Australia’s indoor plant obsession is putting millions of pets at risk, Petstock’s head vet warns as a booming $328 million plant market collides with Australia’s most pet-dense households on record.

Australia has never been more pet-obsessed. According to Animal Medicines Australia’s 2025 Pets in Australia report, 73 per cent of Australian households, 7.7 million homes, now have at least one pet; 33 per cent parent a cat. At the same time, indoor plants have never been more popular: the Australian indoor plant market was valued at $328.57 million in 2024 and is projected to reach $511 million by 2033.

But as Australians fill their homes with greenery, a hidden danger is quietly taking root. Many of the most popular houseplants, especially among Millenials and Gen Z — pothos, peace lily, monstera, philodendron, and devil’s ivy — are highly toxic to cats and dogs, and most pet parents have no idea.

Melbourne pet parent Daniel learned about the danger the hard way when a birthday bouquet nearly cost his cat Harry his life.

“My cat Harry was suddenly very interested in the bouquet of flowers I had received, and while I was talking with friends I looked over and he had his face buried in them. When I went to check what he was doing, I noticed he was drooling excessively. The bouquet contained eucalyptus, which I hadn’t realised was very toxic for cats. We took him to the vet straight away. Thankfully he hadn’t ingested anything, so he was fine. But it was a close call.”

Petstock head vet Dr Gloria Ebeyer said Daniel’s quick thinking made all the difference.

“Eucalyptus is one of those plants people don’t think twice about. It’s in bouquets, wreaths, and homewares across Australia. But for cats, even minor exposure can cause drooling, vomiting, and central nervous system depression. Daniel did exactly the right thing by acting immediately rather than waiting to see what happened.”

Dr Ebeyer says she sees similar cases come through the door every day.

“I once treated a dog who had a tendency to lick the floor. He got very sick after his owner mopped using a eucalyptus floor cleaner. Like Daniel, the owner had no idea that eucalyptus was toxic, and quickly switched it out for something less harmful.

“The problem is that the most popular plants right now are also some of the most dangerous for pets.

“Pothos and devil’s ivy are everywhere – they’re marketed as low-maintenance and nearly impossible to kill. What the tag doesn’t tell you is that ingestion can cause severe oral irritation, vomiting, and in some cases, kidney failure in cats and dogs.”

The plants in your home that could harm your pet

Dr Ebeyer flagged the following common varieties as high-risk for cats and dogs:

• Lillies & peace lilies: These are very common in bouquets and house plants. Extremely toxic, even in small amounts. Cats often present to vets’ clinics with acute kidney injury and failure.
• Pothos and devil’s ivy: Among the most popular indoor plants in Australia, both cause oral irritation, excessive drooling, vomiting, and difficulty swallowing.
• Monstera: The insoluble calcium oxalates in monstera leaves cause intense burning and irritation of the mouth, tongue, and throat.
• Philodendron: Similar toxicity profile to monstera. Symptoms can include swelling of the lips and tongue, and difficulty breathing.
• Aloe vera: Widely kept as a household remedy. Toxic to both cats and dogs, causing vomiting, lethargy, and diarrhoea.
• Eucalyptus: Highly toxic to cats and dogs. It contains a natural compound called eucalyptol (a fragrant essential oil) that cats and dogs can’t metabolise via the liver. Symptoms include vomiting and diarrhea, excessive drooling or salivation, depression and lethargy, weakness and difficulty walking, and in severe cases seizures.

Safe alternatives that won’t cost your pet their health

Dr Ebeyer said pet owners don’t have to choose between a green home and a safe one.

“There are beautiful, low-maintenance plants that pose no risk to your pets at all. It’s about knowing what to look for before you buy.”

Her pet-safe alternatives include:

• Spider plant (Chlorophytum comosum): Non-toxic to cats and dogs, easy to maintain, and thrives in most indoor conditions.
• Boston fern: Safe for pets and effective at improving indoor air quality.
• Calathea: Non-toxic and visually striking, popular for apartments and small spaces.
• Parlour palm: Completely pet-safe, tolerates low light, and requires minimal watering.
• Peperomia: A low-maintenance succulent-like plant that is safe for both cats and dogs.

What to do if you suspect plant ingestion

Dr Gloria says time is critical if a pet has ingested a toxic plant.

“Don’t wait to see if symptoms resolve on their own. If you suspect your cat or dog has eaten any part of a toxic plant, contact your vet immediately. The sooner we can intervene, the better the outcome.”

Key warning signs include excessive drooling, pawing at the mouth, vomiting, lethargy, loss of appetite, and in severe cases, difficulty breathing or seizures.

For more information or to speak with a qualified vet, visit the Petstock website: https://www.petstock.com.au/pages/petstock-vet