Cat-Safe Plants: 10 Non-Toxic Houseplants That Keep Your Home Stylish and Your Feline Friends Safe

Houseplants safe for cats cover every style – trailing vines, upright palms, velvety leaves, even flowering types. Houseplants that are safe for cats forgive cat antics like batting leaves or occasional chewing. The options feel endless once toxicity is off the table.

Houseplants thrive with indirect light, moderate water, and average humidity. They bounce back from cat play better than delicate varieties. The peace of mind feels huge when a cat leaps into the foliage.

Here are some pet-safe houseplants that are perfect for cat owners.

1. Prayer Plant

Prayer plants (Maranta leuconeura) fold leaves up at night like praying hands, showing off patterned undersides in green, red, and cream. The plant stays low at 12 inches (30cm) tall. Perfect for tabletops or shelves where cats can brush past. The leaves feel soft and thin, moving with the slightest touch.

Indirect light and even moisture keep patterns sharp – water when the top inch dries. Humidity above 50% prevents crisp edges. The plant tolerates low light without complaint. Cats nibble tips sometimes, but no harm done. New leaves unfurl tight, then spread wide – the motion feels alive every evening. A maranta red prayer plant from The Sill will add a pop of color to your pet-safe plant collection.

2. Cast Iron Plant

The cast iron plant (Aspidistra elatior) earns its name – tough leaves in deep green stand upright, reaching 2 feet (60cm) tall. The plant fits dim corners or hallways where light barely reaches. The foliage feels leathery and stiff, shrugging off cat paws.

Low light and infrequent watering suit it – let soil dry halfway between drinks. The plant survives neglect like few others. Cats chew edges sometimes, but it grows back fast. New leaves emerge rolled up, then unfurl slowly – the growth feels steady and reliable. Find a gorgeous and sturdy cast iron plant from Lively Root.

3. Spider Plant

The spider plant (Chlorophytum comosum) trails with arching green-and-white striped leaves, sending out baby plantlets on long stems. The plant reaches 1–2 feet (30–60cm) wide. Perfect for hanging baskets where cats can bat the babies. The leaves feel grassy and flexible, bending under paws.

Bright indirect light keeps stripes sharp, but it handles low light without fading. Water when the top inch dries, letting soil go almost dry. The plant propagates from plantlets – root in water fast. Cats love chewing the tips, but no toxicity worries. The babies feel light and bouncy when dangling. The curly spider plant 'Bonnie' can be found at the Home Depot and offers a fresh take on a classic plant.

4. Peacock Plant

Calathea species like the peacock plant (Calathea makoyana) show off patterned leaves in green, purple, and silver that fold up at night. The plant stays 1–2 feet (30–60cm) tall. Perfect for tabletops where patterns catch light. The leaves feel thin and silky, moving with humidity changes.

Indirect light and consistent moisture keep colors vivid – water when the top inch dries. Humidity above 60 % prevents crisp edges. The plant tolerates low light but patterns dull. Cats nibble edges sometimes, but are safe all around. New leaves unfurl tight, then spread wide – the motion feels graceful every evening. Find a vibrant peacock plant from Lively Root.

5. Bromeliad

Bromeliads form rosettes with colorful bracts in red, pink, or orange that last months. The plant reaches 1–2 feet (30–60cm) tall. Perfect for shelves where the cup catches light. The leaves feel stiff and strap-like, holding water in the center.

Bright indirect light keeps bracts vivid, but it handles medium light. Water the central cup weekly, flushing old water. The plant tolerates dry air better than most. Cats drink from the cup sometimes, but no harm. New pups form at the base – separate once big enough. Bromeliad Red Guzmania ‘Hope’ from The Sill will add a wonderful pop of color to your home while keeping kitty safe.

6. Echeveria

Echeveria succulents form rosettes of plump leaves in blue-green or purple tones, staying 6–12 inches (15–30cm) wide. The succulent feels compact and geometric. Perfect for windowsills or dish gardens where cats can admire from afar. The leaves feel waxy and thick, holding water through dry spells.

Bright light keeps colors sharp, but it handles medium light. Water when soil dries fully – overwatering rots roots fast. The plant offsets pups for easy propagation. Cats knock pots sometimes, but no toxicity. The rosette feels tight and heavy when watered, loose when thirsty. Find a cute 4-pack echeveria collection from the Home Depot.

7. African Violet

African violets (Saintpaulia ionantha) bloom with fuzzy purple or pink flowers above rosettes of soft leaves, staying under 12 inches (30cm) wide. The plant fits small shelves or desks where flowers catch light. The leaves feel velvety and rounded, begging to be touched.

Indirect light keeps blooms coming – east windows work best. Water from bottom when soil feels dry to touch. The plant likes humidity but hates wet leaves. Cats nibble flowers sometimes, but is one of the houseplants safe for cats all around. New blooms open in clusters – the color feels cheerful against dark winters. The multicolor African violet from Lowe's is a unique take on a classic with its white and purple leaves.

8. Hoya

Hoya wax plants trail with waxy leaves in green or variegated, blooming star-shaped flowers that smell sweet. The plant reaches several feet long in baskets. Perfect for high shelves where vines can hang. The leaves feel thick and glossy, holding shape through dry periods.

Bright indirect light encourages flowers, but it handles low light. Water when soil dries halfway – the plant stores moisture in leaves. The vines feel heavy when full, light when thirsty. Cats chew leaves sometimes, but no toxicity. Flowers cluster in balls – the scent feels strong at night. Find Hoya Pubicalyx Green from The Sill.

9. Parlor Palm

The parlor palm brings feathery fronds in green, reaching 3–6 feet (90–180cm) tall. The plant fills floor corners with a tropical vibe. The fronds feel soft and arching, swaying with air movement.

Indirect light keeps fronds lush – low light works but growth slows. Water when the top inch dries, using room-temperature liquid. The plant likes humidity but tolerates average rooms. Cats hide under fronds sometimes, but are safe all around. New fronds unfurl tight, then spread wide – the growth feels graceful every time. A parlor palm from The Sill will add texture to any room of your house. You and kitty will love the frill fronds!

10. Boston Fern

Boston ferns cascade with feathery green fronds, reaching 2–3 feet (60–90cm) wide in baskets. The plant fills hanging spots with soft texture. The fronds feel delicate and lacy, moving with the slightest breeze.

Indirect light and consistent moisture keep fronds lush – water when the top inch dries. Humidity above 50% prevents brown tips. The plant divides easily for new starts. Cats nap under the lush fronds sometimes, but no toxicity. New fronds unfurl fuzzy, then spread wide – the growth feels fresh every spring. Find a lush Boston fern from the Home Depot.

There are cat-safe houseplants to suit any room, plant personality, and aesthetic. Try one of the wonderful options and see how they brighten your home while keeping little Tabby safe!