Are you looking to add some more greenery to your home but are worried about how it will affect your cat? Our pets are a part of the family and you don't want to put their health at risk by bringing a toxic plant into their home. Luckily, there are non-toxic plants out there so you can brighten up a room while keeping your furry friend safe.
We've researched the best cat-safe indoor plants and chose the Cat Palm Plant by United Nursery as our favorite as it arrives in good condition and is beautifully green. We’ve also put together a top 10 list for you to consider and created a handy buying guide, which was reviewed by a veterinary technician, to help you make your choice!
Quick List - Top Cat-Safe Indoor Plants
Cheyenne Williams is a Certified Veterinary Assistant, currently enrolled in college for veterinary technology, working in vet hospitals since she was 16. She is also the owner of Shiney Day Specialized Pet Care in Sarasota, Florida, founded in 2015. Cheyenne has worked with professionals from pet sitters and groomers to veterinary specialists in a hospital setting.
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Some cats simply love plants. They love the taste, they love the texture, and they love the way plants can move around when played with. Sometimes, cats are bored and simply want to interact with something.
It doesn’t matter where you put your plant, if a cat wants to chew it, there’s no shelf too high or forbidden door that will keep them away. Don’t think that you can just put a plant out of reach and it will be fine - if your cat is determined enough, they will find it! This is why it’s important to ensure that every plant in your home is cat-safe.
A cat's natural predatory instincts can also be a factor in why they nibble on plants. In the wild, cats would eat their prey whole, including any plants that were caught up in the meal. Domestic cats may not be able to hunt for their food, but they still have those same instincts. When they see a plant, their instinct is to pounce and bite at it.
Before buying a cat-safe indoor plant, there are a few points you should take into consideration such as toxicity and positioning. To help you with this, we’ve put together this handy buying guide!
If you are considering bringing a cat into your home and you already have plants, you should ensure they are cat-safe before the cat moves in. Some plants can be difficult to identify, especially if you’ve inherited them or had them for years, but there are resources that will help you put a name to the leaves.
You may want to start with our recommendations for the best and most reliable apps in our Best Apps to Identify Plants article. The internet is also a great resource that has literally thousands of plant photos to look through as well as gardening forums where you can ask for advice if you’re still struggling to identify a plant.
If you're not sure whether your plant is toxic to cats, the first thing to do is get rid of it from your house. If you have other pets like dogs or rabbits, they may be vulnerable as well, so move quickly. Once you've removed the plant, take a sample with you (a leaf or stem is usually enough) to your veterinarian. They will almost certainly be able to tell you if the plant is poisonous and what kinds of symptoms to expect if your cat has ingested any of it.
We’ve established the importance of making sure that every plant in your home is cat-safe, and there are a few ways that you can do this. Some plants may market themselves as being cat or pet-safe, but we would recommend doing your own research and not relying on product descriptions.
The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA) has a comprehensive list of plants that are both toxic and non-toxic to cats. This list also includes the various different names plants are known by and includes photos to help you choose the right plants.
If this list is a little too exhaustive and you just want a few common plants to choose from, there are many different resources that you can find with a quick online search. In general, ferns, palms, and orchids are some of the most popular non-toxic plants. Every plant recommended by this article is also non-toxic to cats, of course!
Another great way to make sure that your plants are cat-safe is by only purchasing plants that have been certified by the Agriculture Department. These plants have been deemed safe for both humans and animals, so you can rest assured that they won’t harm your feline friend. Remember, when in doubt, always consult a professional or do your own research to be sure.
Although non-toxic plants won’t poison your cat, it doesn’t mean that they’re completely safe either. Cats aren’t designed to eat plants, so although a leaf or two will probably not hurt them, if they eat too many it can cause upset stomachs.
If your cat is naturally drawn to plants and refuses to leave them alone, you may want to take a few extra steps on top of choosing only non-toxic plants to make sure that your home is truly cat-safe.
Cat grass is one of the safest plants for cats and if you have some cat grass in your home, it can lure your cat away from other plants. It’s made from seeds such as oats, rye, or barley, and can even add nutrients and roughage to your cat’s diet.
You can also try to train your cat to stay away from the plants, but depending on your cat’s personality, results may vary. If you do decide to go this route, remember that the most effective training comes from rewarding good behavior instead of punishing bad behavior.
Although cats do have the ability to reach almost any space in the house, no matter how awkward, you can try and make it more difficult for them. Hanging plants, such as ferns, can be hung from high places that have no obvious route to them.
One final trick that you can try is by using cat repellent products. These usually come in the form of sprays that you can spray on the plants or plant pots and the smell will deter the cat from interacting with your plant. These products are non-toxic to cats and are made from natural ingredients such as plants or citrus.
Similarly, you can place tall plants on high shelves or in cabinets that your cat can’t access. If there are certain areas of your home that seem to be a particular target for your cat’s plant chewing habits, you can also try using bitter sprays or double-sided tape as a deterrent.
Products | Image | Click to purchase | Key features | |
---|---|---|---|---|
1 | United Nursery Cat Palm Plant | ![]() | Large and Dense Palm | |
2 | Rose and Branch Organic Cat Grass Seeds | ![]() | Year's Supply of Cat Grass for Your Cat to Munch | |
3 | Brussel's Bonsai Ponytail Palm | ![]() | Compact Plant With Decorative Rocks | |
4 | United Nursery Boston Fern | ![]() | Suitable For Both Indoors and the Porch | |
5 | Just Add Ice Moon Orchid | ![]() | Colorful Plant That's Easy to Care For | |
6 | Home Depot Peacock Plant | ![]() | Plant With Elegant and Glossy Leaves | |
7 | Costa Farms Kimberly Queen Fern | ![]() | An Easy to Maintain, Lush Fern | |
8 | American Plant Exchange Parlour Palm | ![]() | Good For Air Purification | |
9 | American Plant Exchange Ponytail Palm | ![]() | This Plant's Unique Shape Makes It a Talking Point | |
10 | Costa Farms Money Tree | ![]() | Comes With a Stylish Pot |
When shipped, this palm plant will be around 26 inches in height, but once fully matured it can grow up to 120 inches! It comes potted in a 10-inch plastic pot and is characterized by its wide but dense fronds. It's low maintenance as it can thrive in a wide variety of light conditions and only needs watering every other week.
A few reviewers were taken aback by how small the plant was when received as they expected a more established plant like the one in the photos. Reviewers say the plant arrived in great condition and was well-packed, however. They also confirm that the plant thrives well in indirect sunlight and is full and green.
Made from a mix of wheat, oats, rye, and barley, this cat grass can be planted all year around. Once planted, you should see your grass begin to grow in under a week. Both cats and their owners can benefit from adding a little cat grass to their diet, and this bag should have enough seeds to last for one year.
Not all reviewers had success growing this cat grass and some experienced mold - so make sure not to overwater the plant! On the other hand, the majority of reviewers confirm that the grass grows quickly and can last a while. Many cats love munching on this grass!
If space is an issue, this bonsai ponytail palm might be a good option as it will only grow to around 20 inches tall! The plant comes pre-potted and with a humidity tray and decorative rocks. It's low maintenance, requiring watering only twice a week, and only requires medium light.
A handful of reviewers say that their plant arrived in poor conditions, leading to an early death. However, most reviewers are happy with their plant and say it's thriving! They like the tray and decorative rocks. They confirm it's both safe for cats and can survive a little gnawing!
One way to keep plants away from curious cats is by hanging them from the ceiling! This Boston fern comes in a hanging basket and consists of dense clusters of sword-shaped fronds. Suitable for shady areas with indirect light, the fern is around 18 inches high and 24 to 28 inches wide when shipped, but when matured can be around double that size.
Although the packaging is largely praised by all reviewers, a few say the plant itself didn't arrive in the healthiest of conditions. Still, most reviewers love how full this plant is and say it looks great on either the porch or indoors. They also praise how vibrant and green it is!
Add some color to your home with this beautiful orchid. It comes in a ceramic pot and is easy to water - simply add three ice cubes each week. It prefers a well-lit area that is out of direct sunlight. Take note of the size of the plant as it is only 20 inches when shipped and doesn't grow any larger.
A few reviewers say the picture is misleading and that they received an orchid that wasn't fully bloomed. However, many say their orchid arrived in good condition and looks very beautiful. Several highlight that this makes a good present.
This plant is characterized by its large, glossy leaves and their interesting patterns. It should be kept in a well-lit area but out of direct sunlight and only requires watering once a week. Once mature, it can grow to a height of around 24 inches and a width of 20 inches, making it manageable but hard to miss!
For some reviewers, the plant arrived poorly potted and died within a week. Most reviewers like this plant, however, saying it's doing well! Reviewers love the leaves on this plant and report they're just as elegant and impressive as the product photos.
Volume is the keyword with this fern, as the large, upright leaves are densely grouped together to make a bushy plant. It requires regular watering, but is easy to grow and can help purify the air around it. It's suitable for both indoors or outdoors and doesn't require direct sunlight.
Reviewers were happy with the condition of the plants they received, saying they were well-packaged and lush. Many confirm this plant is easy to maintain and say the ferns look gorgeous and full.
This plant is not only beautiful and non-toxic to cats, but it's also one of the most effective air-purifying plants. It's around 10 to 12 inches tall when received, making it ideal for window sills or tabletops, but can grow to four feet. The fronds of the plant are thin and whispy and their deep green color will brighten any room.
Some reviewers say their plant arrived in a four-inch pot instead of a six-inch one as advertised. On the other hand, most reviewers say their plant was received healthy and that it remains healthy even in lower light conditions. Reviewers praise the plant for growing quickly and being lush and tropical.
Also known as an elephant foot tree due to its thick gray base, this full-sized ponytail palm can grow to up to six feet tall! Ponytail palms are characterized by the overflowing, wispy green leaves that give the impression of a messy ponytail. They're good for purifying the air. When received the plant measures only 22 inches.
Some reviewers report receiving damaged plants and dried out soil, and that their plants didn't survive for too long. Many reviewers received healthy plants, though, saying the leaves were full and healthy. There are also a couple of comments from cat owners that this plant is also a big hit with their cats!
The intertwined and twisted stem of this plant makes it stand out from the others on this list. It comes potted in a ceramic planter and measures around 16 inches tall when shipped. The best conditions for this plant are a brightly lit space with indirect sunlight.
Some reviewers report receiving plants that were in bad condition and withered. This wasn't the case for every reviewer, however, as many were very pleased with the plants they received. They praise the pot for its clean look and say the money tree looks great in their home. It's popular among cats, too - several have tried to take a bite of the leaves!
In addition to checking our buying guide for accuracy, Cheyenne took the time to answer a commonly asked question about cat-safe plants.
"There are several safe plants for cats that are low-maintenance, such as bamboo, catnip, ferns, marigolds, and spider plants. These are just a few examples, so be sure to do your research to find the best plant options for your feline friend," Cheyenne advises.
"I think the best cat-friendly plant is bamboo. Bamboo is grass that is very hardy and does not have any toxic chemicals in it. Cats love to chew on bamboo and it will not harm them. Many other plants are safe for cats, but bamboo is the best option. Bamboo is also very aesthetically appealing for many people who want to spruce up their space," Cheyenne says.
*Editor's note: so-called Lucky Bamboo, Dracaena sanderiana, is not a bamboo at all and is known to be toxic to cats.
If you're looking for more ways to make your cat's life indoors more comfortable, look no more! Check out these recommended products for your cat to enjoy.
This expert reviewed the contents of the buying guide for accuracy and provided factual corrections when necessary, as well as extra tips and advice. They did not participate in the product selection process, nor are they affiliated with any of our choices unless explicitly stated so.
No. 1: United Nursery|Cat Palm Plant
No. 2: Rose and Branch|Organic Cat Grass Seeds
No. 3: Brussel's Bonsai|Ponytail Palm
No. 4: United Nursery|Boston Fern
No. 5: Just Add Ice|Moon Orchid
View Full RankingThe descriptions of each product are referenced from content available on manufacturer, brand, and e-commerce sites.
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