How Not to Kill Your Pets

When you’re as plant obsessed as we are, it would be almost impossible to make us choose between our plant pals and our fur babies. Luckily, we don’t have to! To avoid a poorly pet and expensive vet bills, there are plenty of non-toxic plants that are safe for cats and dogs (and bunnies and ferrets, or whatever other animals you choose to share your home with, that’s your business), so to be extra cautious you can stick to that list. But it’s also perfectly possible for you all to live together in peace and harmony. It’s common sense really: just keep your plants out of reach of curious paws, where your pets can’t eat them. Also consider that plants with sharp bits are probably not going to make the best playthings.

 

It’s a good idea to learn the names of your plants, so if Mr Whiskers does happen to chew on some leaves when you’re not looking, you’ll know what to tell the vet. Symptoms to watch out for are all the glamorous ones: vomiting, diarrhoea, excessive itching, sneezing, watery eyes, changes in urine colour, irritation or swelling of the tongue, mouth and lips, and difficulty breathing. If you’re in any doubt, head straight to the vet’s immediately. It’s not worth taking any risks with our little friends.

 

For an extensive list of plants that are problematic for pets, check out the online resource put together by the ASPCA (American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals).

 

Harmonious houseplants for happy pets

Alpine succulents

Air plants

Bamboo palm

Boston fern

Burro’s tail

Chinese money plant

Fatsia Japonica

Parlour palm

Ponytail palm

Prayer plant

Spider plant

String of hearts

Wax flower

 

Plants to keep out of paw’s reach

Aloe vera

Asparagus fern

Devil’s ivy

Dragon tree

Elephant ear

English ivy

Geranium

Jade plant

Philodendron

Snake plant

Swiss cheese plant

Weeping fig

ZZ plant