20 House Plants Safe for Cats

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Plants are a wonderful way to add beauty and freshness to your home, but for cat parents - choosing the right plants is essential! Many greenery varieties can be harmful to curious felines. Enhance your home and add enrichment to your cat’s life with a worry free indoor garden using one or more of these 20 vet-approved cat-safe plants!

A gray kitten sniffing an Areca Palm

1. Areca Palm (Dypsis Lutescens)

The Areca Palm is a lush and large plant that can add a tropical vibe to any room. Its graceful, arching fronds are beautiful and non-toxic to cats, making it a perfect choice for pet owners who want to curate the vibe of a tropical retreat.

Care Instructions for an Areca Palm

  • Water: Keep the soil moist but not waterlogged–the top inch of soil should feel dry.
  • Light: Prefers bright, indirect light but can tolerate lower light conditions.
  • Soil: Use a well-draining potting mix, ideally formulated for palms or houseplants.
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2. Boston Fern (Nephrolepis exaltata)

The Boston Fern is a classic houseplant known for its lush, thick, arching fronds. It's safe for cats and helps to purify the air, making it both a practical and aesthetic addition to your home!

Care Instructions for a Boston Fern

  • Water: Keep the soil evenly moist, but avoid letting the plant sit in water. Mist regularly to maintain humidity.
  • Light: Prefers bright, indirect light but can tolerate some direct sunlight.
  • Soil: Use a rich, well-draining potting mix.
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3. Spider Plant (Chlorophytum Comosum)

The Spider Plant is a hardy (ie– “hard to kill”), easy-to-care-for plant that produces charming arching leaves and tiny baby “spiderettes” that are easy to propagate. Known for its air-purifying qualities, it's safe for cats, but also works as a hallucinogenic for them, so be aware– they might just get addicted!

Care Instructions for Spider Plants

  • Water: Water thoroughly but allow the soil to dry out slightly between waterings.
  • Light: Thrives in bright, indirect light but can adapt to lower light levels.
  • Soil: Use a well-draining potting mix.
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Cat on a wall hammock with a Parlor Palm plant
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4. Parlor Palm (Chamaedorea Elegans)

The Parlor Palm is a popular indoor plant due to its elegant, fronded leaves and compact, but large size. It's non-toxic to cats, making it a safe choice for pet-friendly homes.

Care Instructions for Parlor Palms

  • Water: Keep the soil evenly moist, but not soggy. Allow the top inch of soil to dry out between waterings.
  • Light: Prefers bright, indirect light but can tolerate low light conditions.
  • Soil: Use a well-draining potting mix.
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5. Calathea (Calathea spp.)

Calathea plants are known for their strikingly patterned leaves, which come in various shapes and colors. In fact, you may have heard of the most popular variety called the peacock plant. These plants are non-toxic to cats and can add a bold touch to your home decor.

Care Instructions for Calathea

  • Water: Keep the soil consistently moist but not soggy.
  • Light: Prefers medium to bright indirect light. Avoid direct sunlight, which can scorch the leaves.
  • Soil: Use a well-draining potting mix that retains moisture.
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5 Small House Plants Safe for Cats

Two small Baby's Tears plants in metal pots

6. Baby Tears (Soleirolia Soleirolii)

Baby Tears is a fast-growing plant with small, delicate leaves that form a dense, lush mat. It's non-toxic to cats and perfect for adding a soft, green touch to small spaces.

Care Instructions for Baby Tears

  • Water: Keep the soil consistently moist but not water-logged.
  • Light: Prefers bright, indirect light but can tolerate lower light conditions.
  • Soil: Use a well-draining potting mix that retains moisture.
Cat with a potted Peperomia plant

7. Peperomia (Peperomia)

Peperomia plants are low-maintenance and come in a multitude of leaf shapes and colors. Also known as the “watermelon plant”, the most common varieties have streaks of neon green, similar to a ripe watermelon. They're safe for cats and great for adding a bit of fun to small spaces!

Care Instructions for Peperomia

  • Water: Allow the soil to dry out between waterings. Water sparingly to avoid root rot.
  • Light: Thrives in medium to bright indirect light but can adapt to lower light conditions.
  • Soil: Use a well-draining potting mix.
A gray kitten sniffing an African Violet plant

8. African Violet (Saintpaulia)

African Violets are small, flowering plants known for their beautiful blooms in various colors, including purple, pink, and lavender. They're non-toxic to cats and ideal for brightening up windowsills!

Care Instructions for African Violets

  • Water: Water from the bottom to avoid getting the leaves wet. Keep the soil consistently moist but not soggy.
  • Light: Prefers bright, indirect light. Avoid direct sunlight, which can burn the leaves.
  • Soil: Use a well-draining potting mix specifically formulated for African Violets.
An orange cat with a terrarium featuring a Haworthia plant

9. Haworthia (Haworthia)

Haworthia plants are small, succulent-like plants with striking, spiky leaves. Commonly mistaken for aloe plants, the distinct difference between the two is the Haworthia’s flowers. They're safe for cats and perfect for adding intrigue to small, sunny spots in your home.

Care Instructions for Haworthia

  • Water: Water sparingly, allowing the soil to dry out completely between waterings.
  • Light: Prefers bright, indirect light but can tolerate some direct sunlight.
  • Soil: Use a well-draining cactus or succulent potting mix.
Closeup of a Polka Dot Plant

10. Polka Dot Plant (Hypoestes phyllostachya)

Polka Dot Plants are small, colorful plants with strikingly spotted leaves. They’re typically green with “pink spots”, but these “spots” often come together and form large patches of color. They're non-toxic to cats and great for adding color to small indoor spaces.

Care Instructions for Polka Dot Plants

  • Water: Keep the soil consistently moist but not soggy. Water regularly to prevent the soil from drying out.
  • Light: Prefers bright, indirect light. Direct sunlight can cause the colors to fade.
  • Soil: Use a well-draining potting mix.

5 Cat-Friendly Hanging Plants

A hanging String of Pearls plant in a terra cotta pot

11. String of Pearls (Senecio Rowleyanus)

String of Pearls is a unique, trailing succulent with bead-like leaves, originating from South Africa. This houseplant is easy-to-care-for, safe for cats, and looks stunning in hanging planters.

Care Instructions for Strings of Pearls

  • Water: Water sparingly, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings.
  • Light: Prefers bright, indirect light but can tolerate some direct sunlight.
  • Soil: Use a well-draining succulent or cactus potting mix.
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Swedish Ivy leaves

12. Swedish Ivy (Plectranthus Verticillatus)

Swedish Ivy, also known as “creeping charlie”, is a fast-growing, trailing plant with glossy green leaves. One of the easiest to grow and maintain houseplants, it’s non-toxic to cats and perfect for hanging baskets.

Care Instructions for Swedish Ivy

  • Water: Keep the soil consistently moist but not water-logged.
  • Light: Prefers bright, indirect light but can tolerate lower light levels.
  • Soil: Use a well-draining potting mix.
A potted lipstick plant on a table

13. Lipstick Plant (Aeschynanthus radicans)

Lipstick Plants (or “basket vines”) are almost alien-looking, with vibrant red flowers that top glossy leaves that cascade beautifully from hanging baskets. If you’re looking for a statement plant, Lipstick Plants are safe for cats and add a pop of pizazz.

Care Instructions for Lipstick Plants

  • Water: Water regularly, allowing the top inch of soil to dry out between waterings.
  • Light: Prefers bright, indirect light. Avoid direct sunlight.
  • Soil: Use a well-draining potting mix.
A potted and hanging Burrow's Tail plant

14. Burro's Tail (Sedum Morganianum)

Burro's Tail is a succulent with long, trailing stems covered in plump, blue-green leaves. Native to southern Mexico, this plant can grow stems up to two feet long! This plant is safe for cats and looks fantastic in hanging baskets (just be aware–they grow fast!).

Care Instructions for Burro’s Tail

  • Water: Water sparingly, allowing the soil to dry out completely between waterings.
  • Light: Prefers bright, indirect light but can tolerate some direct sunlight.
  • Soil: Use a well-draining succulent or cactus potting mix.
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A maidenhair fern, close up

15. Maidenhair Fern (Adiantum Raddianum)

Maidenhair Ferns have delicate, lacy fronds, and are an extremely popular plant for hanging baskets because of their size and stipes. While they may have a reputation for being fickle, they thrive with proper care and humidity. They’re non-toxic to cats and add elegance to any space.

Care Instructions for Maidenhair Ferns

  • Water: Keep the soil consistently moist, and mist the leaves regularly to maintain humidity.
  • Light: Prefers bright, indirect light. Avoid direct sunlight!
  • Soil: Use a rich, well-draining potting mix.

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5 Cat-Friendly Plants with Flowers

A flowering Christmas Cactus

16. Christmas Cactus (Schlumbergera)

The Christmas Cactus is a festive plant that produces vibrant red, pink, or white flowers during the holiday season. But that’s not why this plant is nicknamed the “Christmas Cactus”-- this plant prefers colder temperatures compared to other cacti! It’s non-toxic to cats and makes a great gift around the holidays.

Care Instructions for Christmas Cacti

  • Water: Water thoroughly when the top inch of soil feels dry. Reduce watering after blooming.
  • Light: Prefers bright, indirect light.
  • Soil: Use a well-draining, cactus or succulent potting mix.

17. Orchids (Orchidaceae)

Orchids are elegant, flowering plants with a wide range of colors and patterns– there are over 25,000 varieties! Found everywhere on earth except for glaciers, Orchids have a reputation for being hard to maintain, but that’s not the case! In fact, these plants are one of the oldest species still on earth. They are safe for cats and add a touch of sophistication to your home decor.

Care Instructions for Orchids

  • Water: Water once a week, allowing excess water to drain completely.
  • Light: Prefers bright, indirect light.
  • Soil: Use a specialized orchid potting mix that allows for good drainage and aeration.

** We recommend looking up additional care instructions specifically for the variety of orchids you bring into your home.

A wall-mounted cat condo with a Guzmania Bromeliad plant in a planter pot.
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18. Bromeliad (Bromeliaceae)

Bromeliads are striking plants with long-lasting, colorful blooms. Native to the tropical parts of the Americas, these plants love humidity, making them perfect for inside (or even outside if your climate allows it!). With a mix of bright colors and cool greens, these non-toxic plants add a tropical vibe to your living space.

Care Instructions for Bromeliads

  • Water: Water the central cup of the plant and keep it filled with water. Mist regularly.
  • Light: Prefers bright, indirect light.
  • Soil: Use a well-draining, light potting mix or orchid bark.
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potted prayer plant

19. Maranta (Prayer Plant)

Named forBartolomeo Maranta, an Italian physician and botanist of the sixteenth century, the Prayer Plant is known for its beautiful, patterned leaves and small, white flowers. It's non-toxic to cats and folds its leaves at night, giving it a unique, dynamic presence.

Care Instructions for Prayer Plants

  • Water: Keep the soil consistently moist but not soggy. Water less in winter.
  • Light: Prefers bright, indirect light.
  • Soil: Use a well-draining, peat-based potting mix.
Potted spiderwort plant

20. Spiderwort (Tradescantia Zebrina)

This pretty plant with a scary name, Spiderwort is known for its striking purple and green striped leaves and small, three-petaled flowers. There are over 85 varieties of Spiderwort, but most prefer a drier climate. It's a cat-safe plant that adds a vibrant touch to any home.

Care Instructions for Spiderwort

  • Water: Keep the soil evenly moist. Water when the top inch of soil feels dry.
  • Light: Prefers bright, indirect light.
  • Soil: Use a well-draining potting mix.

Weaving Cat-Friendly Plants into Your Home Decor

Incorporating cat-safe plants into your home decor doesn't just brighten up your space; it also creates an enriching environment for your feline friends! Combining greenery with cat furniture can transform any room into a cat haven–especially if you incorporate plants like catnip and cat grass! Below are some products we recommend to turn your home into your personal indoor “jungle”.

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  • Planter Cat Shelf: This sleek, wall-mounted shelf features built-in planters, allowing you to elevate your decor and your cat's climbing adventures. It's perfect for small spaces with limited square footage and can hold even the chunkiest cat.
  • Planter Cat Hammock: Combining kitty comfort and greenery, this hammock provides a cozy lounging spot for your cat and a unique home for your cat-safe plants.
  • Deluxe Cat Cubby Bed: This chic cubby bed gives the option of incorporating a planter, offering a cozy hideaway for your cat that doubles as a decorative spot for your favorite cat-safe plants. It's ideal for providing your cat a sense of security while adding a touch of nature and greenery to your decor.
  • The Gardens Cat Condo: A multi-level cat condo that incorporates planters at various heights, this piece offers plenty of climbing and lounging opportunities for your cat. It's a functional and beautiful way to merge your love for plants with your cat's need for an engaging and enriching environment.

Not sure if your cat likes being around plants? The Cat Feeder Planter is a great way to ease them into being around plants–especially if you plant cat grass or catnip! Placing a food source near your chosen plant allows them to create a positive association between food/feedings and your houseplant. Check out our blog on designing your cat walls for more tips to elevate your decor while enhancing your kitty’s enrichment opportunities.

Cat-Friendly Indoor Plants Common FAQs

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When decorating your home with greenery, it’s essential to consider the safety of your furry friends. Cat-friendly plants are our “go-to”, but sometimes we’re given the gift of an “unfriendly” cat plant, or curiosity gets the best of your kitty and you’re unsure what they’ve gotten into. Below are some top tips for keeping your cat (and plants!) safe and healthy.

What are the symptoms of toxic plant ingestion in cats?

While we hope this never happens to your feline companion, it’s important to recognize the signs of distress if your cat ingests something potentially toxic. If a cat ingests a toxic plant, you might notice symptoms such as vomiting, drooling, difficulty breathing, or seizures. Other signs include loss of appetite, lethargy, and oral irritation. It's crucial to be familiar with these symptoms and know when to get your cat to the vet if they show any signs of distress

What to do if your cat ingests a toxic plant?

If you suspect your cat has ingested a toxic plant, contact your veterinarian or go to an emergency vet immediately. If possible, provide the vet with information about the potentially ingested plant, and any symptoms your cat is displaying. While waiting for professional help, try to prevent your cat from eating anything else, and remove any remaining plant debris from their mouth.

How to arrange indoor plants so they don’t get knocked by cats?

To prevent your cats from knocking over your indoor plants, place them in sturdy, heavy pots that are difficult to tip over. You can also use plant stands or shelves that are out of reach–hanging planters are another great option to keep plants safe from curious paws! For the most curious of cats, consider using wall-mounted planters that integrate seamlessly into your home decor and are less accessible to your cats.

If all else fails, attaching museum putty to the bottom of your plants should help prevent them from falling over from any cat antics!

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