20 Cat Safe House Plants: Indoor Plants That are Safe for Cats

Updated: Jun 1, 2023

This post is all about cat safe house plants.

Cats are known for their curious nature and often can't resist the temptation to investigate any new plants that come into the house. However, not all houseplants are safe for our feline friends to be around. Some plants can be toxic to cats if ingested, leading to serious health issues.

Houseplants not only add aesthetic beauty to our living spaces but also have numerous health benefits. However, not all houseplants are safe for our feline companions. Some plants can be toxic to cats if ingested, leading to serious health issues.

In this article, we will explore the world of cat-safe houseplants and provide you with detailed information about the types of plants that are safe for cats, their specific care requirements and benefits.

20 Cat Safe House Plants

1. Spider Plants (Chlorophytum comosum)

Spider plants, also known as Chlorophytum comosum, are a popular houseplant known for their ability to purify the air.

They are native to South Africa and are known for their long, thin leaves that grow in a rosette pattern.

They are a great option for those who may not have a green thumb as they are easy to care for and can tolerate a wide range of lighting conditions. They are also known to be safe for pets.

2. Pothos (Epipremnum aureum)

also known as Epipremnum aureum, is a hardy, evergreen vine that can thrive in a variety of lighting conditions.

It is native to the Society Islands in French Polynesia and is known for its glossy, heart-shaped leaves.

It is a great option for those who may forget to water their plants as it can tolerate periods of drought. Pothos is also known to be safe for pets.

3. Boston Ferns (Nephrolepis exaltata)

Boston Ferns, also known as Nephrolepis exaltata, are known for their lush, green foliage and are native to tropical regions in the Americas.

They are a great option for those who want to add a touch of nature to their home. They are known to be effective in humidifying the air, and they can also help to purify the air.

Boston Ferns require consistent moisture, so it's important to keep the soil consistently moist, but not waterlogged. They are also known to be safe for pets.

4. African Violets (Saintpaulia)

African Violets, also known as Saintpaulia, are known for their beautiful violet flowers and fuzzy leaves.

They are native to Tanzania and Kenya and are a popular houseplant due to their low maintenance and tolerance of low light conditions.

They prefer to be kept in a warm and humid environment and should be watered when the soil is dry to the touch.

5. Chirstmas Cactus (Schlumbergera

Christmas Cactus, also known as Schlumbergera, is a tropical cactus that is known for its beautiful pink, red, or white flowers that bloom around the holiday season.

They are native to the rainforests of Brazil and prefer a humid environment and bright, indirect light.

They should be watered when the soil is dry to the touch and fertilized monthly during the growing season.

6. Corn Plant (Dracaena fragrans)

Corn Plant, also known as Dracaena fragrans, is a tropical plant that is native to tropical Africa.

It is known for its long, glossy green leaves that resemble corn leaves. They are tolerant of low light conditions and infrequent watering, making them a great option for those who may not have a green thumb.

They prefer to be kept in a warm and humid environment and should be watered when the soil is dry to the touch.

7. Gerber Daisy (Gerbera jamesonii)

Gerber Daisy, also known as Gerbera jamesonii, is a popular houseplant known for its large, colorful flowers.

They are native to South Africa and prefer a sunny location with well-drained soil.

They should be watered when the soil is dry to the touch and fertilized monthly during the growing season.

8. Golden Pothos (Epipremnum aureum)

Golden Pothos, also known as Epipremnum aureum, is a hardy, evergreen vine that can thrive in a variety of lighting conditions.

It is known for its glossy, heart-shaped leaves that are typically variegated with yellow or white.

It can tolerate periods of drought, making it a great option for those who may forget to water their plants.

9. Heartleaf Philodendron (Philodendron cordatum)

Heartleaf Philodendron, also known as Philodendron cordatum, is a tropical plant that is native to Brazil.

It is known for its glossy, heart-shaped leaves and its ability to climb.

It is tolerant of low light conditions and infrequent watering, making them a great option for those who may not have a green thumb.

10. Jade Plant (Crassula ovata)

Jade Plant, also known as Crassula ovata, is a succulent that is native to South Africa.

It is known for its thick, fleshy leaves and its ability to store water, making it a great option for those who may forget to water their plants.

It prefers a sunny location and well-drained soil.

11. Parlor Palm (Chamaedorea elegans)

Parlor Palm, also known as Chamaedorea elegans, is a small, tropical palm that is native to Mexico.

It is known for its delicate, feathery fronds and its tolerance of low light conditions.

It prefers to be kept in a warm and humid environment and should be watered when the soil is dry to the touch.

12. Peperomia (Peperomia spp)

Peperomia is a genus of tropical plants that is known for its small, glossy leaves and its tolerance of low light conditions.

They prefer to be kept in a warm and humid environment and should be watered when the soil is dry to the touch.

13. Prayer Plant (Maranta leuconeura)

Prayer Plant, also known as Maranta leuconeura, is a tropical plant that is native to Brazil.

It is known for its beautiful, intricately patterned leaves and its habit of raising and lowering its leaves in response to light changes.

It prefers bright, indirect light and should be kept consistently moist but not waterlogged.

14. Rubber Plant (Ficus elastica)

Rubber Plant, also known as Ficus elastica, is a tropical plant that is native to India and Malaysia.

It is known for its glossy, dark green leaves and its ability to purify the air.

It prefers bright, indirect light and should be kept consistently moist but not waterlogged.

15. Snake Plant (Sansevieria trifasciata)

Snake Plant, also known as Sansevieria trifasciata, is a succulent that is native to West Africa.

It is known for its tall, stiff leaves and its ability to purify the air.

It is tolerant of low light conditions and infrequent watering, making it a great option for those who may not have a green thumb.

16. Spiderwort (Tradescantia spp)

Spiderwort is a genus of plants that is known for its beautiful, brightly colored flowers and its tolerance of low light conditions.

They prefer well-drained soil and should be watered when the soil is dry to the touch.

17. Swedish Ivy (Plectranthus australis)

Swedish Ivy, also known as Plectranthus australis, is a trailing plant that is native to South Africa.

It is known for its delicate, ivy-like leaves and its tolerance of low light conditions. It prefers well-drained soil and should be watered when the soil is dry to the touch.

18. Wandering Jew (Tradescantia zebrina)

Wandering Jew, also known as Tradescantia zebrina, is a trailing plant that is native to Mexico.

It is known for its beautiful, variegated leaves and its tolerance of low light conditions.

It prefers well-drained soil and should be watered when the soil is dry to the touch.

19. Warneckii (Dracaena Warneckii)

Warneckii, also known as Dracaena Warneckii, is a tropical plant that is known for its long, glossy green leaves and its tolerance of low light conditions.

It prefers to be kept in a warm and humid environment and should be watered when the soil is dry to the touch.

20. ZZ Plant (Zamioculcas zamiifolia)

ZZ Plant, also known as Zamioculcas zamiifolia, is a tropical plant that is native to East Africa.

It is known for its thick, glossy leaves and its ability to store water, making it a great option for those who may forget to water their plants.

It prefers a sunny location and well-drained soil.

Summary

In conclusion, indoor houseplants can be a wonderful addition to any home, but it's important to choose plants that are safe for our feline friends.

With the right care and attention, you can create a beautiful indoor garden that is not only safe for your cat but also beneficial for your health and overall well-being.

By choosing from the list of cat-safe plants we've provided, you can confidently bring some nature into your home without having to worry about your cat's safety.

Remember to always keep an eye on your cat's activities and habits when around plants, just in case they decide to have a taste of it. With this information, you'll be able to enjoy the benefits of indoor plants without any concerns about your feline companion.