Living with cats doesn’t mean giving up on houseplants.
Many popular houseplants are toxic if chewed, but thankfully there are plenty of beautiful, pet-safe alternatives that can turn your home into a jungle without putting curious cats at risk.
Whether your cat occasionally nibbles leaves or treats every new plant like a toy, these houseplants are considered non-toxic to cats and make excellent additions to your home.
What Makes a Houseplant Safe for Cats?
The plants below are generally regarded as non-toxic to cats.
That doesn’t mean your cat should eat them—chewing large amounts of any plant can still cause an upset stomach—but they aren’t known to contain the dangerous toxins found in plants like lilies, pothos or monsteras.
If you’re ever unsure, it’s always worth checking the plant against a trusted pet safety resource before bringing it home.
1. Spider Plant (Chlorophytum comosum)
One of the easiest houseplants to grow.
Spider plants tolerate beginner mistakes, produce lots of baby plants and thrive in bright, indirect light.
Best for: Beginners
2. Parlour Palm
Elegant, forgiving and surprisingly low maintenance.
Parlour palms cope well with average indoor light and add instant tropical vibes.
Best for: Living rooms
3. Areca Palm
If you want something larger, the Areca Palm is a fantastic choice.
Its feathery leaves create a lush look while remaining cat friendly.
Best for: Statement plants
Large palms often benefit from a sturdy decorative planter with drainage, helping prevent them from becoming top-heavy as they grow.
4. Calathea
Calatheas are famous for their patterned leaves.
Although they’re a little fussier about humidity, they’re completely worth the effort.
If you’re new to them, my guide to Houseplant Leaves Curling may help if they start looking unhappy.
5. Prayer Plant (Maranta)
A close relative of Calathea, the Prayer Plant folds its leaves upward every evening.
It’s one of the most fascinating pet-safe plants you can own.
6. Boston Fern
Boston ferns love humidity, making them ideal bathroom plants.
Regular misting or a small humidifier helps keep their fronds looking lush.
A compact plant humidifier can make a noticeable difference if your home is particularly dry.
7. Baby Rubber Plant (Peperomia obtusifolia)
Despite the name, this isn’t related to the toxic Rubber Plant.
Peperomias stay compact and are perfect for shelves and desks.
8. Cast Iron Plant
True to its name, this plant is incredibly tough.
Low light?
Forgotten watering?
It’ll probably forgive you.
9. African Violet
If you’d like flowers as well as foliage, African Violets are a lovely choice.
They stay compact and bloom repeatedly with the right care.
10. Polka Dot Plant
Bright pink, white or red foliage makes this a colourful addition to any indoor collection.
Perfect for adding contrast among green plants.
11. Haworthia
Looking for a succulent?
Haworthias resemble tiny aloes but are generally considered safe for cats.
They’re also incredibly easy to care for.
12. Christmas Cactus
Unlike many desert cacti, Christmas Cactus has soft segmented stems and produces spectacular flowers every winter.
13. Bamboo Palm
A fantastic larger plant for bright rooms.
Its graceful leaves create an instant indoor jungle effect.
14. Friendship Plant
Textured leaves and easy care make this an underrated houseplant.
It also propagates easily if you’d like to grow more.
15. Orchid
Good news for orchid lovers.
Popular Phalaenopsis orchids are generally considered safe around cats and produce stunning flowers that can last for months.
If yours has finished blooming, my guide on How to Get Orchids to Flower Again explains exactly what to do next.
Houseplants to Avoid if You Have Cats
Some popular plants can be harmful if chewed.
These include:
- Monstera
- Devil’s Ivy (Pothos)
- Peace Lily
- Snake Plant
- ZZ Plant
- Rubber Plant
- Aloe Vera
- Dieffenbachia
If you already own these plants, consider placing them well out of reach—or replacing them with one of the safer options above.
Tips for Keeping Cats Away From Houseplants
Even pet-safe plants can become damaged by playful cats.
A few simple tricks can help:
- Place plants on high shelves.
- Use sturdy heavy pots that won’t tip over.
- Give cats plenty of toys and scratching posts.
- Grow cat grass as an alternative for nibbling.
Decorative heavy ceramic planters are often harder for adventurous cats to knock over than lightweight plastic pots.
Final Thoughts
You don’t have to choose between houseplants and your cat.
There are dozens of beautiful, easy-care plants that are considered safe for feline companions, allowing you to enjoy a greener home with complete peace of mind.
If you’re just starting your collection, Spider Plants, Parlour Palms and Peperomias are some of the easiest places to begin.