Keeping our cats safe around houseplants is crucial and yet it is something that cat owners often don’t consider until the cat becomes ill for an unexplained reason.
Some plants can be harmful if ingested by cats.
Table Of Contents
Defining Non -Toxic Houseplants
Non toxic houseplants are those that won’t cause harm to cats if they decide to nibble on the leaves.
Sometimes cats, don’t nibble on the leaves but rather lick the leaves
, particularly if there’s water on the leaves.
A few examples of such plants include Echeveria Lola, a small succulent with a light purple rosette, and cat grass which can divert a cat’s attention from other plants.
Spider plants, Boston ferns, and Areca palms are popular choices.
These plants are not only safe but also add beauty to our living spaces.
For example, the Echeveria Lola grows up to six inches tall and is easy to care for with proper sunlight and water.
Recognizing Plants Toxic to Cats
Now to identify plants that are toxic to pets.
Certain houseplants, such as sago palms and lilies, can cause serious harm.
Sago palms are especially dangerous, as every part of the plant is toxic to cats, leading to severe liver damage if ingested.
Philodendrons, azaleas, and poinsettias are other examples of plants that should be kept away from cats.
Even a small bite can result in symptoms like vomiting or worse.
Choosing Pet Friendly Plants
We still have a great selection of beautiful and safe houseplants that will not harm our cats.
Spider plants are an excellent choice, as they are attractive and completely non-toxic to cats. Plus, how easy are spider plants to grow. They are pretty well indestructible.
Orchids are another cat safe option that can add a touch of elegance to any room.
The prayer plant is also safe for cats and has eye catching foliage that can thrive in indoor conditions.
Another great option is the areca palm, which is safe for our cats and adds a tropical feel to the home.
All these plants provide beauty without risking our cats’ health. Cats are often named after flowers.
Plants to Avoid in Homes with Cats
It’s equally important to know which plants are harmful to cats.
Many common houseplants can be toxic.
Lilies are highly toxic to cats and can cause severe kidney damage if ingested. Lilies often feature in bouquets or bunches of flowers.
Aloe vera, while beneficial for humans, can be harmful to cats and lead to stomach upset and vomiting.
Now this is referring to the aloe vera gel which is extracted from the plant (something we do in our home, frequently).
Will a cat actually nibble on an aloe vera plant? That is another question and probably not. Our cats never have but, well there’s always that but, and all cats are different.
Just knowing this fact is good if there are any problems.
Pothos and philodendron are popular indoor plants that are not safe for cats.
Ingesting these plants can lead to irritation of the mouth and digestive tract.
Below, we have highlighted some popular indoor plants that are safe for cats, including succulents, ferns, and those ideal for hanging baskets.
Top Cat Safe Indoor Plants
African Violet
African violets (Saintpaulia) might just be the perfect cat friendly houseplant for your home.
The great news is that these lovely plants are considered safe for cats, as they don’t contain any toxic chemicals that could cause harm if your curious kitty decides to take a nibble.
Unlike some other houseplants, African violets don’t have any nasty substances like oxalates or alkaloids that could upset your cat’s tummy.
Plus, their soft, fuzzy leaves and pretty flowers are gentle enough that they won’t cause any physical harm to your pet.
Of course, while African violets are safe, it’s still a good idea to encourage your cat to enjoy them with their eyes rather than their mouth.
Eating too much of any plant material could lead to a bit of an upset stomach, so keep an eye on your cat and gently redirect them if they seem too interested in making a meal out of your African violet.
African violets (Saintpaulia) come in a wide range of colors and patterns. The main colors include:
- Purple – Various shades from pale lavender to deep purple.
- Blue – Shades ranging from light sky blue to deep, vibrant blues.
- Pink – Soft pastel pinks to bright, bold fuchsia.
- Red – Bright, vivid reds to deeper burgundy tones.
- White – Pure white flowers, sometimes with a hint of pink or green.
- Lavender – Light to medium shades of lavender.
- Magenta – Vibrant, deep pinkish-purple hues.
- Coral – Soft, pinkish-orange tones.
- Bicolors – Flowers with two distinct colors, such as white with purple edges or pink with a red center.
- Multicolors – Blooms featuring more than two colors, often in intricate patterns.
Some African violets also have different petal types, such as ruffled, fringed, or smooth edges, which can further enhance their appearance.
The leaves may also vary in color, ranging from deep green to light green or even variegated with white or yellow patterns.
I love these plants but alas seem to kill them off with too much water. They are on my list to try again. Beware of overwatering. I’ve been told that overwatering is the problem.
Orchids
Orchids are generally considered a safe choice for indoor plants in households with cats for to several reasons:
Orchids require minimal maintenance, which means you can keep them away from your cats without worrying about constant pruning or reshaping.
Orchids thrive in moderate light and require watering when the top inch of soil dries out. Their beautiful flowers can last for weeks, making them a great choice for indoor decoration.
There are no known orchid species classified as toxic to cats by the ASPCA (American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals) or veterinary sources, meaning that if your cat happens to nibble on the leaves or flowers, it’s unlikely to cause serious harm.
Many orchids have a bitter taste that discourages cats from chewing on them, reducing the likelihood of your cat consuming large quantities of the plant.
Orchid leaves are often thick and leathery, making them less appealing for cats to chew on compared to other plants with softer, more delicate foliage.
Orchids are typically grown in hanging baskets or mounted on high shelves, making them less accessible to curious cats.
Bear in mind that some potting mixes, fertilizers etc, used on indoor plants may be toxic to cats so that is something else to be aware of.
Use pet friendly fertilizer.
Peperomia or Radiator Plant
Peperomia plants are generally considered safe for cats. This is because they are non toxic if ingested.
Reasons why peperomia plants are a good choice for households with cats:
- Peperomia plants do not contain any substances that are toxic to cats, so if your curious feline takes a bite, it should not cause any serious harm.
- Most peperomia plants are relatively small and compact, making them less likely to be knocked over or disturbed by playful cats.
- Peperomia plants are generally easy to care for and do not require frequent watering or pruning, which means less opportunity for cats to interact with them.
Some popular peperomia varieties that are safe for cats include:
Peperomia graveolens (Ruby Glow Peperomia)
Peperomia obtusifolia (Baby Rubber Plant)
Peperomia caperata (Emerald Ripple Peperomia)
Peperomia argyreia (Watermelon Peperomia)
Peperomia plants are non toxic to our furry friends and easy to care for, needing only indirect light and minimal watering.
Safe For Cats – Succulents and Ferns
Cat-Safe Succulents
Burro’s Tail
A trailing succulent with plump leaves, totally pet-friendly.
Ponytail Palm
Not a true palm, but a succulent that’s safe and stylish.
Christmas Cactus
A colorful, festive plant that won’t harm your feline friend.
Prayer Plant
Not technically a succulent, but similar care and cat-safe.
Echeveria
Echeveria is a popular choice for succulent lovers and is safe for cats.
With their rosette shape and light purple appearance, they make an attractive addition to any indoor garden. They thrive in bright light and must be kept out of standing water.
Haworthia
Known as the zebra cactus, Haworthia succulents are small, hardy, and safe for felines.
These plants prefer bright, indirect light and need to be watered sparingly, making them ideal for busy schedules.
Cat Safe Ferns
Maidenhair Fern
Delicate and pretty, with no risk for your pet.
Staghorn Fern
Dramatic and unique-looking, and perfectly safe for cats.
Boston Fern
Boston ferns are lush, leafy plants that are non-toxic to cats.
They do well in humid environments with indirect light. Regular misting helps keep their fronds green and healthy.
Best Cat Safe Houseplants for Hanging Baskets
Hoya
Also called the wax plant, this trailing beauty has thick, glossy leaves and occasional fragrant flowers and it’s non-toxic to cats.
I adore this plant. The flowers are spectacular and it can be trained as a vine in a sheltered position. The flowers are exquisite.
Air Plants
Air plants are unique as they don’t require soil and can be displayed in a variety of creative ways, including hanging baskets and terrariums.
They are safe for cats and need only occasional soaking in water and indirect light.
Staghorn Fern
Staghorn ferns feature fronds that resemble antlers, making them an interesting hanging plant.
Staghorns can grow to a massive size over many years. These are the ones you may have see on mounted onto a board or tree trunk.
They are non toxic to cats and grow well in shaded areas with regular misting.
Bromeliads
Bromeliads bring a tropical feel to any space with their vibrant colors and rosette forms.
Safe for cats, they thrive in bright, indirect light and require keeping their central cup filled with water while maintaining well drained soil.
Areca Palm
Also known as the Butterfly Palm, this cat-friendly plant gives major tropical vibes and grows beautifully in a hanging pot.
This plant is in a pot rather than a hanging basket however you can see that it would look terrific in a hanging basket.
Spider Plants
Spider plants also grow exceptionally well in hanging baskets and are safe for cats.
That said, cats seem weirdly obsessed with spider plants sometimes. The long, wavy leaves can be super tempting for them to chew on or bat around. While the plant itself isn’t toxic, if they eat too much of it, it could cause a bit of an upset stomach (like vomiting or diarrhea).
Pro tip: If your cat’s too interested in it, try hanging the spider plant in a basket or putting it on a high shelf.
Spider plants are crazy low-maintenance too, they thrive in indirect light, don’t need a ton of water, and those little baby “spiderettes” look so cool when they start growing. They literally grow like weeds at my place.
Ensuring Plant and Cat Harmony
Creating a harmonious environment for both plants and cats involves selecting pet friendly houseplants, being mindful of where we place the plants and training our cats to avoid nibbling on them.
Creating a Safe Home Environment
When setting up our homes, we need to be mindful of the houseplants we choose.
Choose the plants that are safe for cats including spider plants or Boston ferns both of which make gorgeous houseplants.
To minimize any risk of digestive upset, we can use creative display solutions. C’mon kitty we are one step ahead of you.
For instance, hanging planters or using elevated shelves can keep plants out of a curious cat’s reach.
Cat safe planters can also be an excellent choice.
Make sure that the soil is not easily accessible, as some cats might dig into it. yep, cats will do this or knock a pot over.
Using heavier pots or placing decorative stones on top of the soil can help deter this behavior.
Training Cats to Avoid Plants
Training our cats to stay away from plants requires patience and consistency.
There are many ideas in the article below to keep your kitty cats away from your houseplants.
How To Keep Cats Away From Plants
We can make the plants less appealing.
Placing citrus peels or using pet safe deterrent sprays around the plants can discourage our cats from approaching them.
Providing alternative distractions like cat grass and cat games can keep them engagedand less interested in plants.
Setting up a designated area with cat friendly plants like catnip can also divert their attention.
Proceed with Caution
When choosing houseplants, we need to be mindful of those that might still pose a risk to our cats, even if they are generally considered non-toxic.
We should also know what to do if our pets accidentally ingest toxic plants.
Understanding Partially Toxic Plants
Some plants are partially toxic. This means that while one part of the plant might be safe, another part could be harmful.
For example, the peace lily can cause digestive upset if ingested.
Even plants labelled as safe for cats may have parts, like bulbs or flowers that are not.
The spider plant is generally non-toxic but can still cause mild digestive issues if eaten in large quantities.
Emergency Steps for Accidental Ingestion
If a houseplant toxic to pets is ingested, immediate action is essential.
First, try to determine how much and which part of the plant was consumed. Move the cat away from the plant to prevent further ingestion.
Next, contact your veterinarian or a pet poison hotline.
They can provide specific instructions based on the plant’s toxicity and your pet’s symptoms. Do not try to treat the cat yourself unless advised by a professional.
Having a list of emergency contacts, including your vet and the ASPCA poison control, is important.
Acting quickly can make a significant difference in your pet’s recovery.
Resource
American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA)
The ASPCA provides an extensive database of plants that are toxic and non-toxic to cats. This is a valuable resource for any cat owner wanting to keep their furry friends safe.
