One way to breathe new life into the grey abyss of winter is to fill your home with greenery. However, adding plants to a household with curious cats can make for a potentially dangerous situation. Breathe easy with this list of 12 houseplants safe for cats.
A note of caution from Laria Herod, DVM
While these plants are indeed safe and a tiny nibble here and there should be harmless, ingesting plant material can cause an upset stomach even if it’s not poisonous. It is best to discourage plant nibbling or place the flowers in areas where it is less likely to be an issue.
Also, be aware that cats may try to use flower pots as a litter box if given the opportunity, so placement is everything. Furthermore, be sure to be informed about the gardening aids you use: Just because the plants are nontoxic to your feline family member doesn’t change that fact something like the wrong fertilizer could be a source of trouble. Now get growing!
African Violets
Additional common names: Cape Marigold | Scientific name: Saintpaulia spp. | Family: Gesneriaceae
succulent safe for cats. This plant is a gorgeous choice for those who want low-maintenance plants that thrive in warm weather with filtered light—as long as you keep the soil moist. Hardy baby tears can also be used to cover soil of other houseplants in which your pets might be fond of digging.
Boston Fern
Scientific name: Nephrolepis exalta bostoniensis | Family: Dryopteridaceae
deadly to cats. In fact, orchids are a perfectly safe houseplant for cats. Their colorful and fragrant flowers come in endless varieties because there are so many different species. Orchids often bloom long into winter when daylight is low. They’re a beautiful household-safe option.
Ponytail Palm
Additional common names: Elephant-Foot Tree, Pony Tail Plant, Bottle Palm | Scientific name: Beaucarnea recurvata | Family: Agavaceae
This popular hanging basket houseplant is a great option for beginners and can easily become a potted plant. As the final choice of our houseplants safe for cats, Swedish ivy does best in bright, indirect light.
Plants to grow for your cat's consumption
Since many cats enjoy nibbling on houseplants, it’s comforting to know you can provide greenery that is safe for them to ingest. A word of caution, though: many cats have delicate digestive systems, which are easily upset by too much of any plant. If you’re looking for plants that are safe for your cat, select from the following:
- Catnip: This plant is safe for your cat as long as it's not ingested in large quantities. Some cats like catnip, and some love it! It tends to provide a mild euphoria, followed by relaxation.
- Cat thyme or silver vine: Less well known than catnip, these plants have similar effects and will often produce results in cats who don’t typically respond to catnip.
- Valerian: This herb has been used for generations in people for its relaxing effects, but it has quite a different effect on cats. Valerian can be a great stimulant, particularly for overweight cats who don’t get enough activity.
- Oat, wheat, and barley grasses: Super quick and easy to grow, these tender greens can help settle your cat’s stomach and can help with alleviating problems associated with hairballs.
- Bean sprouts: Another quick-sprouting option for your feline are bean sprouts. These delicate little morsels are safe, and some cats adore them.
Reminder: Some houseplants can be deadly for cats
lilies are poisonous to cats, and we will again and again reiterate this fact. Avoid lily plants that belong to the Lilium genus (which includes Easter lilies, tiger lilies, and Asiatic lilies) and the Hemerocallis genus (which includes daylilies).
Other houseplants to avoid if you have cats:
- Foxglove
- Philodendron
- Azalea and Rhododendron
- Cyclamen
- Oleander
- Sago Palm
- Castor Bean
- Yew
- Amaryllis
- Chrysanthemum
- English Ivy
- Pothos
- Tulips and Narcissus/Daffodils/Jonquils
- Marijuana (rarely results in death)
This is an extremely shortened list of plants that fall into their respective categories. Visit ASPCA’s list of plants that are toxic and non-toxic to cats to learn more.
