What Plants Are Safe for Cats?

Here are a few plants to brighten up your home or yard that are non-toxic to cats

Keep in mind that eating any plant can still cause some gastrointestinal (GI) upset. In fact, many cats will chew on grass to assist them in vomiting due to nausea.

If you notice your cat chewing on plants or grass out of the blue, and that isn’t something typical for them to do, consider contacting your vet in case there is an underlying GI problem. Having said that, some cats and dogs enjoy a nice healthy side of grass with their daily meals, without pre-existing nausea, and vomiting.

1. African Violet, Saintpaulia spp., Family Gesneriaceae

• a.k.a. Cape Marigold
• About 20 species and thousands of hybrids

2. American Rubber Plant, Peperomia obtusifolia, Family Pipericeae

• a.k.a. Pepper Face, Baby Rubber Plant
• More than 1000 species

3. Boston Fern, Nephrolepis exalta bostoniensis, Family Dryopteridaceae

• a.k.a. Sword Fern
• Can grow 3 feet tall

4. Blue Echeveria, Echeveria glauca, Family Crassulaceae

• a.k.a. Maroon Chenille, Painted Lady, Copper Rose, Wax Rosette, Plush Plant, Hen, and Chicks
• Can grow up to 8 inches tall
• Blooms small bell-shaped, orange, yellow, and pink flowers in Summer
• Blooms can last several weeks

5. Cast Iron Plant, Aspidistra elatior, Family Liliaceae

• a.k.a. Bar-room Plant, Iron Plant, Variegated Cast Iron Plant
• Native to Japan and Taiwan
• Note: many plants from this family ARE toxic to cats

6. Christmas Cactus, Schlumbergera bridgesii, Family Cactaceae

• a.k.a. Easter Cactus, Holiday Cactus
• Native to Brazil
• Blooms in December

7. Donkey’s Tail, Sedum morganianum, Family Crassulaceae

• a.k.a. Horse’s Tail, Burro’s Tail, Lamb’s Tail
• Native to southern Mexico
• Rarely blooms indoors
• Succulent

8. Gerbera Daisy, Gerbera jamesonii, Family Compositae

• a.k.a. Transvaal Daisy, African Daisy, Veldt Daisy, Gerber Daisy, Barberton Daisy
• Can grow 2 feet tall
• Blooms any time of year when indoors
• Blooms can last 4-6 weeks

9. Parlor Palm, Chamaedorea elegans, Family Palmae

• a.k.a. Miniature Fish Tail Dwarf Palm, Good Luck Palm, Bamboo Palm
• Slow growth even with sunlight
• May take years to reach 3-4 feet (full height)
• Note: many palms ARE toxic to cats

10. Phalaenopsis Orchid, Phalaenopsis sp., Family Orchidaceae

• a.k.a. Moth Orchid, Moon Orchid, Butterfly Orchid, Phals
• Flowers can last 3+ months
• More than 50 species and hundreds of hybrids

11. Spider Plant, Chlorophytum comosum, Family Liliaceae

• a.k.a. Ribbon Plant, Anthericum, Spider Ivy
• Grows 60 cm tall
• Removes formaldehyde, xylene, and toluene from the air
• Note: many plants from this family ARE toxic to cats

Read more:

What plants are toxic to dogs?

What Plants Are Dangerous for Cats?

Poisonous Plants for Dogs and Cats: Oleander

Need to speak with a veterinarian regarding safe plants for your cat or another condition?

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