Top 10 Plants That are Cat Friendly (With Pictures)

Bringing a cat into your home is a wonderful experience, but it also comes with a lot of responsibility. One of the most important things to consider when you have a cat is the safety of your furry friend. Cats are curious creatures and love to explore their surroundings, including the plants in your home. However, some plants can be toxic or harmful to cats if ingested, which can lead to serious health issues. As a responsible pet owner, it’s essential to know which plants are safe for your cat to be around. To help you out, we have compiled a list of the top 10 plants that are cat friendly:

1. Spider Plant (Chlorophytum comosum)

Spider plants are an excellent option for pet owners as they are not only visually appealing but also require minimal maintenance. With their long, slender leaves and pointed tips, these plants look stunning in a hanging planter or on top of a tall cabinet, making them an ideal choice for pet parents with curious cats who may want to nibble on plants.

While native to tropical regions, spider plants can easily adapt to indoor living in colder climates. To keep them healthy, it is important to plant them in a pot with good drainage, keep the soil moist, and place them in an area with indirect sunlight. This will help ensure that your spider plant thrives in its new home.

2. Ponytail Palm (Beaucarnea recurvata)

The Ponytail Palm, also known as the Elephant Foot Palm or Bottle Palm, is an evergreen houseplant that bears a striking resemblance to a ponytail with its long and draping leaves. Despite its name, this plant is not a true palm but rather a member of the agave family.

One of the best things about the Ponytail Palm is that it requires very little care, making it an ideal plant for busy pet parents. All it needs is bright but indirect light and a little water once the soil dries out. This plant can thrive in a variety of indoor environments, making it a great choice for people who want to find plants that are cat friendly.

The Ponytail Palm is not only low-maintenance, but it is also non-toxic to cats, so you won’t have to worry about your feline friend getting sick if they happen to nibble on the leaves. With its unique appearance and easy care requirements, the Ponytail Palm is a great addition to any cat-friendly household looking for a touch of greenery.

3. Money Tree – Most popular Cat Friendly Plant

The Money Tree, also known as Pachira aquatica, is a highly sought-after houseplant due to its unique braided trunk and reputation for bringing good luck and fortune. This plant is not only safe for cats, but it also adds a touch of beauty and charm to any cat-friendly household.

The Money Tree is native to Central and South America and can grow up to six feet tall indoors, making it an excellent statement piece. It’s also easy to care for, making it a perfect option for pet owners. The plant prefers indirect light and moderate watering, allowing the soil to dry out between watering sessions. Occasional misting during dry winter months can also increase humidity levels, keeping the plant healthy and vibrant.

In addition to its attractive appearance and low-maintenance requirements, the Money Tree has a rich history of superstition and symbolism. Many cultures believe that the plant can attract prosperity and abundance and bring good luck to its owners. Feng Shui practitioners, for instance, recommend placing a Money Tree in the southeast corner of the house to attract wealth and fortune.

4. Boston Fern (Nephrolepis exaltata)

The Boston fern is a popular houseplant that is known for being low-maintenance and cat friendly. One of the most critical factors to keep in mind when caring for this plant is that it requires a humid environment.

Depending on your home’s dryness and climate, you may need to run a humidifier or mist the fern’s leaves with water once a week to keep it healthy and happy. The added humidity may also be beneficial for your feline friend, who may appreciate a more comfortable living environment.

With its lush green foliage and easy care requirements, the Boston fern is an excellent choice for pet owners looking to add some greenery to their homes. Just ensure that it’s placed in an area with indirect light, and you’ll have thriving plants that ara cat friendly.

5. Prayer Plant (Maranta leuconeura)

The prayer plant, or Maranta leuconeura, is one of the most popular plants that are cat friendly. Its striking tricolor foliage is sure to add a touch of elegance to any room.

As the name suggests, this plant’s leaves fold up at night, resembling praying hands, which adds to its unique appeal. While it is easy to care for, it thrives in a moist and humid environment.

Therefore, it’s important to ensure that you keep the soil moist and mist the plant’s leaves with water regularly. This will help to maintain the prayer plant’s health and vibrancy, as well as create a more comfortable environment for your feline friend.

If you’re looking for a trendy and visually appealing plant that is also safe for your cat, then the prayer plant is an excellent choice. Just make sure to keep it in a spot with bright but indirect light, and you’ll have a thriving, cat-friendly addition to your home.

6. Cat Palm (Chamaedorea cataractarum)

The Cat Palm, or Chamaedorea cataractarum, is a popular houseplant that is both safe for cats and easy to care for. This plant features attractive green fronds that give it a tropical look and feel.

The cat palm prefers bright but indirect light, making it an ideal plant for areas of your home that receive filtered sunlight. It also requires consistent moisture, so make sure to water it regularly to keep the soil damp.

Aside from its low-maintenance care requirements, the cat palm is also safe for your feline friend. This means you won’t have to worry about any toxic substances harming your pet if they happen to nibble on the leaves or stalks.

With its tropical aesthetic and cat-friendly qualities, the cat palm is a great addition to any home. So, if you’re looking for a visually appealing plant that won’t pose any harm to your cat, the cat palm is definitely worth considering!

7. American Rubber Plant

If you’re looking for a low-maintenance plant to spruce up your small living space, the American rubber plant could be a great option. With its compact size and minimal water requirements, it’s perfect for those with a busy schedule or limited space.

However, it’s important to note that not all rubber plants are safe for pets. While American rubber plants are cat-friendly, some other species of rubber plants can be toxic to cats and dogs. Therefore, when researching and purchasing plants, it’s crucial to use the plant’s scientific name to ensure that it’s safe for your furry friend. Relying on common names can be misleading and potentially harmful.

Fortunately, American rubber plants are not only safe for cats, but they also make a great addition to any pet-friendly home. These plants have large, glossy leaves that add a touch of greenery and can help purify the air. They also come in a variety of colors, including dark green, burgundy, and variegated.

When caring for your American rubber plant, keep it in bright, indirect light and avoid placing it in direct sunlight. Allow the soil to dry out between waterings, as overwatering can lead to root rot. Finally, be sure to clean the leaves regularly to prevent dust buildup and keep the plant looking its best.

8. Air plant (Tillandsia)

Air plants, also known as Tillandsias, are a unique type of plant that can thrive without soil and with minimal roots. They naturally attach themselves to whatever is nearby in their environment, and at home, they can be affixed to various decorative objects, such as wood branches or terrariums.

The air plant is an excellent choice for pet owners as it’s non-toxic plant for cats and requires minimal care. These low-maintenance plants only need to be soaked in water once a month, making them an ideal option for busy cat parents. Additionally, they can add a unique and natural touch to any living space with their intriguing shapes and textures.

9. Bromeliad (Bromeliaceae) – Flower Plant Safe to Cats

Bromeliads are a diverse group of plants, with species that are native to environments ranging from high altitude forests to low lying deserts. Their adaptability and tolerance to various conditions make them great indoor plants that add a touch of color and texture to any space. In addition to being safe for cats, bromeliads are also air-purifying plants, making them a great choice for pet owners who are concerned about the air quality in their homes. With proper care, bromeliads can live for several years, making them a long-lasting and low-maintenance addition to your indoor garden.

10. Rosemary (Salvia rosmarinus)

Herbs can add not only flavor but also a touch of greenery to your home. However, it’s important to be cautious when it comes to your furry friends. While some herbs can be beneficial for cats, others can be harmful.

Rosemary is considered to be one of the safest herbs for cats, and it’s a popular choice among humans too. This woody herb is especially fragrant, which typically deters cats (and other pets) from even wanting to explore and nibble it. It’s very easy to grow and makes the perfect addition to a sunny kitchen.

Other cat-friendly herbs include catnip, cat thyme, and parsley. Not only are these herbs safe for cats, but they also provide some health benefits. Catnip, for example, can act as a natural stress-reliever for cats, while cat thyme is known to soothe upset stomachs.