Cats are naturally curious, and sometimes that curiosity leads straight to your houseplants. Unfortunately, a lot of common greenery can be toxic, causing anything from an upset stomach to more serious issues. If you want to find cat friendly house plants, you’ll need to pick pet safe house plants that are safe for your feline pals but still look great in your space.
Whether you are searching for cat friendly house plants living room additions or air cleaning plants safe for cats, there is a wide variety of pet safe indoor plants to choose from. Selecting cat friendly indoor plants allows you to brighten up your home without stressing about what your cat might be munching on.
Below, you’ll find twenty cat friendly house plants and cat proof house plants that won’t put your cat at risk. There’s a mix here, from ferns and palms to succulents and even some flowering types, all of which are widely considered safe for homes with cats.
1) Spider Plant (Chlorophytum comosum)
The spider plant is a classic for a reason! Its arching leaves, often striped with white or cream, look great, and the ASPCA says it’s non-toxic for cats.
It’s also really forgiving. Spider plants will put up with various light levels and need just basic care. Plus, according to a NASA study, they’re known to help clean the air a bit, which is always a bonus.
2) Boston Fern (Nephrolepis exaltata)
Boston Ferns are a safe bet for cat owners. They have lush, draping fronds that look great and help purify your air.
These ferns don’t need much, just moderate water and indirect light. Try them in a hanging basket or perched up high for a little green drama that won’t worry you if your cat gets curious.
3) Golden Areca Palm (Dypsis lutescens)
The Areca Palm, sometimes called the golden butterfly palm, is a non-toxic plant for cats, dogs, even horses. It’s elegant and brings a bit of the tropics indoors.
While it’s not poisonous, a cat who snacks on the leaves might get a little tummy trouble, but nothing serious, though. And like a lot of palms, it helps with air quality, so it’s practical too.
4) Bamboo Palm (Chamaedorea elegans)
The bamboo palm gives you that tropical vibe and is totally safe for cats. With its tall stems and fan-like leaves, it’s a real eye-catcher.
It likes bright, indirect light and just occasional watering. It also filters indoor air naturally. Your cat can poke around it all day without any risk.
5) Prayer Plant (Calathea insignis)
Prayer plants are cat-safe, according to the ASPCA. If your cat takes a nibble, you don’t need to panic.
They get their name from the way their leaves fold up at night; kind of neat, right? These guys do well in lower light and like their soil a bit moist, so they’re pretty easy to keep happy (tips here).
6) Parlor Palm (Chamaedorea elegans)
The Parlor Palm is a non-toxic option with lush, feathery fronds that bring a tropical touch indoors. It can get impressively tall, making it a standout in any room.
Even if your cat chews on it, there’s nothing to worry about, as this one’s completely safe for felines.
7) Calathea (Calathea spp.)
Calatheas are another ASPCA-approved plant for cat households. They’re famous for their striking leaf patterns and colors.
Rattlesnake Plant and Zebra Plant are two popular, safe varieties. Calatheas like indirect light and a bit of consistent moisture, so they’re not too fussy if you’ve got a lot going on.
8) African Violet (Saintpaulia spp.)
African violets are non-toxic, so you can enjoy their purple, pink, or white blooms without worrying about your cat’s safety.
They do well in low light and are safe for both cats and dogs. These compact plants look great on shelves or tables, and won’t cause problems if your pet gets too curious.
9) Cast Iron Plant (Aspidistra elatior)
The Cast Iron Plant (Aspidistra elatior) is about as tough as houseplants get, and it’s safe for cats. It can get up to 3 feet tall, with big, dramatic leaves.
It’s happy in low light and doesn’t need much care. While it’s safe, it’s still best to keep an eye on your cat, as eating any plant can sometimes cause a little stomach upset.
10) Friendship Plant (Pilea involucrata)
The Friendship Plant (Pilea involucrata) is a safe, compact houseplant with quilted, textured leaves that add a bit of visual pop.
Perfect for shelves or tables, this pet-friendly plant grows well in indirect light and likes moderate watering, so it’s not high-maintenance. It’s called the Friendship Plant because people often share cuttings with friends, which is kind of a sweet tradition.
11) Moth Orchid (Phalaenopsis)
The Moth Orchid is on the ASPCA’s safe list. These orchids are favorites for their elegant, long-lasting blooms and simple care.
They come in white, pink, purple – you name it. While they’re safe, you’ll still want to keep your cat from chewing on them, just to avoid any minor stomach issues. Otherwise, they’re a worry-free way to add some color.
12) Japanese Aralia (Fatsia japonica)
Japanese Aralia is another non-toxic option, with glossy, finely cut leaves that stand out in any room.
While most cats won’t have any issues, it’s still smart to watch for any odd behavior if your cat decides to taste-test the leaves, just in case.
13) Haworthia (Haworthia spp.)
Haworthia, sometimes called zebra plant for its stripy leaves, is a safe succulent for cats. It looks a bit like aloe but isn’t toxic.
It’s easygoing and thrives with little attention. You might want to keep it somewhere your cat can’t reach, mostly to prevent unnecessary nibbling rather than any real danger.
14) Air Plant (Tillandsia)
Air plants are non-toxic and about as low-maintenance as it gets. These Tillandsias don’t need soil, just air and the occasional misting.
Try them in hanging planters or up on a wall, both to show off their shapes and keep them out of paw’s reach. They’re a fun, safe way to add greenery anywhere.
15) Baby Rubber Plant (Peperomia obtusifolia)
The Baby Rubber Plant (Peperomia obtusifolia) is a compact, glossy-leaved plant that’s safe for cats. It likes bright, indirect light but can handle lower light too.
Just don’t mix it up with Ficus benjamina, which is toxic. The Baby Rubber Plant is all about easy care and peace of mind for pet owners.
16) Peperomia (Peperomia spp.)
Peperomia plants in general are cat-safe and come in all sorts of shapes and colors.
Watermelon peperomia, blunt leaf peperomia, emerald ripple, and baby rubber plant (Peperomia obtusifolia) are all good picks. They’re great for small spaces and don’t need much fussing over. Still, best to discourage your cat from chewing, just to avoid any digestive hiccups.
17) Christmas Cactus (Schlumbergera bridgesii)
Christmas cactus is a festive, non-toxic plant that won’t harm your cat, so it’s perfect for the holidays.
Even though it’s safe, some cats might get a mild tummy ache if they eat too much. You might want to keep it somewhere your cat can’t easily reach, just to be safe.
18) Ponytail Palm (Beaucarnea recurvata)
Ponytail palm stands out with its bulbous trunk and flowing leaves. The ASPCA lists it as non-toxic, so you can relax.
It’s actually a succulent, so it barely needs any attention. Great for folks who want greenery but don’t have time for constant plant care.
19) Staghorn Fern (Platycerium bifurcatum)
Staghorn ferns are safe for cats and have those wild, antler-shaped fronds that look amazing. They’re often mounted on walls or put in hanging baskets.
Hanging them up keeps them out of your cat’s way and adds a cool, decorative touch. They’re pretty adaptable when it comes to light, so you’ve got options for where to put them.
20) Peacock Plant (Kaempferia spp.)
The peacock plant is a safe pick for cat owners hunting for something decorative. Its leaves really stand out, and there’s a wild variety of patterns and colors going on, so it’s hard not to notice it in a room.
This one likes indirect sunlight and needs consistently moist soil. Honestly, you’ll want to check on it fairly often and keep up with watering if you want it looking good.
It’s also said to help clean up indoor air by filtering out some toxins and putting a bit more oxygen back into your space.
