Cat-Safe Houseplants for International Cat Day
Don't let your curious (and sometimes destructive) feline friends keep you from your love of plants! You can have a thriving houseplant collection AND keep your cat safe by filling your home with non-toxic, ASPCA approved plants.
Cats are known for being curious creatures, often getting into things they shouldn't. It is recommended to keep all plants out of reach of cats, but this is not always possible. To ensure your cats are going to be safe, browse our list of cat-safe houseplants before deciding which plants to add to your home.
All cats react differently to plants and it is important to keep in mind that ingesting any plant material is likely to lead to vomiting and diarrhea in cats. Always contact your veterinarian if you are concerned about your cat's behavior, especially after ingesting plant material.
1. Ponytail Palm
Beaucarnea recurvata
Add a playful Ponytail Palm into your home! These air purifying plants do great in a wide range of lighting conditions, and their bulbous trunk helps store water. Ponytail Palm is a great pet-safe, low-maintenance plant to bring some life to your space.
2. Lemon Lime Prayer Plant
Maranta leuconeura
This beautifully striped plant adds tons of personality to a home! Great for low and medium light. The name prayer plant comes from this plant's ability to fold it's leaves up at night like hands in prayer!
3. Pink Splash Plant
Hypoestes phyllostachya
Who doesn't love a pink plant? Pink Splash plant is a cute and compact variety that does great on a sunny windowsill. Make sure to give this plant plenty of water and humidity to maintain it's eye-catching colors!
4. Haworthia
Haworthia species
Haworthia is a variety of succulent plant often characterized by 'zebra stripes' on it's spiky leaves. Drought tolerant, and can thrive in a wide range of lighting conditions, this compact pet-safe plant is great for a beginner!
5. Money tree
Pachira aquatica
Money Tree is notable for it's braided trunks. Often considered to bring good luck and fortune into a space, this plant is also safe for pets! Money Trees are easy going, just provide with indirect bright to medium light.
6. Victoria Bird's-nest Fern
Asplenium antiquum 'Victoria'
With it's wavy-edged leaves, Victoria Bird's-nest Fern brings a playful energy into your space! Most ferns are safe for pets, and there is no exception here. Place this plant in an area with high humidity and keep the soil moist for best growth.
7. Peperomia 'Stilt'
Peperomia puteolata
This unique Peperomia variety features bright red stems and striped leaves, reminiscent of watermelons. Peperomia 'Stilt' is a great plant for a bright window, as it loves indirect bright light.
8. Neanthe Bella Palm
Chamaedorea elegans
Neanthe Bella Palm, also called Parlor Palm, is known for it's air purification abilities, and is also safe for pets! This miniature palm is perfect for a windowsill or tabletop where it can get indirect bright light.
9. Spider Plant
Chlorophytum comosum
Spider plants are well-known pet friendly plants! Their fun and spiky growth often entices pets to play with them, but won't harm them when they do. This is a great plant for hanging in a sunny window!
10. Calathea 'Beauty Star'
Calathea ornata
Not only are all Calathea varieties safe for pets, but they are gorgeous to look at as well! Calathea 'Beaty Star' features elegent leaves with bright pink striping backed by shades of green. Place in a humid area for best growth!
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