july 3, 2026 · 5 min read
Building a pet-safe shelf
Some of the most popular houseplants can hurt cats and dogs. Fernfriend flags them first. Here is what the flags mean and what to grow instead.
by Maya Lindqvist
When we asked early users what they wished they had known sooner, the most common answer was not about watering. It was: I did not know my plant could make my cat sick.
What the flag means
Every plant on your shelf carries a pet-safety status based on the ASPCA toxic and non-toxic plant lists: toxic, mildly toxic, listed as pet-safe, or not confirmed. Toxic flags appear at the top of the care card, in plain words, with what to watch for. If a pet has chewed a plant, call your vet. Fernfriend is not a substitute.
Common plants that need a high shelf
- Golden pothos and heartleaf philodendron: calcium oxalate crystals irritate the mouth.
- ZZ plant and peace lily: same crystals, same advice.
- Fiddle-leaf fig and rubber plant: irritating sap.
- String of pearls and jade plant: can cause vomiting.
Happy, pet-safe alternatives
- Spider plant, which cats love to nibble (it can still upset a stomach).
- Calathea and the prayer plant family.
- Boston fern and parlor palm.
- Chinese money plant and baby rubber plant (peperomia).