If you’re a cat owner and a plant enthusiast, you know the dilemma — most indoor houseplants are bad news for cats. But don’t worry! Many gorgeous, pet-friendly plants can cohabitate without causing alarm for your feline. In this article we will take 20 safe plants for cats and 20 plants to stay away from the toxic.
Why Choose Cat-Safe Plants?
Cats also enjoy nibbling on leaves, digging in dirt as well as examine the foliage. Unfortunately, most common houseplants have toxic properties that enable them to induce nausea, diarrhea or organ failure in cats. Picking low-toxic plants will keep your pet healthy and in turn you can enjoy your indoor jungle.
20 Safe Plants for Cats
Here’s a list of cat-friendly houseplants that won’t harm your furry companion:
1. Spider Plant (Chlorophytum comosum)
- Easy to grow, great for beginners.
- Safe if chewed, but may cause mild stomach upset in large amounts.
2. Boston Fern (Nephrolepis exaltata)
- Lush, feathery fronds.
- Thrives in humidity, perfect for bathrooms.
3. Areca Palm (Dypsis lutescens)
- Pet-safe and air-purifying.
- Adds a tropical vibe to any room.
4. Calathea (Calathea spp.)
- Stunning patterned leaves.
- Non-toxic and low-light tolerant.
5. Parlor Palm (Chamaedorea elegans)
- Compact and elegant.
- Safe for cats and dogs.
6. Haworthia (Haworthia spp.)
- A small, spiky succulent.
- Great for sunny windowsills.
7. Peperomia (Peperomia spp.)
- Variety of textures and colors.
- Safe and easy to care for.
8. Money Plant (Pilea peperomioides)
- Unique coin-shaped leaves.
- Pet-friendly and trendy.
9. Bamboo Palm (Chamaedorea seifrizii)
- Safe alternative to toxic palms.
- Helps purify indoor air.
10. Swedish Ivy (Plectranthus verticillatus)
- Fast-growing trailing plant.
- Non-toxic and easy to propagate.
11. Friendship Plant (Pilea involucrata)
- Textured, colorful foliage.
- Safe for curious cats.
12. Polka Dot Plant (Hypoestes phyllostachya)
- Bright, speckled leaves.
- Harmless if ingested.
13. Cast Iron Plant (Aspidistra elatior)
- Nearly indestructible.
- Safe for pets and low-light areas.
14. African Violet (Saintpaulia spp.)
- Beautiful flowering plant.
- Non-toxic and compact.
15. Christmas Cactus (Schlumbergera spp.)
- Blooms in winter.
- Safe for cats (unlike true lilies).
16. Herbs: Basil, Thyme, & Catnip (Nepeta cataria)
- Edible and safe.
- Catnip is a feline favorite!
17. Orchids (Phalaenopsis spp.)
- Elegant and non-toxic.
- Keep out of reach to avoid digging.
18. Ponytail Palm (Beaucarnea recurvata)
- Drought-tolerant and quirky.
- Safe for pets.
19. Prayer Plant (Maranta leuconeura)
- Leaves fold at night.
- Pet-friendly and visually striking.
20. Venus Flytrap (Dionaea muscipula)
- Carnivorous but harmless to cats.
- Fun and interactive plant.
Toxic Plants to Avoid
While the above plants are safe, many common houseplants are dangerous for cats. Avoid these at all costs:
❌ Lilies (Lilium spp.) – Extremely toxic, can cause kidney failure.
❌ Pothos (Epipremnum aureum) – Causes oral irritation and vomiting.
❌ Philodendron – Contains calcium oxalate crystals (toxic).
❌ Sago Palm (Cycas revoluta) – Highly poisonous, can be fatal.
❌ Aloe Vera – Causes vomiting and diarrhea.
❌ Snake Plant (Sansevieria) – Mildly toxic, can cause nausea.
❌ Dieffenbachia – Leads to mouth swelling and difficulty swallowing.
❌ ZZ Plant (Zamioculcas zamiifolia) – Toxic if ingested.
For a full list, check the ASPCA’s Toxic and Non-Toxic Plants Database.
Tips for Keeping Cats Away from Plants
Even non-toxic plants can give you mild stomach upset if you overeat them. Try these tips:
- Use hanging planters to keep them away.
- Scattered citrus peels—cats hate the scent.
- Give cat grass (wheatgrass) as a safe substitute.
- Use deterrent sprays (pet-safe versions).
Final Thoughts
You have no need to decide whether your green home or your cat will thrive. You can have both by choosing low-toxicity plants! Stay on this list of pet-safe plants for cats, keep the noxious ones, and give a pet-friendly indoor haven.
Do you have a cat safe plant that you like? Share in the comments! 🐱🌿