Pet-Safe Kitchen Plants Chart

A free one-page printable: ASPCA status for cats and dogs for 18 countertop plants, with light and watering at a glance.

By the Countertop Harvest team · Last updated · How we choose products

Many kitchen herbs are on the ASPCA's non-toxic list for cats and dogs, and a few common ones are listed as toxic. We checked 18 plants from our growing guides against the ASPCA's toxic and non-toxic plant list and put the results on one printable page, with a line each on light and watering. Basil, rosemary, thyme and sage are on the non-toxic list, while mint, parsley, oregano and chives are listed as toxic.

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Preview of the printable Pet-Safe Kitchen Plants Chart, a one-page table of 18 plants with ASPCA status for cats and dogs, light and water

Free, with no signup. Print it for the fridge or save it to your phone.

Call your vet or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center, (888) 426-4435, if a pet eats a toxic plant.

The chart

Status for cats and dogs is copied from each plant's ASPCA page, linked in the last column. Light and water lines are short summaries of our guides; tap a plant name for the full guide and its sources.

ASPCA status for cats and dogs, checked October 20, 2026
PlantCatsDogsLightWaterSource
BasilOcimum basilicumNon-toxicNon-toxic6 to 8 hours of bright light, or 12 to 16 hours under a grow light.When the top inch of soil is dry; empty the saucer.ASPCA
RosemaryRosmarinus officinalisNon-toxicNon-toxicSunny south window; add a grow light if it gets under 6 hours of sun.Let the top dry, but not the whole pot.ASPCA
ThymeThymus vulgarisNon-toxicNon-toxicSunniest south or west window, plus a grow light in winter.Let the mix dry a little between waterings.ASPCA
SageSalvia officinalisNon-toxicNon-toxicBrightest window or a grow light; needs more light than most herbs.Let the top of the mix dry between waterings.ASPCA
CilantroCoriandrum sativumNon-toxicNon-toxicAt least 5 hours of sun, or grow lights 14 to 16 hours in winter.Evenly moist; dry soil makes it bolt.ASPCA
DillaAnethum graveolensNon-toxicNon-toxicBright window or an adjustable grow light; avoid hot afternoon sun.Evenly moist, never waterlogged.ASPCA
Lemon balmMelissa officinalisNon-toxicNon-toxic2 to 6 hours of direct sun; an east or west window often works.Lightly moist, never soggy.ASPCA
MintMentha speciesToxicToxicAbout 6 hours of bright light, or 12 to 16 hours under lamps.Moist but never waterlogged.ASPCA
ParsleyPetroselinum crispumToxicToxicHigh light in a cool spot; grow lights 14 to 16 hours in winter.Water well and feed regularly.ASPCA
OreganoOriganum vulgare hirtumToxicToxicSouth or west window with at least 5 hours of sun, or a grow light.Let the mix dry between waterings.ASPCA
ChivesAllium schoenoprasumToxicToxic6 to 8 hours of direct light is best.Evenly moist, without overwatering.ASPCA
Green onionslisted as onion, Allium cepaToxicToxicA bright, sunny windowsill.Roots under water, top of the bulb above; change it weekly.ASPCA
LemongrassCymbopogon citratusToxicToxicWarm, bright, sunny spot or a grow light.Plenty of water; don’t let the pot dry out.ASPCA
Aloe veraAloe veraToxicToxicAt least 6 hours of sun in a south or west window.Soak, then wait until the soil dries; less in winter.ASPCA
Cherry tomatoesblisted as tomato plantToxicToxic8 to 10 hours of direct sun, or 16 to 18 hours under lights.Let it dry moderately between waterings, never completely.ASPCA
LettucecLactuca sativaNot listedNot listed10 to 12 hours in a south or west window, or about 16 under lights.Start in moist mix; use pots with drainage holes and a tray.No entry
Chili peppersdCapsicumNot listedNot listedFull sun, plus a grow light indoors.Let the top inch or two dry, then water thoroughly.No entry
Cat grassewheat or oatsNot listedNot listedDirect sun once the seeds sprout.Damp but not wet; too much water causes mold.No entry

How we checked

On October 20, 2026 we opened the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center's page for each plant and copied its listing for dogs and cats exactly. Where we found no ASPCA entry, the chart says "Not listed" rather than guessing. Non-toxic doesn't mean a pet should graze on a plant, so we still keep our pots where a curious cat can't make a meal of them. For cat grass, which the ASPCA doesn't list, we used the moderation advice from VCA Animal Hospitals.

If you think a pet has eaten a plant on the toxic list, the ASPCA asks you to call its Animal Poison Control Center at (888) 426-4435 or your veterinarian; a consultation fee may apply.

Growing guides for every plant on the chart

We have a full guide for each plant on the chart: basil, rosemary, thyme, sage, cilantro, dill, lemon balm, mint, parsley, oregano, chives, green onions, lemongrass, aloe vera, cherry tomatoes, lettuce, chili peppers and cat grass. You can also find a guide by plant.

Sources

All sources accessed October 20, 2026. This chart is general information and is not veterinary advice.

Frequently asked questions

Which kitchen herbs are safe for cats and dogs?

On the ASPCA plant list, basil, rosemary, thyme, sage, cilantro, dill and lemon balm are non-toxic to dogs and cats.

Which kitchen plants are toxic to pets?

The ASPCA lists mint, parsley, oregano, chives, onion, lemon grass, aloe and the tomato plant as toxic to dogs and cats. It notes that ripe tomato fruit is non-toxic.

What should I do if my pet eats a toxic plant?

Call your vet or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center, (888) 426-4435, if a pet eats a toxic plant.

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