Calathea

Goeppertia makoyana

AI-assisted guide by the Eaoae editorial team · Last updated 2026-10-05 · Based on independent veterinary sources

Calathea makoyana is a popular indoor choice for its striking, patterned leaves, but it is generally considered non-toxic to most common household pets. While it poses no serious threat, individual animals may still experience mild digestive upset if they chew on the foliage.

✅ Generally fine for

Dogs — This plant is non-toxic to dogs, though eating large amounts of any plant can cause mild stomach upset.
Cats — Cats can safely coexist with this plant, as it does not contain compounds harmful to their health.
Birds — Birds are generally safe with this plant, but you should still monitor them to prevent them from ingesting large quantities of leaves.
Rabbits — Rabbits can tolerate this plant, but it should not replace their primary diet of hay and leafy greens.
Guinea Pigs — Guinea pigs are safe with this plant, though it offers little nutritional value compared to their standard feed.
Reptiles — Reptiles are not at risk from toxicity, but they should not be fed this plant as part of their diet.

👀 Signs to watch for

Mild vomiting or nausea
Temporary diarrhea
Loss of appetite
Mouth irritation or drooling

🔄 Pet-safe swaps

Spider Plant — A hardy, trailing plant that is completely non-toxic and easy to care for.
Boston Fern — A lush, green fern that adds texture to your space without posing any risk to pets.
Parlor Palm — A compact, palm-like plant that is safe for all common pets and thrives in indoor conditions.
Prayer Plant — Another member of the Marantaceae family that is non-toxic and offers similar visual appeal to Calathea.

🪴 Care snapshot

Light: Medium indirect
Water: Keep moist, avoid hard tap water
Difficulty: Fussy

📚 Sources & further reading

Plant guides are compiled for reference and may be incomplete — always confirm with your vet for your individual pet. Spotted an error? Let us know.

Important: always confirm the botanical name — common names vary by region, and lists like these are a starting point, not a complete safety manual. For reference only — not veterinary advice. In an emergency, contact your vet immediately.