Cat-Safe Plants Dog-Safe Plants Indoor Plants Ireland Non-Toxic Plants Pet-Safe Plants

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

Feb 18, 2026

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, with delivery throughout the country, so you can choose greenery for a home with pets.

🌿 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?

🌱 Planning a larger garden project?

Browse our bulk landscaping packages — pre-curated 60-plant ground cover packs, perennial border bundles, and trade pricing on request. Free quotes for landscapers and garden designers across Ireland and the EU.

Get a bulk quote →

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. Calatheas 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.

Asplenium 'Parvati' Bird's Nest Fern - 27cm Pot - 50cm Tall

Asplenium 'Parvati' Bird's Nest Fern - 27cm Pot - 50cm Tall

17cm pot 45cm tall Low light
Shop Now
Calathea Makoyana Peacock Plant 17cm - Indoor 40-50cm

Calathea Makoyana Peacock Plant 17cm - Indoor 40-50cm

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

Peperomia Sarcophylla — 25cm

15cm pot 25cm tall Easy care
Shop Now
💡 ASPCA LISTED: 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 ASPCA also lists the mother fern (Asplenium bulbiferum) and a number of individual Peperomia species as non-toxic, but other Asplenium and Peperomia species are not listed, so check the exact species. 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 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.

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

Calathea Lancifolia Rattlesnake Plant — 70cm

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

Kentia Palm — 120cm Statement Plant

24cm pot 120cm tall Non-toxic Low light tolerant
Shop Now
Areca Palm (Dypsis Lutescens) 24cm Pot 120cm Tall Indoor Plant

Areca Palm (Dypsis Lutescens) 24cm Pot 120cm Tall Indoor Plant

24cm pot + cover 110cm tall Non-toxic to dogs
Shop Now

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 — 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 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). For a hanging indoor option, the Maranta Kokedama trio features the prayer plant, which the ASPCA lists as non-toxic to cats and dogs.

Kokodama Monstera Minima Hanging Plant - Coconut Fiber Pot 15cm

Kokodama Monstera Minima Hanging Plant - Coconut Fiber Pot 15cm

3 plants included Peperomia + Fern + Rattlesnake Hanging display
Shop Now
Kokodama Monstera Minima Hanging Plant - Coconut Fiber Pot 15cm

Kokodama Monstera Minima Hanging Plant - Coconut Fiber Pot 15cm

3 Maranta plants Coconut fibre pots Space-saving hanging
Shop Now

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
Bird's Nest Fern (Asplenium antiquum) Not listed by the ASPCA Not listed by the ASPCA Easy Low–indirect
Calathea Makoyana (Peacock Plant) ✅ Non-toxic ✅ Non-toxic Moderate Indirect
Calathea Rufibarba (Velvet Prayer Plant) ✅ 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
Peperomia Sarcophylla Not listed by the ASPCA Not listed by the ASPCA Easy Half shade
Kokedama Set (Peperomia, Fern, Rattlesnake) Not confirmed (check each species) Not confirmed (check each species) Easy–Moderate Indirect–partial shade
Maranta Prayer Plant Kokedama 3-Pack ✅ 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
💡 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?
The ASPCA has no entry for the Bird's Nest Fern (Asplenium antiquum), so it cannot be called pet-safe. It lists a different species, the mother fern (Asplenium bulbiferum), as non-toxic, but that is not the same plant. Keep it out of reach of pets that chew leaves. It thrives in the kind of indirect light and humidity typical of Irish interiors, and our Bird's Nest Fern with black pot suits those conditions.
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 listed as non-toxic. Plants the ASPCA lists as non-toxic to cats include Calathea (prayer plants), Kentia Palm, and Areca Palm. The ASPCA has no entry for the Bird's Nest Fern or for Peperomia sarcophylla, so do not count those as pet-safe. 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 toxic to cats and dogs according to the ASPCA, and Euphorbia succulents contain a toxic milky sap. Several Peperomia species, which resemble succulents in their compact, fleshy appearance, are listed as non-toxic to cats and dogs by the ASPCA, but it has no entry for the Peperomia sarcophylla we sell, so check the species before choosing one for a home with pets.
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) and Calathea Makoyana. 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

Plants in our pet-safe collection are checked against the ASPCA non-toxic plant list. Always confirm the exact species on the ASPCA website before buying for a home with pets. Delivered throughout Ireland.

Shop Indoor Plants →

Explore More Guides

Working on a larger planting project? Visit our landscaping hub for bulk packs, trade pricing and free quotes.

Leave a comment

Please note, comments must be approved before they are published

This site is protected by hCaptcha and the hCaptcha Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.

More from > Cat-Safe Plants Dog-Safe Plants Indoor Plants Ireland Non-Toxic Plants Pet-Safe Plants
Back to News

Share this