avoided entirely in homes with dogs or cats.
What pet-safe plants are low-maintenance for Irish homes?
The most low-maintenance pet-safe plants for Irish homes are the Kentia Palm (Howea forsteriana), Calathea Makoyana, Bird's Nest Fern, and Peperomia. The Kentia Palm is particularly forgiving — it tolerates the low winter light typical in Ireland (November to February) and does not need frequent watering. Calathea varieties thrive in indirect light and moderate humidity, making them well-suited to Irish living rooms and bedrooms.

Browse Our Full Range of Pet-Safe Plants

All plants in our pet-safe collection are verified non-toxic to cats and dogs. Delivered safely throughout Ireland — from €13.95.

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