Cats love to spend time in the great outdoors, chasing prey and climbing up trees. However, the outdoors can be dangerous for cats, especially those that spend most of their time inside. Luckily, indoor cats can experience the joys of outdoor life when there are plants throughout the house to enjoy. Some plants are toxic to cats, though, so it is important to make sure that any you decide to bring into the home is safe for your kitty. Here is a list of 32 plants that are safe for cats and that your furry family member is sure to love.
Top 32 Plants That Are Safe For Cats
- Calathea Prayer
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A post shared by Plants for sale 🌿 (@plantata_mnl)
These plants have large vibrant leaves with white markings on them. They naturally filter the air and can help perk up any room that it is in. When it gets dark outside, the Calathea Prayer plant’s leaves turn upward, making each leaf look like a praying hand, hence its name.
- Rattlesnake Plant
View this post on Instagram
A post shared by 𝙎𝙤𝙥𝙝𝙞𝙖 (@soofs_jungalow)
The spotted leaves on this plant are reminiscent of rattlesnakes, with dark green spots and wavy edges. The bottom sides of the leaves are purple, giving this plant an impressive 3D look. Rattlesnake plants are best grown in cooler climates but can do well indoors where temperatures are controlled.
Hibiscus Image Credit: Pixabay The hibiscus is a beautiful flower that is most commonly seen in tropical environments. However, when grown indoors, they can bloom in a variety of different settings. Cats seem to love their scent, and humans almost always appreciate their vibrant coloring.
Bromeliad Image Credit: JoaoBOliver, Pixabay Bromeliads are extremely hardy, so even those without a green thumb should have no trouble keeping one of these plants around. Their vibrant hues make them attractive to humans, and their thick, robust flower petals can stand up well to a cat’s gameplay.
Peperomia Ginny
View this post on Instagram
A post shared by Hellen (@hellensplants)
These easy-to-care-for houseplants have bright oval leaves with rich, red edges. They are hardy plants that need little water and can grow in small or large pots, depending on where you want the plant to be in your home.
- Calathea Peacock
View this post on Instagram
A post shared by Robert Plante Greenhouses 🌿 (@robertplantegreenhouses)
The most striking thing about this plant is its bright green leaves with contrasting white wavy stripes. Sometimes, the leaves turn red before they begin to fall off. Cats love to help bat the older leaves off to make room for new leaves to grow.
Impatiens Image Credit: Piqsels These plants stay green all year long but grow colorful, delicate flowers seasonally. They grow well in shady areas, so they can be kept in places within your home that do not receive direct sunlight. The colors of the flowers can vary from light pink and dark purple to shades of yellow and hues of coral.
Staghorn Fern
View this post on Instagram
A post shared by hiroa2go (@hiroa2go)
This is a tropical plant that needs little attention to thrive inside or outside of the home. Staghorns prefer heat and humidity, so they should be misted daily and kept in front of a window that gets full sunlight throughout most of the day.
- Boston Fern
View this post on Instagram
A post shared by Cole’s Florist & Garden Centre (@colesfloristandgarden)
These delicate ferns can be grown in a hanging pot and will flow toward the ground, giving your kitty a tree-like experience to enjoy during the day. The Boston Fern offers shade, provides cleaner air, and helps keep kitty busy during playtime.
- Bird’s Nest Fern
View this post on Instagram
A post shared by Susan Leggett (@verandahposts)
This is a tropical plant that likes balmy days, temperate nights, and plenty of sunshine. They should be grown near a window in tightly controlled temperatures that never get too cold, especially during the winter months. They have slightly textured leaves and come in a variety of different colors.
- Kimberly Queen Fern
View this post on Instagram
A post shared by Sweet Pea Knoxville (@sweetpeaknoxville)
The Kimberly Queen Fern displays small, elegant leaves that grow quickly like weeds. Whether in a hanging or standing pot, the leaf fronds can grow to be multiple feet long if left to their own devices. The fronds tend to slightly curl at the ends, which gives them a graceful look overall.
- Maidenhair Fern
View this post on Instagram
A post shared by Michael 🇸🇬 (@mikadogoh)
This plant grows smaller, rounder leaves than most other types of ferns. These plants can grow in tiny pots on the kitchen counter or in huge pots that take up an entire corner of the room. These plants are like weeds out in nature, where they are commonly found between rocks and cracks in sidewalks.
Echeveria Image Credit: PublicDomainPictures, Pixabay This is a succulent that is popular among humans and animals alike. Reptiles love having echeverias in their terrariums. Humans tend to enjoy using them in floral arrangements and gardens. Cats are attracted to their sturdy tendrils and intriguing movement. They are easy to grow and require little water to thrive.
American Rubber Plant
View this post on Instagram
A post shared by 🤍🧿🌿Caiti🌿🧿🤍 (@atxplantmama)
As the name suggests, this plant looks like rubber even when it is in a garden or indoor pot. American rubber plants come from South America, where they thrive in humid conditions. Today, they are commonly grown all over the United States and elsewhere in the world.
Zebra Haworthia Image Credit: Piqsels These extremely interesting succulents are cousins of the aloe vera plant and hail from the plains of South Africa. They have striking stripes and soft, dense, sharp-pointed tendrils. They can live without water for weeks at a time and only need a little sunshine during the morning hours of the day.
Spider Plant Image Credit: t50, Shutterstock These handsome plants have thin, long leaves that bend over as they grow, resembling spider legs. They do not require much attention or food to stay alive, and they will thrive in a humid and sunny environment. Sometimes, the leaves are completely green, while other times, the leaves have thin white lines running down their lengths.
Air Plant Image Credit: Pixabay What is unique about these plants is that they need no soil to grow. They simply grow in the air! They are a mess-free plant option that both kitties and humans seem to marvel over their “alien-like” appearance. They make for a great table centerpiece and icebreaker during parties.
Bamboo Palm
View this post on Instagram
A post shared by Mashtal (@mashtalgardencenters)
The bamboo palm is the same type of plant featured in tropical movies that are set in places like Hawaii. These plants are not made of real bamboo, which is a grass. Instead, they are a palm that requires less light and moisture to thrive. They do look like bamboo plants, though!
Ponytail Palm Image Credit: The Handyman, Shutterstock The Ponytail Palm is extremely drought tolerant, which is why it grows so slowly throughout the year. The slow growth makes these plants easy to manage and care for. Cats tend to like shredding the ends of the leaves and chewing on the thicker, center leaves.
Parlor Palm
View this post on Instagram
A post shared by Cheryl Rafuse (@plantmagicgardens)
Also referred to as the Neanthe Bella Palm, this beautiful plant is diverse yet dainty. It can grow in just about any space, which makes it a great option for smaller dwellings, such as apartment units. They grow up to about 4 feet tall but are easy to keep trimmed to smaller sizes if necessary. These hardy plants can handle cool winter temperatures too.
- Majesty Palm
View this post on Instagram
A post shared by STEFANA Decor • Design • DIY (@stefanasilber)
Popular as both indoor and outdoor plants, Majesty Palms tend to stand slender, tall, and proud. Since it can grow up to about 90 feet in nature, you can expect yours to grow as tall as your roof indoors. The exact size that it ends up depends on how you want to prune and manage it.
- Chinese Fan Palm
View this post on Instagram
A post shared by Urban Plants (@urbanplantskenya)
Typically grown outside as trees, the Chinese Fan Palm can be grown in large pots in the corner of your home. It can help cover and protect a cat litter box and thus make cats feel more comfortable while using the bathroom. They can also be decorated with ornaments during any of the holidays that occur throughout the year.
- Rhapis Palm
View this post on Instagram
A post shared by Elsie Xie (@elsiexie)
The Rhapis Palm looks almost like a bushy tree with a thick, strong stalk that can stand up to the rough-and-tumble activity of a playing kitty. The leaves grow in clumps but are long enough to create a full, luscious look that can help turn any room into a tropical experience.
- Neon Prayer Plant
View this post on Instagram
A post shared by Samantha Merrick (@samanthamerrick18)
These gorgeous plants are small, but their leaves spread out to create a canopy-like shape as they grow. Each leaf is elegantly rounded and has lime-green markings that help it stand out from all the other leaves on the plant.
Money Tree Image credit: NeginMinaee, Shutterstock Unfortunately, these plants do not literally grow money. However, they are known to improve the energy throughout the homes that they grow in. Money Trees (Pachira) have interesting braided trunks. This is a hardy variety that does not succumb easily to the elements or lack of care. Keep in mind that pothos, which is sometimes called “money plant,” is not safe for cats.
Polka Dot Plant
View this post on Instagram
A post shared by Plants make me happy (@plantshelpmethrive)
These plants are known for the bright spots on their leaves. Many varieties have dark purple-hued leaves with green spots, but others have green leaves and white markings. They do not like to live in cold climates and prefer to stay in spaces that get plenty of natural sunlight.
Roses Image Credit: Nadinelle, Shutterstock Why buy roses at the store for your dining room table when you can grow them yourself? Any color rose can be grown in a little pot on a table in any room of your home. They’ll add vibrancy and help keep the air smelling fresh, which makes them a perfect plant option for those looking to cover up the litter box smell in their homes.
Sunflowers Image credit: Pixabay Sunflowers are right, beautiful, and surprisingly easy to grow. The size of the pot that a sunflower grows in will be a big factor in how large it gets overall. You can grow multiple sunflowers in one pot if you want the flowers to stay small or grow one huge flower in a pot for your cat to ponder.
Cast Iron Plant image Credit: Pixabay As the name suggests, this is one hardy plant. In fact, most cat owners consider it indestructible once they see how it holds up to attacks from felines. The plant can grow in shady or sunny areas and is not susceptible to damage due to weather conditions. It is also quite drought resistant.
Fishbone Cactus
View this post on Instagram
A post shared by ⛰&🌿 (@_magdalena_a)
This is a plant that originally came from Mexico and is now popular all over the United States. The plant grows thick, crooked stems that look kind of like fishbones. These plants prefer to live in humid conditions but can do well in any setting if they get enough water. They need little sun or attention to thrive.
- Xerographica Air Plant
View this post on Instagram
A post shared by Cati (@sesmevescosetes)
With unique silver-hued leaves, the Xerographica Air Plant grows slowly without the help of soils and fertilizers. The leaves narrow at the ends and tend to curve as they grow, creating a flowery look that cats seem to be intrigued by. The entire plant should be watered, not just the roots, to ensure a long and happy life.
- Echeveria Lola Image Credit: Pixabay This succulent grows robust leaves that arrange themselves in a way that makes the entire plant look like a rose. However, unlike roses, these plants will stay alive year-round with little need for water and attention. These plants are native to Mexico and Central America, and they have a high tolerance for weather variations throughout the year.
See Also: How To Grow Water Trumpets: Planting and Care Guide
In Conclusion With so many different cat-friendly plants to choose from, you should not have trouble outfitting your home with a variety that helps bring the outdoors inside. Everyone in your household, including your cat, will breathe better throughout the year when your house is full of foliage. Your new plants will help keep your kitty busy throughout the day too.
Featured Image Credit: Mirt Alexander, Shutterstock
Cats love to spend time in the great outdoors, chasing prey and climbing up trees. However, the outdoors can be dangerous for cats, especially those that spend most of their time inside. Luckily, indoor cats can experience the joys of outdoor life when there are plants throughout the house to enjoy. Some plants are toxic to cats, though, so it is important to make sure that any you decide to bring into the home is safe for your kitty. Here is a list of 32 plants that are safe for cats and that your furry family member is sure to love.
Top 32 Plants That Are Safe For Cats
1. Calathea Prayer
View this post on Instagram
A post shared by Plants for sale 🌿 (@plantata_mnl)
These plants have large vibrant leaves with white markings on them. They naturally filter the air and can help perk up any room that it is in. When it gets dark outside, the Calathea Prayer plant’s leaves turn upward, making each leaf look like a praying hand, hence its name.
View this post on Instagram
A post shared by Plants for sale 🌿 (@plantata_mnl)
A post shared by Plants for sale 🌿 (@plantata_mnl)
View this post on Instagram
View this post on Instagram
2. Rattlesnake Plant
View this post on Instagram
A post shared by 𝙎𝙤𝙥𝙝𝙞𝙖 (@soofs_jungalow)
The spotted leaves on this plant are reminiscent of rattlesnakes, with dark green spots and wavy edges. The bottom sides of the leaves are purple, giving this plant an impressive 3D look. Rattlesnake plants are best grown in cooler climates but can do well indoors where temperatures are controlled.
View this post on Instagram
A post shared by 𝙎𝙤𝙥𝙝𝙞𝙖 (@soofs_jungalow)
A post shared by 𝙎𝙤𝙥𝙝𝙞𝙖 (@soofs_jungalow)
3. Hibiscus
The hibiscus is a beautiful flower that is most commonly seen in tropical environments. However, when grown indoors, they can bloom in a variety of different settings. Cats seem to love their scent, and humans almost always appreciate their vibrant coloring.
4. Bromeliad
Bromeliads are extremely hardy, so even those without a green thumb should have no trouble keeping one of these plants around. Their vibrant hues make them attractive to humans, and their thick, robust flower petals can stand up well to a cat’s gameplay.
5. Peperomia Ginny
View this post on Instagram
A post shared by Hellen (@hellensplants)
These easy-to-care-for houseplants have bright oval leaves with rich, red edges. They are hardy plants that need little water and can grow in small or large pots, depending on where you want the plant to be in your home.
View this post on Instagram
A post shared by Hellen (@hellensplants)
A post shared by Hellen (@hellensplants)
6. Calathea Peacock
View this post on Instagram
A post shared by Robert Plante Greenhouses 🌿 (@robertplantegreenhouses)
The most striking thing about this plant is its bright green leaves with contrasting white wavy stripes. Sometimes, the leaves turn red before they begin to fall off. Cats love to help bat the older leaves off to make room for new leaves to grow.
View this post on Instagram
A post shared by Robert Plante Greenhouses 🌿 (@robertplantegreenhouses)
A post shared by Robert Plante Greenhouses 🌿 (@robertplantegreenhouses)
7. Impatiens
These plants stay green all year long but grow colorful, delicate flowers seasonally. They grow well in shady areas, so they can be kept in places within your home that do not receive direct sunlight. The colors of the flowers can vary from light pink and dark purple to shades of yellow and hues of coral.
8. Staghorn Fern
View this post on Instagram
A post shared by hiroa2go (@hiroa2go)
This is a tropical plant that needs little attention to thrive inside or outside of the home. Staghorns prefer heat and humidity, so they should be misted daily and kept in front of a window that gets full sunlight throughout most of the day.
View this post on Instagram
A post shared by hiroa2go (@hiroa2go)
A post shared by hiroa2go (@hiroa2go)
9. Boston Fern
View this post on Instagram
A post shared by Cole’s Florist & Garden Centre (@colesfloristandgarden)
These delicate ferns can be grown in a hanging pot and will flow toward the ground, giving your kitty a tree-like experience to enjoy during the day. The Boston Fern offers shade, provides cleaner air, and helps keep kitty busy during playtime.
View this post on Instagram
A post shared by Cole’s Florist & Garden Centre (@colesfloristandgarden)
A post shared by Cole’s Florist & Garden Centre (@colesfloristandgarden)
10. Bird’s Nest Fern
View this post on Instagram
A post shared by Susan Leggett (@verandahposts)
This is a tropical plant that likes balmy days, temperate nights, and plenty of sunshine. They should be grown near a window in tightly controlled temperatures that never get too cold, especially during the winter months. They have slightly textured leaves and come in a variety of different colors.
View this post on Instagram
A post shared by Susan Leggett (@verandahposts)
A post shared by Susan Leggett (@verandahposts)
11. Kimberly Queen Fern
View this post on Instagram
A post shared by Sweet Pea Knoxville (@sweetpeaknoxville)
The Kimberly Queen Fern displays small, elegant leaves that grow quickly like weeds. Whether in a hanging or standing pot, the leaf fronds can grow to be multiple feet long if left to their own devices. The fronds tend to slightly curl at the ends, which gives them a graceful look overall.
View this post on Instagram
A post shared by Sweet Pea Knoxville (@sweetpeaknoxville)
A post shared by Sweet Pea Knoxville (@sweetpeaknoxville)
12. Maidenhair Fern
View this post on Instagram
A post shared by Michael 🇸🇬 (@mikadogoh)
This plant grows smaller, rounder leaves than most other types of ferns. These plants can grow in tiny pots on the kitchen counter or in huge pots that take up an entire corner of the room. These plants are like weeds out in nature, where they are commonly found between rocks and cracks in sidewalks.
View this post on Instagram
A post shared by Michael 🇸🇬 (@mikadogoh)
A post shared by Michael 🇸🇬 (@mikadogoh)
13. Echeveria
This is a succulent that is popular among humans and animals alike. Reptiles love having echeverias in their terrariums. Humans tend to enjoy using them in floral arrangements and gardens. Cats are attracted to their sturdy tendrils and intriguing movement. They are easy to grow and require little water to thrive.
14. American Rubber Plant
View this post on Instagram
A post shared by 🤍🧿🌿Caiti🌿🧿🤍 (@atxplantmama)
As the name suggests, this plant looks like rubber even when it is in a garden or indoor pot. American rubber plants come from South America, where they thrive in humid conditions. Today, they are commonly grown all over the United States and elsewhere in the world.
View this post on Instagram
A post shared by 🤍🧿🌿Caiti🌿🧿🤍 (@atxplantmama)
A post shared by 🤍🧿🌿Caiti🌿🧿🤍 (@atxplantmama)
15. Zebra Haworthia
These extremely interesting succulents are cousins of the aloe vera plant and hail from the plains of South Africa. They have striking stripes and soft, dense, sharp-pointed tendrils. They can live without water for weeks at a time and only need a little sunshine during the morning hours of the day.
16. Spider Plant
These handsome plants have thin, long leaves that bend over as they grow, resembling spider legs. They do not require much attention or food to stay alive, and they will thrive in a humid and sunny environment. Sometimes, the leaves are completely green, while other times, the leaves have thin white lines running down their lengths.
17. Air Plant
What is unique about these plants is that they need no soil to grow. They simply grow in the air! They are a mess-free plant option that both kitties and humans seem to marvel over their “alien-like” appearance. They make for a great table centerpiece and icebreaker during parties.
18. Bamboo Palm
View this post on Instagram
A post shared by Mashtal (@mashtalgardencenters)
The bamboo palm is the same type of plant featured in tropical movies that are set in places like Hawaii. These plants are not made of real bamboo, which is a grass. Instead, they are a palm that requires less light and moisture to thrive. They do look like bamboo plants, though!
View this post on Instagram
A post shared by Mashtal (@mashtalgardencenters)
A post shared by Mashtal (@mashtalgardencenters)
19. Ponytail Palm
The Ponytail Palm is extremely drought tolerant, which is why it grows so slowly throughout the year. The slow growth makes these plants easy to manage and care for. Cats tend to like shredding the ends of the leaves and chewing on the thicker, center leaves.
20. Parlor Palm
View this post on Instagram
A post shared by Cheryl Rafuse (@plantmagicgardens)
Also referred to as the Neanthe Bella Palm, this beautiful plant is diverse yet dainty. It can grow in just about any space, which makes it a great option for smaller dwellings, such as apartment units. They grow up to about 4 feet tall but are easy to keep trimmed to smaller sizes if necessary. These hardy plants can handle cool winter temperatures too.
View this post on Instagram
A post shared by Cheryl Rafuse (@plantmagicgardens)
A post shared by Cheryl Rafuse (@plantmagicgardens)
21. Majesty Palm
View this post on Instagram
A post shared by STEFANA Decor • Design • DIY (@stefanasilber)
Popular as both indoor and outdoor plants, Majesty Palms tend to stand slender, tall, and proud. Since it can grow up to about 90 feet in nature, you can expect yours to grow as tall as your roof indoors. The exact size that it ends up depends on how you want to prune and manage it.
View this post on Instagram
A post shared by STEFANA Decor • Design • DIY (@stefanasilber)
A post shared by STEFANA Decor • Design • DIY (@stefanasilber)
22. Chinese Fan Palm
View this post on Instagram
A post shared by Urban Plants (@urbanplantskenya)
Typically grown outside as trees, the Chinese Fan Palm can be grown in large pots in the corner of your home. It can help cover and protect a cat litter box and thus make cats feel more comfortable while using the bathroom. They can also be decorated with ornaments during any of the holidays that occur throughout the year.
View this post on Instagram
A post shared by Urban Plants (@urbanplantskenya)
A post shared by Urban Plants (@urbanplantskenya)
23. Rhapis Palm
View this post on Instagram
A post shared by Elsie Xie (@elsiexie)
The Rhapis Palm looks almost like a bushy tree with a thick, strong stalk that can stand up to the rough-and-tumble activity of a playing kitty. The leaves grow in clumps but are long enough to create a full, luscious look that can help turn any room into a tropical experience.
View this post on Instagram
A post shared by Elsie Xie (@elsiexie)
A post shared by Elsie Xie (@elsiexie)
24. Neon Prayer Plant
View this post on Instagram
A post shared by Samantha Merrick (@samanthamerrick18)
These gorgeous plants are small, but their leaves spread out to create a canopy-like shape as they grow. Each leaf is elegantly rounded and has lime-green markings that help it stand out from all the other leaves on the plant.
View this post on Instagram
A post shared by Samantha Merrick (@samanthamerrick18)
A post shared by Samantha Merrick (@samanthamerrick18)
25. Money Tree
Unfortunately, these plants do not literally grow money. However, they are known to improve the energy throughout the homes that they grow in. Money Trees (Pachira) have interesting braided trunks. This is a hardy variety that does not succumb easily to the elements or lack of care. Keep in mind that pothos, which is sometimes called “money plant,” is not safe for cats.
26. Polka Dot Plant
View this post on Instagram
A post shared by Plants make me happy (@plantshelpmethrive)
These plants are known for the bright spots on their leaves. Many varieties have dark purple-hued leaves with green spots, but others have green leaves and white markings. They do not like to live in cold climates and prefer to stay in spaces that get plenty of natural sunlight.
View this post on Instagram
A post shared by Plants make me happy (@plantshelpmethrive)
A post shared by Plants make me happy (@plantshelpmethrive)
27. Roses
Why buy roses at the store for your dining room table when you can grow them yourself? Any color rose can be grown in a little pot on a table in any room of your home. They’ll add vibrancy and help keep the air smelling fresh, which makes them a perfect plant option for those looking to cover up the litter box smell in their homes.
28. Sunflowers
Sunflowers are right, beautiful, and surprisingly easy to grow. The size of the pot that a sunflower grows in will be a big factor in how large it gets overall. You can grow multiple sunflowers in one pot if you want the flowers to stay small or grow one huge flower in a pot for your cat to ponder.
29. Cast Iron Plant
As the name suggests, this is one hardy plant. In fact, most cat owners consider it indestructible once they see how it holds up to attacks from felines. The plant can grow in shady or sunny areas and is not susceptible to damage due to weather conditions. It is also quite drought resistant.
30. Fishbone Cactus
View this post on Instagram
A post shared by ⛰&🌿 (@_magdalena_a)
This is a plant that originally came from Mexico and is now popular all over the United States. The plant grows thick, crooked stems that look kind of like fishbones. These plants prefer to live in humid conditions but can do well in any setting if they get enough water. They need little sun or attention to thrive.
View this post on Instagram
A post shared by ⛰&🌿 (@_magdalena_a)
A post shared by ⛰&🌿 (@_magdalena_a)
31. Xerographica Air Plant
View this post on Instagram
A post shared by Cati (@sesmevescosetes)
With unique silver-hued leaves, the Xerographica Air Plant grows slowly without the help of soils and fertilizers. The leaves narrow at the ends and tend to curve as they grow, creating a flowery look that cats seem to be intrigued by. The entire plant should be watered, not just the roots, to ensure a long and happy life.
View this post on Instagram
A post shared by Cati (@sesmevescosetes)
A post shared by Cati (@sesmevescosetes)
32. Echeveria Lola
This succulent grows robust leaves that arrange themselves in a way that makes the entire plant look like a rose. However, unlike roses, these plants will stay alive year-round with little need for water and attention. These plants are native to Mexico and Central America, and they have a high tolerance for weather variations throughout the year.
- See Also: How To Grow Water Trumpets: Planting and Care Guide
In Conclusion
With so many different cat-friendly plants to choose from, you should not have trouble outfitting your home with a variety that helps bring the outdoors inside. Everyone in your household, including your cat, will breathe better throughout the year when your house is full of foliage. Your new plants will help keep your kitty busy throughout the day too.
Featured Image Credit: Mirt Alexander, Shutterstock
