Plants and Pets: Keeping Your Furry Friends Safe from Poisonous Plants

As a proud pet parent to two cats and our little Yorkshire terrier, Gus, I know how much our furry friends love to interact with plants. Whether it’s playing with leaves, digging in the soil, or simply napping in the shade of greenery, pets and plants are an inseparable part of our home. But as much joy as plants bring, it’s essential to ensure that your leafy companions are safe for your pets.

A Simple Solution for Plant Safety

In our home, we created a dedicated box filled with herbs our cats love to nibble on. It’s a cozy one-meter-by-one-meter patch planted with their favorite greens, which keeps them happily occupied and less tempted to bother the rest of the plants.

Of course, Gus—our curious Yorkshire—loves to help me with gardening, occasionally tasting a flower or two. While his antics are adorable, I’m always cautious, because many common plants are toxic to pets and can cause serious health issues like vomiting or indigestion.

Know Which Plants to Avoid

There are countless plants that could harm your pets, but to help you get started, here’s a list of some of the most common toxic varieties:

• Houseplants: Aloe, Philodendron, Monstera, Dieffenbachia, Dracaena, and Anthurium.

• Flowering Plants: Azalea, Kalanchoe, Begonia, and Strelitzia (Bird of Paradise).

• Bulb Plants: Lilies, Hyacinths, Daffodils, and Amaryllis.

• Others: Caladium, Sago Palm, Sansevieria (Snake Plant), Zamioculcas (ZZ Plant), and Ethiopian Asparagus.

Even the majestic Queen of the Night cactus has its dangers! It's crucial to check every plant before adding it to your home or garden.

A Handy Resource for Pet Owners

If this topic resonates with you, I highly recommend downloading the ASPCA Toxic and Non-Toxic Plants app. It provides a comprehensive, searchable database of plants and their safety for pets, making it easy to identify which plants are safe and which to avoid.

Creating Harmony Between Plants and Pets

For me, it’s vital to ensure that the two loves of my life—plants and animals—coexist happily. With a little care and planning, your home can be both a lush oasis and a safe haven for your furry companions. Check your plants against this list, provide safe alternatives, and keep an eye on those curious paws and noses.

Because when it comes to our pets, their health and happiness always come first. 🌿🐾