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Cat-Friendly Houseplants: Beautify Your Home Without Worry

Mar 33 min read

Houseplants can brighten up any home, but when you share your space with a cat, choosing the right greenery is important. Cats are curious and often nibble on leaves or play with dangling vines. Unfortunately, some plants can cause health issues for your feline friend.


The good news is that there are plenty of safe options that both you and your cat can enjoy.


Why Choose Cat-Safe Plants?


Cats love to investigate everything, including your plants. If a plant is toxic, even a small nibble can cause problems like upset stomach, drooling, or worse. Picking non-toxic plants lets you create a beautiful indoor garden without putting your cat at risk.



Cat-Safe Plants for Your Home


Here’s a list of plants that are safe for cats and easy to care for:


1. Spider Plant (Chlorophytum comosum)


With its long, arching green-and-white leaves, the spider plant is a great option. Cats often find it fun to chew or paw at, but luckily, it’s harmless. This plant is also hardy and doesn’t need much maintenance.


Cat peeking through green spider plant leaves, surrounded by camera lenses on a glass table. The cat looks curious and alert.
A Spider Plant

2. Areca Palm (Chrysalidocarpus or Dypsis lutescens)


Areca palms have soft, elegant leaves and add a tropical vibe to your space. They’re safe for cats and grow well in indirect sunlight.


Cat peeking through lush green tropical plant, sunlight filtering through leaves, creating a playful and curious mood.
The Areca or Golden Cane Plan

3. Boston Fern (Nephrolepis exaltata)


Boston ferns are a classic choice, with soft, feathery fronds that look great in any room. They do well in humid areas, like bathrooms, and won’t harm your cat if they take a nibble.

Cat with a red collar rests beside a lush green fern in a brown pot on a wooden floor, creating a serene and cozy indoor scene.
The Boston or Fishbone fern

4. Parlor Palm (Chamaedorea elegans)


This low-maintenance plant is perfect for areas with less light. Its gentle, flowing leaves are safe for your cat and add a touch of green to your home.


Tabby cat sniffing a potted green plant in a cozy room with a beige quilted bedspread. Warm, relaxed atmosphere.
Parlor palms are a popular choice. Put large decrotive pebbles in the pot to discourage cats from disrupting the soil.

5. Calathea


Known for its colorful, patterned leaves, calatheas are safe for cats and come in a variety of styles. They thrive in moderate light and bring a pop of personality to your space.


Green and white striped leaves with water droplets, forming a lush cluster. The vivid pattern stands out against a blurred, dark background.
An example of a Calathea plant.


6. Baby’s Tears (Soleirolia soleirolii)


This plant has tiny, bright green leaves that drape over pots or baskets, giving it a soft, cascading look. It’s completely safe for cats and makes a lovely addition to your collection.



Potted green plant in a white bowl on a circular white table against a plain light background, creating a serene and minimalistic vibe.
Baby's Tears are a safe plant for cats.


8. African Violet (Streptocarpus sect. Saintpaulia)


These small plants produce vibrant blooms in shades of purple, pink, or white and are safe for cats. They’re a good pick for smaller spaces like desks or shelves.



Gray kitten curiously sniffs vibrant purple flowers in a pot, set against a bright, soft-focus background, creating a serene mood.
A curious feline checking out an African Violet.

Tips for a Cat-Friendly Plant Setup


- Place Plants Wisely: To keep both plants and cats happy, consider putting plants on high shelves, in hanging planters, or other spots where your cat is less likely to reach.


- Offer a Distraction: Cat grass is a great addition to your home and gives your pet something safe to chew on.



An orange cat nibbles on grass in a green pot by a sunny window. A leafy plant in a red pot is nearby, creating a tranquil scene.
Offering grass to nibble on is a great way to distract cats away from house plants.


- Avoid Chemical Residue: Pesticides and fertilizers can be harmful to cats. Use pet-safe options or rinse plants thoroughly if treated.


- Observe New Plants: Even with safe plants, some cats may get a mild stomach upset if they eat too much.


Plants to Avoid


While there are many options that are safe, some plants should be avoided altogether. Toxic plants like Asiatic lilies can cause fatal issues for cats. Always check the safety of a plant before adding it to your home. To find out more, go to this blog post.



Pink lilies in a garden with a bold red prohibition symbol overlay, suggesting a no-lilies area or restriction. Vibrant and clear.
Asiatic lilies are deadly to cats even in tiny amounts

Finding other Cat-Friendly Houseplants:


If your favourite plants are not on the list above you can go to the following resources which provide more information:



By picking cat-friendly houseplants, you can enjoy the beauty of greenery without any worries about your curious companion. Your home will feel fresh, and your cat will stay safe—what’s better than that?

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