Ask a Paw

Houseplants breathe life into your home — but many popular varieties can be toxic to cats. As a pet-safe home decor expert and lifelong cat owner, I’ve curated a list of beautiful, low-maintenance plants that are completely safe for your feline friends.

Why Plant Safety Matters

Cats are curious by nature. Many will nibble on leaves or dig in the soil, which can lead to:

• Vomiting or diarrhea

• Neurological symptoms

• Even life-threatening poisoning

Knowing which plants are non-toxic helps create a safe, stylish, and stress-free environment.

Top 8 Cat-Safe Houseplants

1. Spider Plant (Chlorophytum comosum)

• Fun, arching leaves cats love to bat at

• Natural air purifier

• Thrives in indirect light

2. Areca Palm (Dypsis lutescens)

• Adds tropical flair without any risk

• Great for large spaces

• Requires bright, indirect light

3. Boston Fern (Nephrolepis exaltata)

• Soft texture, pet-safe

• Loves humidity — ideal for bathrooms

• Keep soil consistently moist

4. Calathea (Calathea spp.)

• Bold patterns and colors

• Totally non-toxic

• Prefers filtered light and humidity

5. Prayer Plant (Maranta leuconeura)

• Unique leaf movements throughout the day

• Safe for cats to sniff or nibble

• Needs moist soil and warm temperatures

6. Bamboo Palm (Chamaedorea elegans)

• Pet-safe and air-purifying

• Adds vertical greenery

• Requires moderate watering

7. Ponytail Palm (Beaucarnea recurvata)

• Actually a succulent, not a palm

• Hardy and drought-tolerant

• Completely safe for cats

8. African Violet (Saintpaulia)

• Adds pops of purple and pink

• Non-toxic and compact

• Prefers filtered sunlight

Pro Tips for a Cat-Friendly Plant Space

• Use hanging baskets or plant shelves to keep digging to a minimum

• Choose ceramic or heavy pots that can’t be tipped easily

• Cover soil with pebbles to deter digging

Plants to Avoid at All Costs

Steer clear of lilies, pothos, sago palm, peace lilies, and snake plants — all are toxic to cats.

Final Thoughts

Creating a lush indoor garden doesn’t mean compromising your cat’s safety. With the right selection, you can have a home that’s both beautiful and pet-friendly.