15 Gorgeous Green Picks That Won’t Harm Your Feline Friend
Love houseplants but worry about your cat nibbling on something toxic? You’re not alone.
Many common indoor plants—like lilies, pothos, and philodendrons—are dangerous for cats if ingested. But don’t worry—you can still have a beautiful, pet-friendly indoor jungle!
Here’s a list of 15 safe indoor plants for homes with cats, backed by the ASPCA and cat-parent approved.
Why Cat-Safe Plants Matter
Cats love to explore with their mouths—and that includes chewing on leaves. Even a small bite of a toxic plant can cause:
- Vomiting
- Drooling
- Seizures
- Kidney failure (in extreme cases)
Always double-check a plant’s toxicity before bringing it home. Here, we’ve done the homework for you!
15 Cat-Safe Indoor Plants
- Spider Plant (Chlorophytum comosum)
- Pet-safe: ✅
- Light needs: Bright, indirect
- Why it’s great: Air-purifying and easy to grow
Spider plants are non-toxic, hardy, and often spark a cat’s interest due to their long, dangling leaves.
- Areca Palm (Dypsis lutescens)
- Pet-safe: ✅
- Light needs: Bright, filtered light
- Why it’s great: Tropical vibes without the danger
Also called butterfly palm, this is one of the few palms safe for cats.
- Calathea (All varieties)
- Pet-safe: ✅
- Light needs: Low to medium light
- Why it’s great: Gorgeous patterned leaves and non-toxic
Calatheas bring drama and flair to your space—while keeping your cat safe.
- Ponytail Palm (Beaucarnea Recurvata)
- Pet-safe: ✅
- Light needs: Bright light
- Why it’s great: Fun, Dr. Seuss-like appearance
Despite the name, this isn’t a true palm—and it’s totally cat-safe.
- Bamboo Palm (Chamaedorea Seifrizii)
- Pet-safe: ✅
- Light needs: Medium to low light
- Why it’s great: Pet-safe and air-purifying
An elegant palm with tall, arching leaves cats love to swat at (safely).
- Prayer Plant (Maranta Leuconeura)
- Pet-safe: ✅
- Light needs: Low to moderate light
- Why it’s great: Leaves fold at night like “praying hands”
A conversation starter that’s also cat-friendly.
- Peperomia (All varieties)
- Pet-safe: ✅
- Light needs: Medium to bright indirect
- Why it’s great: Compact, colorful, easy-care
Perfect for shelves and small spaces.
- Polka Dot Plant (Hypoestes phyllostachya)
- Pet-safe: ✅
- Light needs: Bright, indirect
- Why it’s great: Pretty pink-speckled leaves
Adds playful color to your collection.
- Baby Rubber Plant (Peperomia obtusifolia)
- Pet-safe: ✅
- Light needs: Medium light
- Why it’s great: Glossy leaves, low-maintenance
Unlike the real rubber plant (which is toxic), this one is safe!
- Boston Fern (Nephrolepis exaltata)
- Pet-safe: ✅
- Light needs: Indirect light, high humidity
- Why it’s great: Lush, feathery texture
Cats may chew on it—but no harm done.
- African Violet (Saintpaulia)
- Pet-safe: ✅
- Light needs: Low to medium light
- Why it’s great: Safe blooms for cat-loving plant parents
Pretty flowers without the worry.
- Rattlesnake Plant (Calathea lancifolia)
- Pet-safe: ✅
- Light needs: Low to medium
- Why it’s great: Long, wavy patterned leaves
A bold, safe option for low-light rooms.
- Cast Iron Plant (Aspidistra elatior)
- Pet-safe: ✅
- Light needs: Low light
- Why it’s great: Nearly indestructible
Perfect for busy cat parents or low-light corners.
- Haworthia (Succulent)
- Pet-safe: ✅
- Light needs: Bright light
- Why it’s great: Compact, hardy, and safe
Most succulents are toxic—but haworthia is a safe exception.
- Moth Orchid (Phalaenopsis Orchid)
- Pet-safe: ✅
- Light needs: Indirect light
- Why it’s great: Safe AND stunning flowers
Surprise! Some orchids are totally fine for feline-filled homes.
Plants to Avoid in Homes with Cats
While the list above is safe, always avoid these toxic plants:
- Lilies (highly toxic)
- Pothos
- Sago Palm
- Dieffenbachia
- Aloe Vera
- Peace Lily
- Snake Plant
Even a small nibble can be dangerous. If your cat ingests something suspicious, call the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (888-426-4435) immediately.
Pro Tips for Cat-Friendly Plant Life
- Use hanging planters or high shelves to reduce temptation
- Provide cat grass to satisfy nibbling urges safely
- Mist plants regularly to deter chewing
- Use bitter-tasting sprays on leaves (check safety)
Final Thoughts: Yes, You CAN Have Plants and Cats!
Recommended Products for Cat-Safe Homes
- SmartyKat Cat Grass Planter
- Lifegard Hanging Plant Shelves (Amazon)
- Nature’s Miracle Pet-Safe Bitter Spray
