Cat-Safe Houseplants: 20 Non-Toxic Plants for Cat Homes

By Tailwisp Editorial TeamUpdated October 20, 20264 min read

A home with a cat and a home with plants can absolutely be the same home. The trick is choosing species that will not hurt your cat when the inevitable nibble happens, then giving your cat better things to chew. This guide covers plants that major animal poison resources list as non-toxic to cats, and how to set them up so both plants and cats thrive.

What "cat-safe" really means

A plant listed as non-toxic does not contain a poison known to harm cats. That is not the same as being a good snack. Fiber-rich leaves can make a cat vomit, especially if the cat eats a lot at once. If your cat repeatedly vomits after chewing plants, reduce access and mention it to your vet.

Names also cause trouble. "Palm", "lily" and "fern" each describe both safe and dangerous plants. A parlor palm is safe, while a sago palm is deadly. A Boston fern is safe, while an asparagus fern is not. Always match the botanical name on the plant tag to a reliable list before you buy.

20 houseplants that are generally safe for cats

Easy classics

1. Spider plant (Chlorophytum comosum). Tough, arching leaves that cats love to bat. Heavy nibbling can still cause mild stomach upset.
2. Boston fern (Nephrolepis exaltata). A lush hanging or shelf plant that tolerates humidity and low light.
3. Parlor palm (Chamaedorea elegans). A slow, compact palm for low light.
4. Areca palm (Dypsis lutescens). A taller feathery palm for bright rooms.
5. Ponytail palm (Beaucarnea recurvata). Not a true palm, with a swollen trunk that stores water.
6. African violet (Saintpaulia). Small, flowering and safe, ideal for a bright windowsill.

Foliage with pattern

7. Calathea. Boldly patterned leaves, though they like humidity.
8. Prayer plant (Maranta). Leaves fold up at night, which cats find fascinating.
9. Peperomia. Hundreds of varieties with thick, textured leaves.
10. Cast iron plant (Aspidistra elatior). Nearly indestructible in dim rooms.
11. Money tree (Pachira aquatica). A braided trunk and glossy leaves.
12. Bromeliad. Colorful and long-lasting, with a water cup in the center.

Succulents and cacti

13. Haworthia. Small, zebra-striped rosettes.
14. Echeveria. Pastel rosettes that need bright sun.
15. Hens and chicks (Sempervivum). Hardy and happy outdoors or indoors.
16. Christmas cactus (Schlumbergera). Flat, jointed stems with winter blooms.

Herbs and cat-friendly greens

17. Basil. Safe to nibble and useful in the kitchen.
18. Thyme and rosemary. Culinary herbs are generally safe, though concentrated essential oils are not.
19. Cat grass. Usually wheat, oat or barley grass, grown from seed in a few days.
20. Catnip and catmint. Many cats get playful or mellow within minutes, though some cats ignore it entirely.

Protecting your plants from your cat

Even safe plants do not love being dug up. These steps keep soil in the pot:

• Cover the soil. Smooth river stones, a mesh garden cloth or a layer of large pebbles discourages digging.
• Choose heavy pots. Ceramic planters are harder to tip than lightweight plastic.
• Go vertical. Hanging planters and high shelves reduce temptation, although cats can jump surprisingly high.
• Use cat-safe deterrents. A few citrus peels around the rim are often enough, but only on safe plants. Do not use essential oils, which are risky for cats.

Give your cat something better

Cats chew plants partly to get fiber and partly for stimulation. Offering alternatives often solves the problem faster than any barrier:

• A tray of fresh cat grass, replaced every one to two weeks
• A pot of catnip or catmint
• Puzzle feeders, climbing structures and a window perch for entertainment (see our guide to indoor cat enrichment)
• Regular play sessions to burn energy

Pesticides and fertilizers matter too

A plant can be safe and still carry a risk if it was treated with systemic insecticides or fertilizer granules. Ask the nursery whether the plant was treated, rinse leaves before bringing it home and keep fertilizer, pest sprays and slug bait stored away. Cats can also be harmed by the water in drip trays if it contains fertilizer.

Light and care basics for the safe plants

Safe plants still need the right conditions, and a struggling plant is more likely to be dug up or chewed. Spider plants, cast iron plants, parlor palms and Christmas cactus tolerate lower light and occasional neglect. Calatheas and prayer plants prefer humidity and indirect light, so a bright bathroom or a shelf away from heaters suits them. Echeveria, haworthia and hens and chicks need bright light and very little water, so a sunny window is ideal. Check the top inch of soil before watering, because overwatering is the most common reason houseplants fail. Wipe dusty leaves occasionally, which also removes any pollen or residue your cat may have left behind.

What to avoid

Before you shop, review our list of toxic houseplants for cats so you can recognize the common offenders, and read why lilies are so dangerous to cats. For a quick lookup, the free cat food and plant safety checker covers many common plants.

If your cat eats something you are not sure about, call a veterinarian or an animal poison helpline and bring the plant tag or a photo.