Inviting plants into the home has many benefits, including aesthetics and air quality. However, it’s essential to know which plants are toxic for feline consumption before bringing them into a cat-friendly home.
So here are eleven beautiful houseplants safe for cats with pictures included.
1. Air Plants
Air Plants or Tillandsia live purely on sunlight and the occasional spritzing of water. There is no mess to clean up when pets get curious because there is no soil for them to spill. Air Plants can be grown in almost any container and will thrive as long as they receive water once a week.
2. African Violet
If you like a plant with a splash of color, the African Violet is a beautiful and safe choice for your cats. In addition, this plant is very low-maintenance and prefers lower light conditions.
Finally, African Violet grows in various colors, including white, pink, blue, and purple blossoms, so you can still give your house some splashes of color without endangering your fluffy friend’s life.
3. Moth Orchids
Moth Orchids are much easier to maintain than classic orchids but are still labeled pet-safe. Orchids are gorgeous, with petals that span almost any color imaginable.
Orchids aren’t as commonly chosen for houseplants because of the difficulties of maintaining them. However, the moth orchid is much easier and more likely to thrive.
4. Spider Plants
If you’re looking for a plant that is almost impossible to kill and that won’t negatively impact your cats, spider plants are the way to go!
Not only are they safe if your cat decides to sneak a bite, but the spider plants also consistently produce tiny self-sustaining sprouts for easy propagation and replanting.
5. Boston Fern
If you need a house plant that proliferates with minimal care, the Boston Fern is a popular choice for those with limited patience and the tendency to forget about their plants for a few days.
Boston Ferns thrive in an environment that is both humid and has indirect sunlight. A bathroom, for example, would be an ideal home for this plant. In addition, Boston Ferns are surprisingly resilient and grow very thick, aesthetically pleasing fronds.
6. Parlor Palm
Though palms are typically not recommended for pets, the parlor palm is a safe alternative to retain that aesthetic in your home. In addition, parlor palm thrives in lower light conditions.
The palm grows tall and elegantly ties a room together. And with proper care, their height can reach eight to nine feet tall.
7. Banana Palm
Like parlor palm, the banana palm is a safe alternative plant for your feline fur babies. The banana palm grows very large and can quickly overtake a room with its impressive size.
Banana palms may not be the best choice for apartment residents or those with space constrictions, but it is gorgeous if it is well-maintained and has enough room for their giant, shining leaves to spread and grow.
8. Haworthia Succulents
There has been a lot of craze around aloe plants lately, but aloe vera is one of many toxic household plants for cats. Fortunately, Haworthia succulents have a similar look to aloe plants.
Not only are these succulents pet safe, but they are so low maintenance that they only require a spritz of water once a week and lots of sunshine.
9. Chinese Money Plant
The Chinese Money tree plant is a staple in many homes across the world. Along with the elegant look of this plant, it is pet-safe and low maintenance.
For proper care, the Chinese Money plant thrives in indirect sunlight.
10. Ponytail Palm
Unlike the other palms listed, ponytail palms are succulents. Since they thrive in dry soil, as long as you leave them outside for the summer, this succulent can survive even the dimmest light conditions during the winter.
They require the lowest maintenance out of all the plants on this list and are cat-safe. In addition, they only need fertilizer two to three times per year.
11. Cat Palm
Cat Palms (chamaedorea cataractarum), also known as Cataract Palms, are trendy houseplants and can be found in many people’s homes. You may assume that because of the plant’s name, it is suitable for cat owners!
But is this true? Is Cat Palm safe for cats? Spoiler alert; yes, they are safe for cats.
NOTE: We sourced this list of house plants safe for cats from the ASPCA. If you don’t see a plant you’re interested in, go there to verify it is non-toxic.
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Davin is a jack-of-all-trades but has professional training and experience in various home and garden subjects. He leans on other experts when needed and edits and fact-checks all articles.