The best cat-safe houseplants for pet owners

Houseplants brighten up our homes and improve air quality, but as any cat owner knows, it’s essential to choose varieties that are safe for our curious feline friends. If you’re wondering what plants are not only safe but also easy to care for, here's your guide to some of the best cat-friendly indoor plants you can confidently bring into your home.

1. Spider Plant (Chlorophytum comosum)

Known an an air-purifying houseplants, the spider plant is a low maintenance favorite for pet owners. Its arching, grassy leaves may even resemble cat grass, making it doubly attractive to felines.

Growing around 50 cm tall and wide, Chlorophytum comosum can be planted in hanging baskets, keeping it further out of reach from your cats.

Care Tip: Place in indirect light and water when the topsoil feels dry. It’s resilient and grows in most indoor conditions.

2. Succulents (Sedum, Sempervivum)

Not all succulents are safe, but some varieties are cat-friendly plants that add a trendy, modern vibe to your space. They’re usually small, easy to care for, and bring a pop of green to any shelf or windowsill.

Ponytail palm (Beaucarnea recurvata)
Hens and chicks (Sempervivum)
Haworthia
Christmas cactus
Burro’s tail (Sedum morganianum)

Care tip: Succulents love bright light and dry conditions. Water sparingly, allowing the soil to dry out between watering sessions. These plants are perfect for cat-friendly indoor plants that require little care.

3. String of Hearts (Ceropegia woodii)

The String of Hearts, with its trailing, heart-shaped leaves, is a popular houseplant that’s both cat-safe and visually stunning. Its delicate, cascading vines look lovely in hanging pots or trailing off a shelf, adding charm to any space.

My favorite variety is the variegated one, which has more pink than green leaves.

Care tip: This plant loves bright, indirect light and prefers to dry out between waterings. It’s a semi-succulent, so water sparingly and let the soil dry out to prevent overwatering.

4. Boston Fern (Nephrolepis exaltata)

If you're wanting a tropical vibe in your apartment, this classic houseplant is the perfect choice. Plus, it's safe for cats and adds lush greenery to any room.

Care tip: To be honest, I've struggled to grow these ferns in the past. Keep them far away from your heater or radiator and mist the leaves regularly. Boston ferns prefer humidity, so maybe place them in the bathroom.

4. Areca Palm (Dypsis lutescens)

With feathery, arching fronds, the areca palm is a cat-safe alternative to more toxic palms. It grows tall, adding height and drama to a room.

Care tip: Areca palms love bright, indirect sunlight. Water when the top inch of soil is dry. Make sure the pot has good drainage to prevent root rot.

5. Calathea (Calathea spp.)

Calatheas are known for their stunning, patterned leaves in various colors. Some species even move in response to light. You probably won't be surprised to know that I really like the pink-leaved varieties.

Care tip: Calatheas thrive in low to medium light and need regular watering to keep the soil slightly moist. They prefer high humidity, so consider placing them in a humid spot or misting them.

6. Prayer Plant (Maranta leuconeura)

The prayer plant is famous for its leaf movements; the leaves fold up at night, resembling hands in prayer. Its vibrant, veined leaves are safe for cats. Personally, it's not one of my favorites, but I know many people who like to have them in their houseplant collections.

Care tip: Prayer plants love indirect light and high humidity. Keep the soil consistently moist, but avoid letting it sit in standing water.

7. African Violet (Saintpaulia)

African violets bring a pop of color with their purple, pink, or white blooms. They’re compact, pet-safe, and easy to care for.

Care tip: African violets prefer indirect light and require moderate watering. Allow the soil to dry out slightly between waterings. Avoid getting water on the leaves, as this can cause spots.

8. Baby’s Tears (Soleirolia soleirolii)

This lush, small-leaved plant creates a dense, cascading effect that’s ideal for hanging baskets or as a ground cover in larger pots. Its soft, trailing foliage is also safe for cats.

Care tip: Baby’s tears enjoy bright, indirect light and high humidity. Keep the soil consistently moist, and consider misting frequently if indoor air is dry.

9. Peperomia (Peperomia spp.)

Peperomias come in many varieties, from ripple and watermelon to red-edged and variegated forms. All are safe for cats, making them versatile and attractive indoor plants. My favorite variety is the Watermelon Peperomia, whose variegated leaves resemble the outside of a watermelon.

Care tip: Peperomias do well in low to medium light, but don't tolerate wet feet. Be sure to let the soil dry out between waterings.

10. Hoya (Hoya spp.)

Also known as the wax plant, hoyas produce lovely star-shaped flowers and thick, waxy leaves. They’re cat-safe and can live for years with the right care. One variety I really like is the Hoya Carnosa tricolor, which has pink, green, and white leaves.

Care tip: Hoyas prefer bright, indirect light. Allow the soil to dry out between waterings, as they’re somewhat drought-tolerant.

11. Herbs (Basil, Thyme, and Rosemary)

If you want something both edible and cat-safe, consider herbs like basil, thyme, and rosemary. These herbs are not only safe for your feline friend, but they're also a cheap way to add freshness and flavor to your dishes.

Care tip: Generally speaking, herbs prefer bright, direct light. Water when the topsoil dries out, but don’t let them sit in overly damp soil.

12. Cast Iron Plant (Aspidistra elatior)

Known for being nearly indestructible, the cast iron plant is an excellent choice for low-light, low-maintenance households with cats.

Care tip: This plant does well in low to medium light and tolerates infrequent watering. Let the soil dry out between waterings, and avoid direct sunlight.

Advice for Keeping Houseplants and Cats Safe

Even with non-toxic plants, it’s always a good idea to monitor your cat around your greenery, as too much nibbling can cause minor stomach upset. To discourage curious cats, consider these strategies:

Keep plants out of reach: Even with cat-friendly houseplants, consider elevated locations and hanging baskets to reduce the risk of your cat making a mess.
Keep an eye on the situation: Each cat is different. When introducing cat friendly plants to your home, start with one plant and see how your cat reacts. Check your plants regularly for damage from curious paws.
Offer alternative entertainment: Provide cats with their own plants, like cat grass, which gives your cat a safe plant to chew on and stay occupied.
Choose the right pots: If you have heavy plant pots, it's hopefully too hard for a cat to knock them over.

Adding any of these plants to your home can create a peaceful, green oasis that’s safe for your feline friends. With a bit of care, your indoor garden will flourish, enhancing your space and keeping everyone happy and healthy.

Conclusion - Creating a Safe Plant Environment

Creating a beautiful, green home and being a cat-owner is possible. With these cat-friendly houseplants, you can have both. Whether you choose hardy succulents or lush ferns, there are plenty of options for creating a safe environment for your feline friend. Remember to verify the safety of any new plant before bringing it into your cat-friendly home.