It’s hard enough to find good looking houseplants that fits your homes feng shui, however, if you’ve got cats roaming the place.. it’s critical whatever you go for, is safe for your furry little friend.
Not to mention whether the plant is durable enough to take the odd swipe and nibble!
These are my top 20 recommendations for the best houseplants that are safe for cats.
20 Houseplants SAFE For Cats
1. Areca Palm
Areca palms are a fantastic choice if you want to create a tropical feel in your home.
Be warned though, your cat might entertain themselves with its fluttering leaves.
2. African Violet
African violets are the perfect flowering houseplants because the average room temperature is their ideal environment.
These are a great cat-friendly way to bring more color into the room.
3. Baby Tears
The name may not sound very appealing but this green low-maintenance plant looks like clovers.
Pro tip: plant baby tears at the base of taller plants or indoor trees to discourage your pets from digging in the soil.
4. Bamboo Palm
Bamboo is one of the most resilient plants that you can keep in the house.
No matter how often your cat scratches, this tropical plant will survive and continue to purify the surrounding air.
5. Boston Fern
Boston ferns are popular bathroom plants because they like high humidity.
If you place them in a basket hanging from the ceiling or on a very high shelf, your cat might not even be able to get to it.
6. Bromeliad
One of the complaints of cat-parents that have houseplants is that their furry friend likes to dig in the soil.
Solve that issue by getting a Bromeliad that grows attached to a piece of wood – no soil and no mess to clean up.
7. Burro’s Tail Succulents
Most succulents are toxic for cats which is why many pet owners cannot jump on this popular trend – until now!
One of the exceptions to the rule is Burro’s Tail, also known as Donkey’s Tail, which is non-toxic for pets.
8. Cast Iron Plant
Cast Iron plants are as sturdy as they sound.
If you have had a bad track record of keeping plants alive, this is the plant that will restore your hopes of having a green oasis.
9. Gloxinia
Gloxinia are beautiful Brazilian flowering plants coming in a variety of shades.
Mind you, these are not the best plants for beginners because they do require quite some attention.
10. Hawthoria
Hawthoria is another succulents that is safe for cats.
Pick up a pot of Hawthoria if you’re a fan of Aloe Vera but an even bigger fan of your cat.
11. Marigolds
Nothing says spring like marigolds.
These lovely herbaceous flowers add a joyous touch to any table you place them on.
12. Mosaic Plant
Mosaic plants are famous for their white veins that meander through deep green or purplish leaves.
Also known as nerve plant, this is a leafy houseplant that is perfectly safe for cats.
13. Orchids
You cannot have lilies in the house if you have a cat but you can have a pretty alternative: orchids.
These flowers love lots of indirect sunlight and stand beautifully near a window.
14. Peperomia
There is a wide variety of Peperomia so you can scatter all different kinds around the house.
Each one has its own unique characteristics so it will add great texture to your interior.
15. Polka Dot Plant
Although they originally hail from tropical Madagascar, polka dot plants have wonderful fall colors.
Their deep purple and dark green leaves add warmth to a space and are perfectly safe for cats.
16. Prayer Plant
Prayer plants come in many different patterns and shadings, making each plant unique.
They have lovely broad leaves to do invite a little nibble from cats but feel assured that it is non-toxic.
17. Rattlesnake Plant
Rattlesnake plants get their name from their long green stems with stripes of a dark reddish-brown.
This is a houseplant that does will in low-light areas, perfect for brightening up a dark room.
18. Spider Plant
Spider plants have a lot of volume which is great for sprucing up a bare spot in the room.
They have long thin leaves which might attract the attention of your cat so be sure to place it in a strategic spot.
19. Venus Fly Trap
This fascinating plant does equally well indoors and outdoors.
Keep it by a large window during colder weather and let it elevate your balcony during the spring and summer months.
20. Zebra Plants
Zebra plants are part of the Calathea family and have the same signature broad green leaves.
This variation has streaks of a lighter color, hence its name, which flourish in nice shady spots.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Which Houseplants are Toxic to Cats?
Examples of common houseplants that are toxic to cats include:
- Monstera
- Aloe Vera
- Lilies (all variations)
- Eucalyptus
- Philodendron
- Azaleas
- Ficus
- Caladium
- Hyacinths
- Daffodils
- Succulents (certain variations)
Is It Okay For Cats to Eat Houseplants?
Cats enjoy nibbling on plants sometimes and this is dangerous when the plant is toxic for cats. If your cat has eaten toxic houseplants it may present the following symptoms:
- Diarrhea
- Vomiting
- Allergic reactions
- Skin irritation especially around paws and mouth
How Do I Stop My Cat from Eating My Houseplants?
Although you cannot completely stop cats from eating houseplants, you can try to discourage the behavior with this simple hack. Spray a diluted mixture of lemon water on the plant – cats do not like citrusy flavors and so won’t enjoy eating the houseplant.
Summary
Having a cat doesn’t mean that you can’t have any houseplants. There are plenty of great plants that are non-toxic to cats and still look amazing.
There are even more pet-friendly plants beyond our top 20 list so don’t feel discouraged. Just remember to check whether it is on the list of toxic plants for cats and dogs before bringing home a new green baby.
With the many options available, it shouldn’t be difficult to find a cat-friendly houseplant.
