Cat-Safe Houseplants — The Complete Guide
Living with cats and indoor plants doesn't have to mean a constant trip to the vet. Here are the houseplants that are genuinely safe — verified against ASPCA plant lists — plus the toxic ones to avoid even if they're trendy.
Why this list matters
Many "cat-friendly plant" lists online include plants that are actually toxic — and miss good options that are safe. We cross-reference every plant on this guide against the ASPCA Animal Poison Control database and the AAFP plant guidance. Where there's any disagreement between sources, we err on the side of caution.
Plants that are genuinely cat-safe
Spider plants (Chlorophytum comosum)
The classic. Non-toxic, fast-growing, tolerant of neglect. Cats often nibble them — the mild hallucinogenic compound (like a mild catnip-equivalent) is harmless in normal amounts but can cause mild GI upset if your cat eats a lot. Hang them up if you want to keep the leaves intact.
Boston ferns (Nephrolepis exaltata)
Most true ferns are cat-safe. Boston ferns, maidenhair, and bird's nest ferns are all fine. Watch out for "asparagus fern" — that's not a true fern and IS toxic.
African violets (Saintpaulia)
Compact, flowering, indoor-friendly, and totally non-toxic. Excellent windowsill choice for cat households.
Orchids (Phalaenopsis and most cultivated species)
Phalaenopsis (the grocery store orchid) and most other commonly cultivated orchids are non-toxic. Long-lasting flowers, low maintenance, popular for a reason.
Calathea / prayer plants
The whole Calathea family (and Maranta, the original "prayer plant") is non-toxic. Their leaves move with the daily light cycle, which is genuinely fun to watch.
Cat grass (oat, wheat, barley)
The actual best plant for a cat household. Cat grass is meant to be eaten — it's safe, helps with hairball passage, and gives cats something to chew that ISN'T your other plants. Grow a fresh tray every month or so.
Other genuinely safe plants
- Areca palm (Dypsis lutescens) — large, dramatic, non-toxic
- Parlor palm (Chamaedorea elegans) — small, indoor-friendly
- Bromeliads — most are non-toxic; check specific species
- Money tree (Pachira aquatica) — non-toxic, popular
- Polka dot plant (Hypoestes phyllostachya) — small, colorful
- Peperomia — many varieties, all non-toxic
Plants to avoid in a cat household
The trendy ones that are genuinely dangerous:
- All true lilies (Lilium) — kidney failure, fatal. Even pollen on fur is enough.
- Peace lilies — calcium oxalate, severe oral irritation.
- Pothos / devil's ivy — a top "easy houseplant" pick but moderately toxic to cats.
- Philodendron / monstera — the trendy ones. All toxic.
- Dieffenbachia — severe oral pain, swelling.
- Kalanchoe — succulent, contains cardiac glycosides.
- Aloe vera — yes, even aloe.
Setting up a cat-friendly indoor garden
A few practical tips:
- Always plant a tray of cat grass. If your cat has its own designated chewable, it'll mostly leave the others alone.
- Hang trailing plants out of reach. Spider plants and pothos lookalikes (Peperomia 'cupid') trail beautifully.
- Use macramé hangers or wall-mounted planters for anything with leaves cats might find tempting.
- Put cuttings and bouquets out of reach. The bigger risk than your established plants is the bouquet of grocery store flowers a friend brought over — these often contain lilies.
If your cat has eaten something
If you suspect your cat has eaten any plant, identify it if you can (a photo of the plant or a leaf is enough), then call your vet or the ASPCA Poison Control on (888) 426-4435, or Pet Poison Helpline on (855) 764-7661. Time matters with toxic plants — don't wait to see symptoms.
Last reviewed: · By the Cat Ate It editorial team