4 Houseplants that are Safe for Cats
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Let’s be honest—cats are curious creatures. They’ll nibble on leaves, swat at trailing vines, and sometimes treat your favorite plant shelf like a jungle gym. If you’re both a plant parent and a cat person, finding greenery that looks good and won’t harm your whiskered roommate can feel like a guessing game.
The good news is that you don’t have to sacrifice your indoor jungle goals. There are plenty of beautiful, non-toxic houseplants that are totally safe for cats (even the mischievous ones). Whether your cat ignores every plant in the house or can’t resist a good swat, here’s your guide to creating a cat-safe, plant-filled space.
What Makes a Plant “Cat-Safe”?
A cat-safe plant is considered non-toxic—meaning that if your feline friend decides to nibble, it won’t cause serious illness or harm. These plants are listed by the ASPCA as safe for cats, though it’s still smart to keep them out of direct paw-reach when you can. Even non-toxic plants can cause mild stomach upset if eaten in large quantities.
Got a particularly nosy kitty? Try hanging planters, shelves, or wall-mounted brackets to keep the peace.
Cat-Friendly Favorites (That Still Look Amazing)
🌱 Calathea (Prayer Plant Family)
If you’re looking for bold, patterned foliage, calatheas are your girl. With varieties like Calathea 'Lancifolia' (Rattlesnake Plant) and Calathea 'Orbifolia' , these plants bring serious personality to your space. They thrive in medium to bright indirect light and love humidity, making them a great choice for bathrooms or kitchens.
Bonus: they move! Their leaves shift slightly throughout the day in response to light—so yes, they’re dramatic and safe for your cat.
🌱 Spider Plant
An easy-care classic. Spider plants are great for beginners, forgiving of a missed watering, and quick to bounce back if your cat gets too curious. They send out adorable “pups” on long, trailing leaves—which can become tempting toys for your cat, so try placing them in a hanging planter or up on a shelf. Bright, indirect light is ideal, but they’ll tolerate low light too.
🌱 Peperomia
This diverse group of compact plants comes in all kinds of textures and patterns—from the watermelon-striped Peperomia ‘Argyreia’ to the adorable Peperomia ‘String of Turtles’ . Most stay small and manageable, making them great for desks, side tables, or shelves. They prefer moderate light and light watering, and many have thick, succulent-like leaves that store water (and bounce back from the occasional chew mark).
🌱 Hoya
Hoyas, aka wax plants, are a go-to favorite for anyone who loves trailing vines and low-effort plant care. Their thick, waxy leaves come in dozens of shapes and sizes—from the splashy leaves of Hoya ‘Pubicalyx’ to the adorable, heart-shaped Hoya ‘Kerrii’ . They prefer bright, indirect light and to dry out between waterings. Given time, they’ll reward you with clusters of star-shaped, fragrant flowers. And yes—they’re completely cat-safe.
⚠️ Plants to Avoid Around Cats
While we're all about celebrating the safe options, here are a few common houseplants that are a no for cat homes:
- Lilies (extremely toxic—even small amounts can be fatal)
- Pothos (sorry, classic trailing queen—too risky)
- Philodendrons (many contain calcium oxalate crystals, which can irritate the mouth and digestive tract)
- Peace Lily (beautiful, but not so peaceful for pets)
- Dieffenbachia (not safe for chewing)
Always double-check any new plant on the ASPCA's list of toxic and non-toxic plants before bringing it home.
Extra Tips for Peaceful Plant & Cat Coexistence
- Know your cat. If they’ve never touched your plants, you might be safe with floor-level options. But if they’re a serial nibbler, think about high shelves and macramé hangers instead.
- Offer distractions. Cat grass or catnip can redirect chewing urges to something safer.
- Use deterrents wisely. Citrus peels or pet-safe sprays can help discourage unwanted snacking—just test in a small spot first to make sure your plant doesn't mind.
- Rotate and refresh. If a plant is becoming a target, swap its spot or rotate it out for a less tempting one.
Ready to grow your cat-safe collection?
