The plant toxicity checker lets you search 100+ common houseplants and instantly see whether each is safe or toxic for cats, dogs, and young children. Filter to show only pet-safe or child-safe species before you buy.
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How to Use the Plant Toxicity Checker
Bringing a new plant home should be a joy — but if you have cats, dogs, or young children, checking toxicity first is essential. Many of the most popular houseplants, including pothos, peace lilies, and philodendrons, are toxic to pets and can cause serious symptoms if ingested. This plant toxicity checker covers 100+ species with clear safe/toxic ratings for cats, dogs, and children.
Step 1: Search by Plant Name
Type any part of the common name or scientific name in the search box. Results filter in real time. You can search for "pothos," "monstera," "peace lily," or the scientific name "Epipremnum aureum" — the checker recognizes both.
Step 2: Use Safety Filters
Toggle the "Cat-safe only," "Dog-safe only," or "Child-safe only" filters to narrow the database to only non-toxic plants. This is the fastest way to identify suitable plants when shopping — filter first, then browse what's available.
Step 3: Read the Toxicity Badges
Each plant card shows three badges: one for cats, one for dogs, and one for children. A green "Safe" badge means non-toxic according to ASPCA and veterinary reference data. A red "Toxic" badge means the plant has documented toxicity for that category. Even "safe" plants can cause mild stomach upset if eaten in large quantities.
What to Do If Your Pet or Child Ingests a Plant
If a pet ingests a toxic plant, contact the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (888-426-4435) or your veterinarian immediately. If a child ingests plant material, call Poison Control (1-800-222-1222). Bring the plant or a photo to help identify it. Speed of treatment matters — don't wait for symptoms to appear.
Safe Houseplants for Pet Households
If you're building a pet-safe plant collection, consider spider plants (Chlorophytum comosum), Boston ferns, prayer plants (Maranta leuconeura), calathea, areca palms, and Christmas cacti. These are non-toxic to both cats and dogs and still provide lush, attractive foliage. Use the "Cat-safe only" and "Dog-safe only" filters together to find plants safe for both.
FAQ
Are all houseplants toxic to cats?
No, but many popular houseplants are toxic to cats. Pothos, peace lilies, philodendrons, ZZ plants, and dieffenbachia all cause oral irritation or worse if ingested. Safe options for cat households include spider plants, Boston ferns, prayer plants, and calathea. Use the filter above to see only cat-safe species.
Which common houseplants are dangerous to dogs?
Pothos, peace lilies, philodendrons, ZZ plants, sago palms, aloe vera, and many succulents are toxic to dogs. Sago palms are especially dangerous — even small amounts can cause liver failure. The toxicity checker above marks each plant's dog safety status clearly.
Is this data sourced from the ASPCA?
The toxicity data in this tool is based on ASPCA and veterinary reference sources. Always verify with your veterinarian for specific medical concerns about plant ingestion.
What does 'toxic to children' mean for houseplants?
Plants marked as toxic to children can cause symptoms ranging from mild oral irritation to more serious reactions if ingested in large quantities. Most cases involve mild stomach upset from small exposures. If a child ingests any plant material, contact Poison Control (1-800-222-1222) immediately.
Is pothos safe for cats?
No. Pothos (Epipremnum aureum) is toxic to cats. It contains insoluble calcium oxalates that cause oral irritation, drooling, vomiting, and difficulty swallowing if ingested. It is one of the most commonly ingested toxic plants due to its popularity and trailing habit that makes it accessible to cats.
What are the safest houseplants for a home with pets and young children?
The safest houseplants for homes with pets and children include spider plants (Chlorophytum comosum), Boston ferns, prayer plants (Maranta), calathea, areca palms, and Christmas cacti. These plants are non-toxic to cats, dogs, and children according to ASPCA data.
Is this tool free?
Yes, completely free with no signup required. All data loads in your browser.
Is my search data private?
Yes. The plant database loads entirely in your browser. No search queries or usage data are sent to any server.