31 Cat-Friendly Plants That Are Safe for Your Furry Friend

• Scientific Name: Hibiscus rosa-sinensis, Hibiscus syriacus
• Height: 3-10 feet
• Sunlight: Full
• Water: Daily, or enough to keep soil moist

If you live in the tropics, plant some directly into your garden. Otherwise, keep potted version outdoors during the summer months and bring them inside in the winter.

Care Instructions

When watering, you want to drench this plant, but scale back when the plant is dormant. You should also let the topsoil dry before watering again. Keep this cat-friendly plant in full sun with a good amount of humidity—the bathroom is an ideal indoor spot.

• Scientific Name: Impatiens varieties
• Height: 8-15 inches
• Sunlight: Indirect
• Water: Daily

Charmingly known as Touch-Me-Not, impatiens are excellent balcony, walkway and window box plants. They offer bright, cheerful colors and, as long as they get plenty of water, will bloom continuously. They are easy to grow from seeds and will need moist, well-drained soil to thrive. If you choose this route, it will take about two weeks for the seedlings to sprout.

Care Instructions

Water every day to keep these babies blooming. If possible, place them in indirect sunlight, though these are great outdoor plants. So, if you can’t find a semi-shady spot, water a ton to ensure they don’t dry out.

• Scientific Name: Rosa varieties
• Height: see specific variety
• Sunlight: see specific variety
• Water: see specific variety

If you’re considering giving a friend (or yourself) a congratulatory bouquet, you can’t go wrong with roses. Non-toxic to both cats and dogs, it’s a safer option than lilies or daisies. Rose bushes are also excellent for outdoor gardens.

Care Instructions

With so many types of roses in the Rosa family (including Albertine, Adelaide d'Orléans and Aloha), be sure to research the specific best care practices for your selected variety. Cut roses tend to need fresh water every couple days and warm, direct sun. Rose bushes need about six hours of direct sun per day and plenty of water directly on the soil.

• Scientific Name: Helianthus annuus
• Height: 3-10 feet
• Sunlight: Full
• Water: Every 3-5 days

Nothing says “happiness” like a bouquet of sunflowers on the dining room table. Even a single yellow blossom can improve a space. (Just be sure you’re buying the real deal and not a daisy in sheep’s clothing. Daisies are toxic to kitties.) Outdoor sunflowers can take any garden from “blah” to “wow!”

Care Instructions

True to their name, this plant requires full sun, but otherwise is a low-maintenance flower. Allow one to two inches of topsoil to dry between waterings, but also take your queue from the flower. (Drooping means they’re thirsty.) This plant is tolerant of all soil types but will really shine in well-draining soil rich in organic materials.

• Scientific Name: Tillandsia varieties
• Height: 2 inches
• Sunlight: Filtered,
• Water: soak for 20 minutes 1x/week

If you don’t have air plants yet, you’re missing out. They look delicate but are easy to take care of—just soak them in water every week or two. Experiment with terrariums, hanging planters, and tablescapes to elevate your space. They add a touch of green to any space and because they don’t need tons of light you can put them just about anywhere.

Care Instructions

Air plants are very low maintenance. Simply soak them in water for 20 minutes once per week or every other week to keep them happy. They thrive in filtered, low light.

• Scientific Name: Calathea orbifolia
• Height: 2 feet
• Sunlight: Bright, indirect
• Water: 1-2 weeks

This cat-friendly plant is non-toxic and will put on a little show. The leaves of the Calathea Prayer Plant will follow sunlight, fanning out during the day and closing at night, like a pair of hands. We also love that the backs of many leaves are plum-colored, which adds a little zest to the greenery.

Care Instructions

To thrive, it needs moist soil and watering every one to two weeks, plus bright, indirect light.

• Scientific Name: Calathea lancifolia
• Height: 12-15 inches
• Sunlight: Indirect to low  
• Water: Enough to keep soil moist

The Calathea family is all about texture and vibrancy. The rattlesnake plant’s crinkly leaves make it a unique addition to your indoor garden and its low-maintenance factor makes it a nice addition to your schedule.

Care Instructions

If possible, keep rattlesnake plants in humid environments like bathrooms. Water once every week or two to keep soil moist and place in low light.

• Scientific Name: Calathea makoyana
• Height: 2 feet
• Sunlight: Low to medium indirect light
• Water: Enough to keep soil moist

Noticing a pattern here? Calathea plants check all the necessary boxes: safe for cats and air-purifying with a unique look and feel. This just may be our new favorite plant. The varying greens on each leaf also add depth to this plant that can grow up to two feet tall.

Care Instructions

Water only as much as necessary to keep the soil moist. Place in low to medium, indirect sunlight.

• Scientific Name: Guzmania lingulata
• Height: 14-18 inches
• Sunlight: Indirect
• Water: When the soil is dry 2 inches down

For a plant that’s known for being drought-tolerant, the Bromeliad blooms gorgeous flowers and long leaves. This one loves sunlight and can grow up to 20 inches tall, though there are smaller varieties available. Keep an eye on the soil and be sure to water the plant when you notice the topsoil getting dry. It also loves the humidity, so if you have a sunny bathroom, this plant is an ideal decoration.

Care Instructions

Scarlet Star Bromeliads can be a little finicky. Their centers need to have water in them at all times, but let the soil dry out before watering it directly (usually every week or two). They need bright, indirect sunlight.

• Scientific Name: Peperomia clusiifolia
• Height: 12 inches
• Sunlight: Indirect
• Water: 1-2 weeks

Unassuming in size, the Peperomia Ginny is super resilient and can survive in many different climates making it a great plant for beginners. It’s non-toxic and does best in indirect light. Browning leaves indicates burning, so if you notice this, move your plant away from the light source. Alternatively, the Peperomia Ginny can get needed rays via florescent or LED grow lights.

Care Instructions

Indirect sunlight is best, as direct, bright light can scorch the leaves. Water once every week to two weeks, making sure the soil is dry a few inches down. Spritz often or let it live in a humid environment.

• Scientific Name: Platycerium bifurcatum
• Height: 2-3 feet
• Sunlight: Partial, indirect
• Water: Every 1-2 weeks

Some ferns are non-toxic to cats and dogs, while others could be poisonous. That’s why it’s important to check both the common name (like Staghorn Fern) and the scientific name (like Platycerium bifurcatum). In terms of maintenance, these guys are pretty easy going—with enough sunlight and water every one to two weeks, these wavy ferns will thrive.

Care Instructions

If possible, keep your staghorn fern somewhere humid. Water once the soil gets dry (every one to two weeks) and let it live inside or outside in partial sunlight.

• Scientific Name: Nephrolepis exaltata
• Height: 2-3 feet
• Sunlight: Partial
• Water: Weekly

The Boston fern is like the BFF you can call at 2 a.m., no questions asked, and they’ll talk as long as you need. In a word: reliable. They fill a space nicely with their long, bursting leaves and look great in hanging planters.

Care Instructions

This cat-friendly plant loves warm, humid environments and avoids temperature extremes. Misting is essential if you live in a dry region, and the soil should be lightly moist but not soggy. You can plant them outdoors if you live in a consistent, humid climate. 

• Scientific Name: Asplenium nidus
• Height: 3-5 feet tall
• Sunlight: Partial, indirect
• Water: Enough to keep the soil moist

This crimpy-leaved fern loves indirect sunlight, humidity and water. It almost looks like a pointier, fancier version of kale, except it won’t harm your cat if she takes a nibble. Avoid watering at the center as it may cause mold. A healthy Bird’s Nest Fern can grow as tall as five feet, so re-pot accordingly if your plant outgrows its container.

Care Instructions

Hot, direct sunlight is bad for Bird’s Nest Ferns. Keep them in semi-shade or partial sunlight. Water regularly to keep the soil moist, but not soggy.

• Scientific Name: Nephrolepis obliterata
• Height: 2-3 feet
• Sunlight: Partial, indirect
• Water: Up to 3x/week

Like royalty, it looks as though the Kimberly Queen Fern is wearing a crown. Unlike royalty, this princess is low maintenance and prefers staying out of the spotlight (i.e., bright sunshine). The only thing to keep tabs on is the water—if you have hard water (lots of salt, fluorine, chlorine), you may need to switch to filtered when watering the fern. Like most ferns, these make great hanging plants!

Care Instructions

Water up to three times each week to keep Kimberly Queen Ferns super hydrated (but make sure they have adequate drainage). Place in partial, indirect sunlight.

• Scientific Name: Haworthiopsis attenuata
• Height: 3-5 inches
• Sunlight: Full to partial
• Water: When top inch of soil is dry

These spiky, cacti-looking monsters are perfect alternatives to aloe plants. And they can also go for several weeks without water in case you’re the type of person who tends to forget to take care of your greenery (raises hand).

Care Instructions

This cat-friendly plant needs a bright (but not direct) light source and good drainage. Water it when the top inch of soil turns dry, but don’t let the water sit in the plant—this will lead to rot.

• Scientific Name: Chlorophytum comosum
• Height: 1-2 feet
• Sunlight: Partial, indirect
• Water: Enough to keep soil lightly moist

Spider plants are the gifts that keep on giving. If they grow too big for their planters and spill over the sides, simply trim them and replant the new clippings. Voila! More plants. To care for a spider plant, be careful of overwatering as it is susceptible to root rot.

Care Instructions

Spider plants prefer distilled or filtered water and rainwater because they’re sensitive to chlorine and fluoride. Pot in loose, well-draining soil and keep it the soil moist. These thrive in gentle, indirect light.

• Scientific Name: Chamaedorea seifrizii
• Height: 4-12 feet
• Sunlight: Partial, indirect
• Water: When top third of soil feels dry

If you’re looking for a luscious plant that can take up a lot of space, look no further. Bamboo Palms grow up to around twelve feet tall and can turn a bland space into a miniature jungle. The beauty of these plants beyond their tall, green leaves, is that they can live even in darker spaces. So if you’re a midwesterner with cloudy winters, try spicing things up with a bamboo palm.

Care Instructions

Surprisingly, bamboo palms work well in low light. Too much direct, bright light can scorch their leaves. They thrive in moist, humid environments, but don't tolerate sitting water well, which leads to root rot. Be sure to give the palm good drainage, and water it when the top third of the soil is dry.

• Scientific Name: Chamaedorea elegans
• Height: 2-6 feet
• Sunlight: Bright, indirect
• Water: When top inch of soil is dry

Parlor Palms only grow up to two feet tall, but these impressive plants feel much larger. They’re like miniature explosions of greenery—and a great compromise between a large bamboo palm and a tiny spider plant. The palm is relatively easy-going but be sure not to waterlog it.

Care Instructions

Parlor palms like bright but indirect light. Don’t overwater - wait until the top inch of soil is dry and then water evenly. You’ll know it’s thirsty if the leaves start to turn yellow.

• Scientific Name: Ravenea rivularis
• Height: 10-100 feet
• Sunlight: Partial
• Water: Enough to keep soil evenly moist

Bow down to the Majesty Palm, a palm from Madagascar that grows several feet tall. Its fronds are also concentrated towards the top of the plant, so even though it’s safe for cats, they’ll have trouble reaching up that high if they want to snack. As the name might suggest, the Majesty Palm is a little bit picky—the lower leaves will begin to drop off if it doesn’t have enough water and will bleach or stretch if lacking adequate light. This may not be the best palm for beginners.

Care Instructions

Provide lots of bright light, but not direct, hot light. Water just enough to keep the soil evenly moist without overdoing it. Spritz often or place near a humidifier to make sure it gets the moisture it craves. 

• Scientific Name: Maranta leuconeura
• Height: 6-12 inches
• Sunlight: Partial, indirect
• Water: Whenever topsoil is dry

Ideal in low to bright indirect sunlight, these striped plants add heaps of personality to a space. In terms of care, don’t ignore them, but don’t hover; they like their independence. As they grow, their leaves lean in towards the sunlight, which can cause variations in height.

Care Instructions

Keep the topsoil moist—this plant doesn’t tolerate drought, though you need to avoid sitting water because it can cause fungal issues. You’ll know if you have an over- or under-watering problem because the plant’s leaves will turn yellow and begin to fall. Place in partial, indirect light.

• Scientific Name: Pachira aquatica
• Height: 6-8 feet
• Sunlight: Bright, indirect
• Water: When soil is dry

Money doesn’t grow on trees, but this is the next best thing. This cat-friendly plant is adorable, stands several feet tall, and has air-purifying properties. Money trees can start small, but quickly grow to six feet or more with good light and humidity levels. Re-pot as necessary to avoid stunting their growth (if you plant them outside, they can become enormous).

Care Instructions

If you tend to overwater plants, this one will thrive under your care, as it requires deep watering. (But it also needs good drainage.) It will do well in any amount of indirect light, but the more light it receives, the faster it will grow.

• Scientific Name: Hypoestes phyllostachya
• Height: 1-2 feet
• Sunlight: Partial
• Water: When the topsoil is dry

Not only is the Polka Dot Plant non-toxic for your four-legged roommate, but it’s also pretty to look at. We love the pinkish hue of the leaves because it adds a warmth to our homes without a bouquet of flowers. It doesn’t get too big, either, making it a perfect centerpiece or bedroom accent.

Care Instructions

Keep its soil moist, make sure it gets partial bright to medium light and watch it bloom into a beautiful mound.

• Scientific Name: Rhapis excelsa
• Height: 6-15 feet
• Sunlight: Partial, indirect
• Water: When first inch of topsoil is dry

It may be lanky in structure, but don’t sleep on the Rhapis Palm. This particular houseplant is not only easy to take care of, but it can also remove harmful pollutants in the air. They grow super slowly, but if cared for well, over several years it can grow up to 15 feet tall!

Care Instructions

Make sure there is ample drainage and that the potting soil is made specifically for this palm. It is drought tolerant once mature. A good rule of thumb is to water when the first inch of topsoil feels dry during spring and summer. In the winter and fall, you can wait until the first two inches feel dry before giving it water. Partial, indirect sunlight is best.

• Scientific Name: Aspidistra elatior
• Height: 2-3 feet
• Sunlight: Partial, indirect
• Water: When soil feels dry

This is perhaps the perfect house plant for a cat owner. It requires very little attention (in fact, its name alludes to how much neglect it can handle), adds subtle personality to a room and requires an occasional grooming sesh (wiping down the large green leaves). Remind you of anyone you know?

Care Instructions

When caring for Cast Iron Plants, you want to give established plants deep watering. However, avoid soggy soil, which leads to root rot. This cat-friendly plant has a little drought tolerance, but a good rule is if you stick your finger in the dirt and it’s dry, it’s time to pour it a drink. Leave it in partial, indirect sunlight to avoid drying it out.

• Scientific Name: Peperomia obtusifolia
• Height: up to 12 inches
• Sunlight: Partial
• Water:  Every 1-2 weeks

Not only is the American rubber plant non-toxic to felines, but it can remove toxins from the air. When shopping, be sure to go with the American version, rather than the Indian Rubber Plant, which is actually part of the fig family.

Care Instructions

To thrive, this cat-friendly plant requires indirect light, as being in full sun can burn the leaves. You should also err on the side of under-watering, as it doesn’t like standing water. You can wait until the first few inches of topsoil are dry before tipping the watering can.

• Scientific Name: Epiphyllum anguliger
• Height: 6 inches
• Sunlight: Partial
• Water: Regularly

Also known as Zig Zag cactus, this plant gets its name from the funky shape of its leaves. They almost look like something out of The Little Mermaid. Unlike many other types of cacti, this one looks stunning in a hanging planter.

Care Instructions Fishbone cacti flourish in moist conditions, so pop them in your bathroom or kitchen where they can bask in any steam that’s generated. They also need more water than your average desert cactus and are sensitive to hard water. Give them a drink when you notice the top two or three inches of soil have gone dry and use distilled water if necessary. Partial light is best.

• Scientific Name: Peperomia argyreia
• Height: 12 inches
• Sunlight: Partial, indirect
• Water:

Oval-shaped, with dark-green striped leaves and red stems, this plant resembles a watermelon to the tee. While it won’t bear fruit for your home, it’s non-toxic to your cat and it can remove toxins from the air.

Care Instructions

This cat-friendly plant can be a little temperamental and sensitive to over- or under-watering. Let the first two inches of soil dry, and then give it a good dousing. Be sure to also keep it out of direct sunlight, lest the leaves start to burn. But, if you notice the stems getting long and the leaves shrinking, this means it needs more light.

• Scientific Name: Beaucarnea recurvata
• Height: 6-8 feet
• Sunlight: 6-8 hours direct, daily
• Water: 1x/week

The Ponytail Palm brings a slice of paradise into your living room. Resembling a palm tree, this is a cat-friendly plant that’s easy to care for. Also referred to as the “elephant foot palm” for its texture resembling the animal’s skin, the Ponytail Palm is a great container plant, suitable for sitting on tables and countertops.

Care Instructions

Ponytail palms need six to eight hours of direct sunlight every day. After watering two to three times a week when it’s young, scale back to watering once per week to keep it hydrated when it’s mature. If needed, you can use a palm-specific fertilizer.

• Scientific Name: Echeveria lilacina
• Height: 2-24 inches
• Sunlight: full sun
• Water: Every 7-10 days

If you’re a succulent lover and a cat parent, steer clear of jade and aloe. Instead, stock up on the blue-gray hued Echeveria, which is also a great choice for new plant parents, as it is low-maintenance. It requires about a cup of water approximately every seven to ten days, but it’s always best to err on the side of under-watering, as rot root is prevalent when the succulent is overwatered. You’ll know the plant is thirsty if the leaves begin to wrinkle. Make sure that it’s in a sunny location, too, as lack of sunlight will make your plant leggy.

Care Instructions

Echeveria love full, direct sunlight for up to six hours per day. They can happily live outside in warm months as long as they get some shade when the temperature rises. Water every week to ten days, making sure the soil is totally dry before watering.

• Scientific Name: Trachycarpus fortunei
• Height: 30-50 feet
• Sunlight: Full to partial
• Water: Enough to keep soil lightly moist

Talk about a tall drink of water! This stunner can grow up to eight feet tall but is less cumbersome than the Bamboo Palm. The fronds are said to “weep” and droop, giving it a wide girth and impressive presence. It’s native to tropical climates, so care for it accordingly. Or, plant outside if you live in a hot, humid, sunny place.

Care Instructions

The Chinese Palm Plant needs direct sunlight but when hot, shade is preferable. Keep the soil lightly moist and do not overwater at the risk of root rot. More mature plants have a little drought tolerance but be generous with water in hot weather. On the other hand, in colder weather, you can let the soil dry out before watering, as the plant is dormant.

• Scientific Name: Puya alpestris
• Height: Up to 4 feet
• Sunlight: Full to partial
• Water: 1x/week

For a little bit of pizazz, pick up a Sapphire Tower Bromeliad. With richly colored rosettes and textured leaves, it’s sure to garner compliments. These can be planted outdoors in the right conditions (climates that stay above 25 degrees Fahrenheit).

Care Instructions

Be sure to plant Sapphire Tower Bromeliads in well-draining soil and give them plenty of sun. This plant is drought tolerant but welcomes regular watering - about once per week.