20 Beautiful, Non-Toxic Houseplants That Are Cat Friendly (2024)

Thinking about adding some greenery to your home, but live with a nosy, leaf-chewing cat? There are so many benefits to having houseplants—and to having pets—but to keep cats safe from their own curiosity, you need to choose a plant that’s specifically non-toxic to felines. The good news is that there are plenty of non-toxic houseplants safe for cats that are also beautiful and easy to maintain (even if you don't have the greenest of thumbs). Think: large green leaves, bright colorful flowers, and unique succulents.

Houseplants clean the air you breathe and boost overall well-being, while owning pets has a calming and anti-stress effect. Cats, though, are notoriously untrainable, so if you want to add some greenery to your home, you probably won’t be able to keep your cat from investigating. And since your pet’s safety is priority number one, it helps to know which houseplants are dangerous, and which ones experts say work well for a home with cats.

“Cats are very motivated when it comes to getting what they want,” says Melissa Rosen, D.V.M. at South Bellmore Veterinary Group in Bellmore, NY, noting their athleticism and acrobatic tendencies. “You should assume that anything in your house is fair game when you have animals, especially cats.” To keep your cat safe, anticipate their antics and keep toxic materials, including poisonous plants, out of the home.

Non-toxic houseplants that are safe for cats

Now that you know the importance of choosing the right houseplant for your feline friendly home, let’s take a look at some beautiful options that are safe for cats. While these options are all generally safe for most cats, Dr. Rosen explains that “the number one rule is to always be mindful that anything can be dangerous if you aren’t paying close enough attention.” Every cat is different, and the amount ingested as well as potential allergies all are important.

1. Spider plant

Spider plants are one of Dr. Rosen’s favorites to keep around in a cat-friendly household. “They are pretty, they do great hanging (good way to keep them away from *most* cats), and they grow pretty fast,” Dr. Rosen explains. “This way if anyone does decide to take a bite out of one, it’ll grow out more new leaves and baby plants quickly.”

Care instructions:

Spider plants grow best in light shade, and direct sunlight should be avoided to prevent scorched leaves. Plant yours in a loose soil with a neutral pH, and avoid overwatering. These plants also favor warmth and humidity, so it’s best to keep them at a temperature about fifty degrees and to mist the leaves regularly.

2. African violet

The African violet (saintpaulia), also known as the cape marigold, is a beautiful and common houseplant. This plant favors moderate temperatures and average humidity, and can also bloom in low light.

3. Paddy’s wig

Also known as baby’s tears, or Japanese moss, paddy’s wig (soleirolia soleirolii) is characterized by lots of tiny green leaves and are common additions to terrariums and hanging plant ensembles. This plant does well in indirect sunlight and prefers warmer temperatures.

4. Haworthia

Haworthia (haworthia species) also known as the zebra cactus, is a small succulent safe for cats. Note that not all succulents are cat friendly, so choose carefully. Haworthia does well in a pot indoors and is considered easy to grow. Like other succulents, haworthia does well in bright sunlight, so consider keeping yours on a window sill.

5. Calathea

The calathea (calathea spp), also known as a zebra plant, has a remarkably large, striped leaf pattern. Calathea do not favor lots of direct sun, so these are the perfect plant to stick in a shadier part of the house.

Care instructions:

Calathea can thrive in nearly any home so long as they are kept in a humid, shady environment. Keep your plant at a temperature of above seventy degrees and place in a humid environment, like a bathroom. Alternatively, you can keep a humidifier nearby. Calatheas also require lots of water, so water the plant about once per week, just be sure not to let the soil get dry.

6. Venus fly trap

It may come as a surprise, but a venus fly trap (dionaea muscipula) is a great addition to a cat-friendly home, as these plants only pose a threat to insects. This plant is a fun addition to any house and performs well in low-nutrient soil.

7. Gloxinia

Gloxinia (sinningia speciosa) is a beautiful plant that features large leaves and large flowers in bright shades of purple, pink, red, or blue. Gloxinia does well in indirect sunlight and is a perfect window sill plant for a slightly shadier area of the home.

Care instructions:

Be sure to keep gloxinia out of bright, direct sunlight. Soil must be kept moist and should be watered about twice per week (avoid hitting the leaves with the watering can to prevent brown spots).

8. Ponytail palm

The ponytail palm (beaucarnea recurvata) looks like a ponytail in the massive draping of leaves it produces. This plant requires minimal care, tolerating dry soil and not needing much fertilization.

9. Brazilian orchid

The brazilian orchid (sophronitis spp) is an elegant plant that does well in the home. This tall, colorful plant will make a wonderful addition to the home in a spot that receives partial sunlight and water once per week.

10. Canary date palm

The canary date palm (phoenix canariensis) is sure to provide a tropical feel to your home as it stands like a small palm tree. Keep this plant in full sunlight and it will do well indoors.

Care instructions:

The canary date palm favor lots of sunlight and not too much water. Place the plant in direct sunlight and water once per week. Also be sure to use a soil with good drainage, like a peat-based mix.

11. Banana plant

The banana plant, or the weeping fig (musa acuminata) is a dramatic plant with large, green leaves. These plants do well with lots of sunlight, so keep yours in front of a window.

12. Mexican snowball

The Mexican snowball (echeveria elegans) also known as chickens and hens, is another popular succulent safe for cats. This succulent has bluish-gray leaves that form a rose-like appearance. This unique looking houseplant is considered low-maintenance, but requires substantial amounts of sunlight.

13. Marigold

Marigolds, or mary-buds (calendula officinalis) are common and easy to care for flowers perfect for the home. They have a long blooming season and do well in full sun.

14. Friendship plant

The friendship plant (pilea involucrata) is another lively looking plant that does well in terrariums. While the plant is non-toxic to most pets, including cats, keeping them in a terrarium is a sure way to keep your pet away.

15. Green ripple peperomia

The green ripple peperomia, or peperomia ginny (peperomia caperata) is a popular houseplant, and plays well with pets. These are low-maintenance in terms of watering and are commonly used for hanging plants, to help keep your cat away.

Care instructions:

The green ripple peperomia is low maintenance, slow-growing, and can be planted year round. This plant needs medium to bright light, and direct sun should be avoided as it can burn the leaves. Choose a loose, acidic soil and do not water frequently: allow the surface of the soil to dry out between waterings.

16. Caeroba

The caeroba (calathea insignis) or rattlesnake plant, has beautiful leaves with a distinct spotted pattern and shape. They require little water and light, and will provide a funky feel to any room.

17. Money tree

The money tree (pachira aquatica) does extremely well indoors. These tiny trees grow quickly, and do well in full or partial sunlight with moist soil.

18. Mosaic plant

The mosaic plant (bertolonia mosaica), commonly referred to as the jewel plant or nerve plant, is a beautiful plant that does well in a pot. The plant is characterized by deep green, veined leaves. This houseplant can be a little tricky to grow, so it might be best left to those with a well-trained green thumb, or those looking for a challenge.

Care instructions:

This temperamental plant requires conditions to be just right for growth. Mosaic plants require a peaty soil mix, high humidity, and diffused sunlight. Water this plant frequently to prevent it from drying out and avoid direct sunlight. Keep your plant at a temperature around seventy degrees.

19. Polka dot plant

The polka dot plant (hypoestes phyllostachya), also known as the pink splash plant or flamingo plant, is characterized by green leaves with light pink spots. This eye-catching plant is best planted in the spring and is suitable for indoor growing.

20. Bird’s nest fern

The bird’s nest fern (asplenium nidus) is a beautiful, green plant characterized by large, spoon-shaped leaves. This plant is native to rainforests, but is suitable to be grown indoors year round. These plants are best kept in a more humid location, such as a bathroom, but require partial light as well.

Common houseplants that are toxic to cats

There are lots of beautiful house plants people commonly bring into their homes without knowing the potential dangers to their cats. These toxic plants can have effects ranging from mild stomach upset to organ failure and even death. Below are just a few houseplants that should be avoided, according to Dr. Rosen.

• Lilies: Rosen notes that lilies are one of these plants and that they are “extremely toxic” to cats. Acute kidney failure and rapid death can follow the ingestion of the plant. “Lilies are usually the number one plant that I worry about people bringing into their homes. Any part of the plant is toxic, and even just a lick of pollen is enough to do harm to our feline friends,” Rosen explains.
• Snake plants: Rosen explains that snake plants are “more mildly toxic and result in local irritation to the mouth and sometimes to the stomach,” but should be avoided nonetheless.
• Monsteras: Monsteras are another very common houseplant that should be avoided if you own a cat. Like snake plants, monsteras are considered a more mildly toxic plant, but should be avoided because effects can still be harmful and uncomfortable for cats.

Why are certain house plants toxic to cats and not other animals?

You might be wondering why some house plants need to be kept far away from cats and not your dog, or yourself for that matter. “Whether or not a plant (or really anything) is toxic to us depends on how it interacts with our bodies, and how it is metabolized,” explains Dr. Rosen. Bodies of different organisms all metabolize materials in a different way. “There are foods like onions and garlic that humans can eat that are dangerous to cats and dogs because of how those compounds are broken down after ingestion. The same goes for items that are deadly to cats, but okay for dogs,” Dr. Rosen adds. “A dog is not a small human. A cat is not a small dog. It is important to remember that we are all a little bit different.”

What to do if you suspect your cat consumed something toxic

Signs your cat may have gotten into something they weren’t supposed to, like a toxic houseplant, can include mild signs such as “drooling, oral pain and/or lesions, not wanting to eat, vomiting, and diarrhea,” says Dr. Rosen. “With plants that cause neurological problems, you might see your cat appear ‘drunk,’ or unable to stand or walk.” You might also notice tremors or muscle twitching, she explains. “In more severe cases of toxicity (or with more dangerous plants), cats can become neurologically depressed, unable to breathe, and can experience organ failure rather quickly,” Rosen says.

Any time you’re concerned about possible exposure to something toxic, Dr. Rosen recommends contacting the ASPCA Poison Control Hotline immediately. “They have the most up to date information on toxicities and treatments for our pets, and will work with your family veterinarian to get a plan together as quickly as possible to treat your cat or dog,” Dr. Rosen says. In situations regarding the health of your pet, where every moment counts, contacting the right authority while you head to your veterinarian or clinic helps facilitate a quick, proactive response and avoid delayed treatment.