Cats & Dogs
Potentially toxicConsulted references classify the plant as toxic or irritating for that pet type.
Verified against ASPCA/provenance audit 2026-05-06 on May 6, 2026.
Sources
Pet safety reference
Corn Plant
Dracaena fragrans
The Corn Plant is a popular indoor shrub known for its long, arching, sword-like leaves that resemble corn stalks. While aesthetically pleasing, it contains saponins that can cause adverse reactions if ingested by pets.
Corn PlantCornstalk DracaenaDracaena fragransDracaena massangeana
- Light
- Bright indirect light
- Habit
- Upright shrub
- Care
- Low
Safety status
If a pet has chewed or swallowed plant material and is showing symptoms, contact a veterinarian or poison resource immediately. This product is for structured reference, not diagnosis.
Cats — concern notes
Common signs
Vomiting (occasionally with blood), depression, anorexia, hypersalivation, and dilated pupils.
Escalation note
Ingestion can lead to significant gastrointestinal distress. Please contact your veterinarian or a pet poison control center if you suspect your cat has consumed any part of this plant.
Dogs — concern notes
Common signs
Vomiting, depression, anorexia, and hypersalivation.
Escalation note
While generally considered mild to moderate in toxicity, ingestion can cause discomfort and digestive upset. Always consult a veterinarian if your dog shows signs of illness after exposure.
Safer alternatives
No hand-picked alternatives for this plant yet. You can still pick your own using the Compare button on any other plant.
Source evidence
ASPCA Toxic Plant List
toxicology · 99% reliability
Corn plant is toxic to both cats and dogs due to the presence of saponins.
NC State Extension Plant Toolbox
botanical · 94% reliability
Dracaena fragrans is a popular houseplant that is known to be toxic to pets if ingested.
Often compared with
Commonly confused with
Same Dracaena genus.
Snake Plant
Dracaena trifasciata
Dracaena trifasciata is a popular, hardy houseplant known for its stiff, sword-like leaves with striking yellow margins. It is widely appreciated for its air-purifying qualities and ability to thrive in various indoor conditions.
Potentially toxic for cats & dogs.
Same Dracaena genus.
Gold Dust Dracaena
Dracaena surculosa
Dracaena surculosa is a popular ornamental houseplant known for its spotted, leathery foliage. It contains saponins which can cause gastrointestinal distress if ingested by pets.
Potentially toxic for cats & dogs.
Both sold as "Dragon Tree".
Dragon Tree
Dracaena marginata
The Madagascar Dragon Tree is a popular, slow-growing indoor plant known for its slender, woody stems and spiky, colorful foliage. It contains saponins, which can cause gastrointestinal distress if ingested by pets.
Potentially toxic for cats & dogs.
Same genus
More from the Dracaena genus
Same safety verdict
Other plants with the same verdict
Autograph Tree
Clusia major
Clusia major is a tropical evergreen shrub known for its thick, leathery leaves and unique ability to grow as an epiphyte. It is commonly kept as a houseplant for its architectural foliage, but it contains compounds that can cause irritation if ingested by pets.
Potentially toxic for cats & dogs.
Common Privet
Ligustrum vulgare
Common Privet is a semi-evergreen shrub often used for hedging that contains toxic compounds throughout the plant, particularly in the berries and leaves. Ingestion can lead to significant gastrointestinal distress in household pets.
Potentially toxic for cats & dogs.
Geranium Aralia
Polyscias guilfoylei
Polyscias guilfoylei is a tropical evergreen shrub often grown as an ornamental houseplant for its attractive, lacy foliage. It contains compounds that can cause irritation if ingested by household pets.
Potentially toxic for cats & dogs.
Hawaiian Ti
Cordyline fruticosa
The Hawaiian Ti is a popular tropical ornamental known for its vibrant, lance-shaped foliage. It contains saponins which can cause gastrointestinal distress if ingested by pets.
Potentially toxic for cats & dogs.
Same growing conditions
Plants for the same room
Monstera
Monstera deliciosa
Monstera deliciosa is a popular tropical houseplant known for its large, fenestrated leaves and vining growth habit. It contains insoluble calcium oxalate crystals that can cause irritation if ingested by pets.
Potentially toxic for cats & dogs.
Areca Palm
Dypsis lutescens
The Areca Palm is a popular indoor palm known for its feathery, arching fronds and air-purifying qualities. It is considered safe for households with pets, though its fibrous nature may cause minor digestive discomfort if ingested in large quantities.
Generally safe for cats & dogs.
Australian Ivy Palm
Brassaia actinophylla
The Australian Ivy Palm is a popular indoor tree known for its large, umbrella-like leaves. It contains insoluble calcium oxalate crystals that can cause irritation upon ingestion.
Potentially toxic for cats & dogs.
Banana Plant
Musa acuminata
The banana plant is a popular tropical houseplant known for its large, paddle-shaped leaves and rapid growth. It is considered non-toxic to pets, though its fibrous nature may cause mild digestive discomfort if consumed in large quantities.
Generally safe for cats & dogs.