Pet parenthood is a tough gig. Perhaps not as daunting as raising tiny humans, but the struggle to keep furry little ones safe, healthy, and happy is both real and unrelenting.
Just like pets, plants add life to the home, according to Julie Weisenhorn, Horticulture Educator at the University of Minnesota. “Plants actually become something folks care for, which gives them some sense of purpose,” she says, echoing the sentiment of many pet owners. Plus unlike critters, plants are a great, inexpensive way to decorate your home, bringing in different colors, textures and shapes.
But pets and your greenery don’t always cohabitate in harmony. Even the ‘goodest’ boys and girls give into the temptation to chomp a plant from time to time, an outcome that could land you in the veterinarian’s office or worse, not to mention the nursery for a replacement. So you’ll want to take precautions with the plants you select for your home.
What the Experts Say
Many house plants can be toxic for pets (or people) to ingest. So if a particular species catches your eye, you need to do a bit of research first to keep your furries safe. “I usually refer people to the ASPCA (American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals) plant list,” says Weisenhorn. The site catalogs plants by both common names as well as their Latin ones. Weisenhorn recommends searching by the scientific moniker which is more specific and less regional, so you carefully choose plants that are not poisonous to your animals.
“Some of the fertilizers that we use, pets actually like to eat,” says Weisenhorn. Soil supplements that contain a fish emulsion or bone meal might pique your pets olfactory interest and arouse their appetites. “I would stay away from the richer organic fertilizers that have natural ingredients, like blood or bone just because it’s indoors and you don’t really want the smell, even if it’s temporary, in your house. Also, if you do have pets, they’re gonna be digging in your pots,” she says. So stick with an all purpose fertilizer or a specific fertilizer for the type of plant that you have.
The Best Plants For Pets: At a Glance
Rattlesnake Plant
The aptly named Calathea Rattlesnake plant produces leaves that look a bit like reptile skin. Those leaves are also colorful, stunningly textured and rise and fall as day turns to night — a trait that is the basis for its nickname — the prayer plant. Plus, unlike actual rattlesnakes, the plant version is non-toxic to dogs, cats, and horses, in case you have one of those running around your home.
Money Tree
Money Trees, aka Pachira aquatica, are said to bring good luck. It’s not clear if the fortune extended applies to pets, but they won’t bring them any harm either. The plant’s large size makes a nice accent in living rooms, family rooms and offices. Plus, they are easy to care for since they only require medium light and occasional watering, unlike your pets.
Herbs
Obviously edible, what better plants to have in the kitchen than herbs. They add both life and flavor to the room where you cook. Need a sprig of rosemary to add to a stew? It is there for the taking. If your cat wants a bite of mint, so be it. It might even fight off some kitty breath.
Moon Orchids
The Moth (or Moon) orchid (Phalaenopsis sp) is among the most beautiful and elegant flowering plants you can grow at home. They are also pet friendly and affordable. As a bonus, for those who lack green thumbs, they only need soft indirect sunlight and the water from three ice cubes a week.
Venus Flytrap
What’s cooler than a carnivorous plant? The Venus flytrap is a fun and entertaining way to decorate a shelf or a mantle. They are pet-friendly, and need just a few hours of direct sunlight and rain or distilled water to keep the pot damp. Perhaps a bit higher maintenance than most plants, their needs are still lower than your animals’, though just like your cat or dog you do have to feed them.
Wheatgrass
According to Weisenhorn, dogs like to eat grass. So why not let your pup eat a bit of wheatgrass. It aids digestion, freshens breath and is chock full of vitamins and antioxidants. So you can grow a patch and keep it wherever you like, but offer it next to their food at meal time and let them go to town, or trim some and add it to their bowl. Though since it’s not verboten like chomping the lawn, it may be tough to convince them to eat it.
Catnip
This one is perhaps wildly obvious, but cats love catnip. Part of the mint family, when your feline catches the scent, it offers a bit of stimulation. Some might roll or flip, others might become hyperactive or even aggressive. But if they eat it, the kitty can get quite chill. Cat parents will want to watch their pet’s intake as consuming too much can make them sick.
Frequently Asked Questions About Plants for Pets
What do I do if my pet attacks a plant?
If your canine or feline does decide to munch on your plant, prune off the broken or chewed areas to facilitate healthy regrowth. If your critter knocks it over, you need to repot it and take steps to just get it out of the way of the pet. Or in case you have a cat that likes to climb, make sure it’s out of reach.
What if they—ahem, “relieve themselves”—in the plant?
In a bit grosser potential turn of events, some of your felines could potentially mistake potted plants for a spot to seek relief. But you don’t want the cat turning your fern into a smelly, uncleanable litter box.
Weisenhorn suggests a couple of ideas to keep yours from copping a squat. Encircling the plant with wire creates a mechanical barrier, as cats won’t want to tread on it to do their business. Owners could also experiment with lavender, rosemary or lemon thyme, which have aromas that tend to skeeve out many kitties.
