Choosing indoor plants when you share your home with cats means navigating a surprisingly long list of common species that are toxic to felines — lilies, pothos, philodendron, peace lily, and snake plant among them. The good news is that the non-toxic list is equally long, and it includes many genuinely beautiful, easy-care houseplants that work in every room.
Every plant in this guide has been verified as non-toxic to cats by the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center, the most authoritative source on pet plant safety. For each entry you’ll find the common name, Latin name, the ASPCA safety confirmation, a brief care summary, and a photo caption so you know exactly what you’re buying.
Whether you’re looking for a low-light statement plant, a trailing shelf filler, or a flowering accent, this list of cat safe indoor plants covers 20 verified options across a range of sizes, care levels, and growing conditions.
Why the ASPCA List Is the Standard Reference
The ASPCA’s toxic and non-toxic plant database is maintained by their Animal Poison Control Center — the same team that handles over 400,000 animal poisoning cases per year. Each plant on their non-toxic list has been reviewed for systemic safety; the designation means the plant contains no compounds known to cause serious illness in cats if ingested in normal amounts.
“Non-toxic” doesn’t mean cats should eat plants freely — large quantities of any plant material can cause mild GI upset simply due to fibre and novelty. But a cat that nibbles an African violet or a Boston fern is not at meaningful risk, which is the key distinction from genuinely dangerous plants like lilies (which can cause acute kidney failure in cats from even small exposures).
When in doubt about any plant not on this list, the ASPCA Poison Control hotline is available at (888) 426-4435.
20 Cat Safe Indoor Plants: ASPCA-Verified Picks
1. African Violet (Saintpaulia ionantha)
ASPCA Status: Non-Toxic to Cats, Dogs, and Horses.
African violets are compact flowering houseplants that bloom in purple, pink, white, and bicolour varieties nearly year-round under the right conditions. They’re one of the few flowering plants on the ASPCA’s safe list, making them an excellent choice for adding colour to cat-friendly rooms.
Care: Bright indirect light (east or north-facing windowsill is ideal); avoid direct sun, which scorches the fuzzy leaves. Water from below by placing the pot in a saucer of water for 20–30 minutes, then draining — wet foliage causes rot spots. Prefers temperatures of 65–75°F and moderate humidity. Feed with a low-nitrogen fertiliser formulated for African violets every 2–4 weeks during active growth.
Photo caption: African violet in a small terracotta pot showing purple blooms above dark green scalloped leaves.
2. Spider Plant (Chlorophytum comosum)
ASPCA Status: Non-Toxic to Cats and Dogs.
Spider plants are among the most forgiving houseplants available — fast-growing, air-purifying (per NASA’s Clean Air Study), and safe for cats. They produce long arching leaves and, when happy, send out “spiderettes” — baby plantlets on hanging runners that can be propagated easily in water.
Care: Adaptable to a wide range of light conditions from low to bright indirect. Water moderately, allowing the top inch of soil to dry between waterings. Tolerates occasional neglect well. Avoid fluoride in tap water, which can cause brown leaf tips — use filtered or rainwater if this is an issue. Will thrive in a hanging basket where the runners can dangle freely.
Photo caption: Spider plant in a hanging terracotta pot with long green-and-cream striped leaves and baby plantlets trailing below.
3. Boston Fern (Nephrolepis exaltata bostoniensis)
ASPCA Status: Non-Toxic to Cats.
Boston ferns are lush, feathery plants that bring a classic indoor jungle aesthetic to any space. They’re safe for cats and are a better choice than many other fern relatives — some of which (asparagus fern in particular) are toxic to cats. Boston ferns excel in bathrooms and kitchens where ambient humidity is naturally higher.
Care: Bright indirect light; shade-tolerant but grows faster with more light. High humidity is essential — mist regularly, use a pebble tray with water, or run a humidifier nearby. Keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Feed monthly in spring and summer with a balanced liquid fertiliser. Will droop noticeably when thirsty — a reliable watering indicator.
Photo caption: Boston fern with arching bright green fronds spilling over the edges of a hanging woven basket.
4. Areca Palm (Dypsis lutescens)
ASPCA Status: Non-Toxic to Cats, Dogs, and Horses.
The areca palm is one of the best large cat-safe indoor plants available. Its feathery, arching fronds create a tropical feel, and it’s a genuinely effective air humidifier — releasing significant moisture through transpiration. It’s a strong alternative to the ubiquitous (but toxic-to-cats) Dracaena or snake plant for anyone wanting a bold statement plant.
Care: Bright indirect light; will tolerate lower light but grows more slowly. Water moderately, allowing the top inch to dry between waterings; reduce watering in winter. Sensitive to fluoride and salts — use filtered or distilled water if brown leaf tips appear. Feed monthly in spring and summer. Will reach 6–7 feet indoors over several years.
Photo caption: Tall areca palm in a light terracotta floor pot with slender golden-green arching fronds filling a bright living room corner.
5. Parlor Palm (Chamaedorea elegans)
ASPCA Status: Non-Toxic to Cats, Dogs, and Horses.
The parlor palm is the most shade-tolerant of the cat-safe palms and one of the most reliable low-light houseplants overall. It stays relatively compact — usually reaching 3–4 feet indoors — and has a narrow footprint that works well in corners and beside furniture. It’s been a popular Victorian parlour plant for good reason: it simply gets on with growing without drama.
Care: Low to bright indirect light; one of the few palms that genuinely thrives in low-light conditions. Allow the top inch of soil to dry between waterings. Avoid overwatering — root rot is the main risk. Mist occasionally or wipe fronds with a damp cloth to remove dust. Very slow-growing, which means it won’t need repotting often.
Photo caption: Parlor palm in a dark geometric pot on an indoor shelf, with elegant narrow green fronds fanning outward.
6. Bamboo Palm (Chamaedorea seifrizii)
ASPCA Status: Non-Toxic to Cats, Dogs, and Horses.
The bamboo palm is closely related to the parlor palm but has a more clustered, bamboo-like stem structure. It grows taller than the parlor palm and is equally tolerant of lower light, making it a good option for hallways and rooms without direct sunlight. Like other chamaedoreas, it’s safe for cats and effective at adding a lush, green tropical presence without any toxicity risk.
Care: Low to medium indirect light. Keep soil evenly moist during the growing season, reducing slightly in winter. Prefers humidity above 40% — mist regularly in dry indoor environments. Will appreciate a monthly liquid feed during spring and summer. Avoid direct sun, which can scorch fronds.
Photo caption: Bamboo palm in a terracotta floor pot showing clustered slender stems and arching feathery fronds.
7. Phalaenopsis Orchid (Phalaenopsis spp.)
ASPCA Status: Non-Toxic to Cats.
Phalaenopsis orchids — commonly called moth orchids — are the most widely sold flowering houseplant globally, and they’re completely safe for cats. A single plant can rebloom for months, and with the right care will produce repeat bloom spikes year after year. Their elegant flowers in white, pink, purple, and spotted varieties make them a premium-feeling addition to any cat-friendly home.
Care: Bright indirect light — an east-facing windowsill is ideal. Water once a week by running water through the pot and allowing it to drain completely; never leave sitting in water. Use a bark-based orchid potting mix, not regular soil. After blooms drop, cut the spike to just above a node to encourage a second flush. Feed with a diluted balanced liquid orchid fertiliser every 2 weeks during active growth.
Photo caption: White Phalaenopsis orchid in a frosted glass pot on a windowsill, with three open blooms on an arching stem.
8. Prayer Plant (Maranta leuconeura)
ASPCA Status: Non-Toxic to Cats, Dogs, and Horses.
Prayer plants are named for the way their leaves fold upward at night, resembling hands in prayer. They’re strikingly patterned — typically featuring deep green leaves with red veins and silvery-green centres — and make excellent cat-safe options for shelves and tabletops. The movement of their leaves is a genuine talking point for any visitor.
Care: Medium to bright indirect light; will tolerate low light but the vivid variegation becomes less pronounced. Keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged; prefers filtered or distilled water as it’s sensitive to fluoride. High humidity suits them — a bathroom or kitchen location works well. Mist regularly or use a pebble tray. Feed monthly in spring and summer.
Photo caption: Prayer plant in a small terracotta pot showing oval leaves patterned with deep green, silver, and red-veined markings.
9. Christmas Cactus (Schlumbergera bridgesii)
ASPCA Status: Non-Toxic to Cats.
The Christmas cactus is a succulent that blooms reliably around the winter holiday season in shades of red, pink, white, and orange. Unlike desert cacti, it originates from the tropical rainforests of Brazil and actually prefers more humidity and indirect light than typical succulents. It’s a long-lived plant — some specimens are passed down through generations — and is completely safe for cats.
Care: Bright indirect light year-round; needs a period of cooler temperatures (50–55°F) and 12–14 hours of darkness for 6 weeks in autumn to trigger blooming. Water moderately, allowing the top inch to dry between waterings. Increase humidity during the growing season. Avoid moving the plant once buds form — temperature or light changes at this stage cause bud drop.
Photo caption: Christmas cactus in a hanging terracotta pot with flattened segmented stems and bright pink tubular flowers at the tips.
10. Haworthia (Haworthia spp.)
ASPCA Status: Non-Toxic to Cats.
Haworthias are small, rosette-forming succulents with pointed, often patterned leaves. They look similar to aloe vera but are not in the same genus — and critically, they’re safe for cats (aloe vera is toxic). This makes haworthia one of the best desk and windowsill succulents for cat owners who want the architectural look of a succulent without the toxicity risk.
Care: Bright indirect light; tolerates lower light better than most succulents, which makes it a good option for spaces away from windows. Water sparingly — allow soil to dry completely between waterings, reduce further in winter. Well-draining cactus potting mix is essential. Does not need frequent feeding — once or twice a year during spring is sufficient.
Photo caption: Haworthia fasciata in a small terracotta pot showing a compact rosette of dark green leaves with white horizontal bands.
11. Peperomia (Peperomia spp.)
ASPCA Status: Non-Toxic to Cats.
Peperomias are a huge genus of compact houseplants with an enormous variety of leaf shapes, textures, and colours. Watermelon peperomia (P. argyreia), baby rubber plant (P. obtusifolia), and ripple peperomia (P. caperata) are among the most popular. All are safe for cats and genuinely easy to keep — they store water in their thick leaves and tolerate occasional neglect far better than most houseplants.
Care: Medium to bright indirect light; avoid direct sun. Allow the top half of the soil to dry between waterings — overwatering is the most common cause of peperomia death. Use a light, well-draining potting mix. Small plants in small pots are the natural state; don’t over-pot. Propagates easily from leaf cuttings, which makes them excellent plants to share.
Photo caption: Watermelon peperomia on a wooden shelf showing rounded leaves with silver and dark green striped markings resembling watermelon rind.
12. Cast Iron Plant (Aspidistra elatior)
ASPCA Status: Non-Toxic to Cats.
The cast iron plant earns its name entirely — it’s one of the most tolerant houseplants in existence, surviving low light, temperature fluctuations, irregular watering, and general neglect that would kill most other species. Its long, strap-like dark green leaves are architectural and timeless. For cat owners who want a large, safe plant in a difficult spot, it’s hard to beat.
Care: Low to medium indirect light; one of the few plants that genuinely thrives in dim interior corners. Allow soil to dry significantly between waterings. Tolerates a wide temperature range (50–85°F). Very slow-growing — don’t expect rapid results, but also don’t expect problems. Dust the broad leaves periodically to keep them looking their best.
Photo caption: Cast iron plant in a dark floor pot with bold, upright deep green strap leaves rising from a central base.
13. Calathea / Goeppertia (Calathea spp. / Goeppertia spp.)
ASPCA Status: Non-Toxic to Cats.
Calatheas (many now reclassified as Goeppertia) are the most dramatically patterned of the cat-safe indoor plants — their leaves feature striking combinations of greens, purples, pinks, and silvers in herringbone, feather, and medallion patterns. The most popular varieties include the rattlesnake plant (G. insignis), zebra plant (G. zebrina), and Calathea orbifolia. All close their leaves at dusk and reopen at dawn.
Care: Medium indirect light; avoid direct sun, which fades the patterning. Calatheas are the most demanding plant on this list — they prefer high humidity (60%+), consistent moisture without waterlogging, and filtered or rainwater (tap water causes brown leaf edges in hard water areas). They reward attention with spectacular foliage. Bathrooms and kitchens with good indirect light are ideal locations.
Photo caption: Calathea orbifolia in a terracotta pot showing large rounded leaves with alternating dark and light green stripes.
14. Polka Dot Plant (Hypoestes phyllostachya)
ASPCA Status: Non-Toxic to Cats.
Polka dot plants are vivid, compact little plants with leaves splashed in pink, red, white, or purple against a green base — the effect is genuinely cheerful and unusual. They’re popular in terrariums and as desk plants. They’re safe for cats and easy to find in most garden centres throughout the year.
Care: Bright indirect light; good light maintains the vivid colour. The plant is fast-growing and tends to get leggy — pinch back regularly to encourage bushy growth. Keep soil consistently moist. Prefers humidity; will wilt noticeably when thirsty. Often treated as an annual because it flowers and dies back, but it can be kept going with regular pruning and feeding.
Photo caption: Polka dot plant in a small pot with dark green leaves heavily spotted and splashed with bright pink.
15. Friendship Plant (Pilea involucrata)
ASPCA Status: Non-Toxic to Cats.
The friendship plant is a compact, low-growing tropical with deeply textured, velvety leaves in shades of green and bronze. It gets its name from how easily it propagates — a single stem cutting roots readily in water, making it a popular plant to share. It’s a good choice for terrariums and humid bathroom shelves.
Care: Medium to bright indirect light. Keep soil evenly moist and humidity high; low humidity causes leaf edges to brown. Prefers temperatures of 65–80°F. Pinch back leggy growth to maintain a compact, bushy shape. Propagates easily in water — new roots appear within 2–3 weeks.
Photo caption: Friendship plant in a small terracotta pot with deeply textured bronze-green oval leaves with a velvety surface.
16. Venus Flytrap (Dionaea muscipula)
ASPCA Status: Non-Toxic to Cats.
Venus flytraps are one of the most attention-grabbing plants available and are completely safe for cats — a surprisingly good pairing with curious felines. A cat batting at the trap mechanism is more likely to exhaust the plant (each trap can only close a limited number of times) than to cause harm in either direction. They’re excellent for children’s rooms and conversation-starting windowsills.
Care: Full to bright indirect sunlight — a south or west-facing windowsill is ideal. Use only rainwater, distilled water, or reverse-osmosis water; tap water minerals will kill the plant. Plant in pure sphagnum moss or a peat-perlite mix — never regular potting soil. Keep the pot sitting in a shallow tray of water at all times. Goes dormant in winter (leaves die back, then regrow in spring) — this is normal.
Photo caption: Venus flytrap in a small clear pot on a bright windowsill, showing several open traps with red interior and trigger hairs visible.
17. Swedish Ivy (Plectranthus australis)
ASPCA Status: Non-Toxic to Cats.
Swedish ivy — not a true ivy — is a fast-growing trailing plant with round, scalloped, glossy leaves that looks excellent in hanging baskets or trailing over the edge of a high shelf. It’s a much safer alternative to English ivy and common pothos, both of which are toxic to cats. Swedish ivy grows quickly and fills a space beautifully within a single growing season.
Care: Bright indirect light; will tolerate medium light but grows more slowly. Allow the top inch of soil to dry between waterings. Pinch back growing tips regularly to prevent legginess and encourage dense, bushy growth. Propagates very easily — stem cuttings root in water within a week. Feed monthly in spring and summer.
Photo caption: Swedish ivy in a hanging terracotta pot with round, glossy, scalloped leaves cascading over the sides.
18. Air Plants (Tillandsia spp.)
ASPCA Status: Non-Toxic to Cats.
Air plants are epiphytes — they grow without soil, absorbing moisture and nutrients through their leaves. This makes them uniquely flexible: they can be displayed in glass terrariums, mounted on driftwood, or simply rested in a decorative bowl. They’re safe for cats and require almost no soil-based care — ideal for households where cats dig in plant pots.
Care: Bright indirect light. Soak in lukewarm water for 20–30 minutes once a week, then shake off excess water and allow to dry completely upside down within 4 hours — trapped moisture causes rot at the base. Mist lightly between soakings in dry environments. Good air circulation is important. Bloom once in their lifetime, producing offsets (“pups”) that become new plants.
Photo caption: Tillandsia air plant in a small geometric glass terrarium, showing spiky grey-green leaves with no soil visible.
19. Echeveria (Echeveria spp.)
ASPCA Status: Non-Toxic to Cats.
Echeverias are rosette-forming succulents with fleshy leaves in colours ranging from blue-green and silver to dusty rose and coral. They’re popular for windowsills and dish gardens and are safe for cats — a useful distinction from other succulents like jade plant (Crassula) and aloe vera, which are toxic. Echeverias are drought-tolerant, compact, and low-maintenance.
Care: Bright direct or indirect light — a south or east-facing windowsill suits them well. Allow soil to dry completely between waterings; overwatering is the primary failure mode. Use a well-draining cactus mix. In low-light conditions, growth becomes etiolated (stretched toward light) — supplement with a grow light if your windows are limited. See our guide to grow lights for indoor plants for options.
Photo caption: Echeveria rosette in a small terracotta pot showing tightly packed dusty blue-green leaves with pink-tinged edges.
20. Ponytail Palm (Beaucarnea recurvata)
ASPCA Status: Non-Toxic to Cats.
The ponytail palm is technically not a palm — it’s a succulent member of the agave family. It stores water in its swollen base trunk and produces long, narrow, curling leaves that give it the appearance of a wild ponytail. It’s slow-growing, drought-tolerant, and safe for cats. A mature specimen is a striking statement plant that can last decades with minimal care.
Care: Bright indirect to direct light; one of the more light-hungry plants on this list, so a sunny windowsill is ideal. Water sparingly — allow soil to dry completely between waterings, and reduce significantly in winter. The swollen trunk is the plant’s water reservoir; overwatering causes the trunk to rot from the base. Repot only when pot-bound, which can take several years. Feed once in spring and once in summer.
Photo caption: Ponytail palm in a terracotta pot showing a swollen bulbous base trunk with a spray of long curling narrow leaves at the top.
A Quick-Reference Table of All 20 Plants
| Plant | Latin Name | Light | Water Needs | ASPCA Safe |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| African Violet | Saintpaulia ionantha | Bright indirect | Moderate | Yes |
| Spider Plant | Chlorophytum comosum | Low–bright indirect | Moderate | Yes |
| Boston Fern | Nephrolepis exaltata | Bright indirect | High | Yes |
| Areca Palm | Dypsis lutescens | Bright indirect | Moderate | Yes |
| Parlor Palm | Chamaedorea elegans | Low–bright indirect | Low–moderate | Yes |
| Bamboo Palm | Chamaedorea seifrizii | Low–medium indirect | Moderate | Yes |
| Phalaenopsis Orchid | Phalaenopsis spp. | Bright indirect | Weekly soak | Yes |
| Prayer Plant | Maranta leuconeura | Medium–bright indirect | Moderate–high | Yes |
| Christmas Cactus | Schlumbergera bridgesii | Bright indirect | Moderate | Yes |
| Haworthia | Haworthia spp. | Bright indirect | Low | Yes |
| Peperomia | Peperomia spp. | Medium–bright indirect | Low–moderate | Yes |
| Cast Iron Plant | Aspidistra elatior | Low–medium | Low | Yes |
| Calathea | Goeppertia spp. | Medium indirect | Moderate–high | Yes |
| Polka Dot Plant | Hypoestes phyllostachya | Bright indirect | Moderate | Yes |
| Friendship Plant | Pilea involucrata | Medium–bright indirect | Moderate | Yes |
| Venus Flytrap | Dionaea muscipula | Full–bright indirect | Rainwater only | Yes |
| Swedish Ivy | Plectranthus australis | Bright indirect | Moderate | Yes |
| Air Plants | Tillandsia spp. | Bright indirect | Weekly soak | Yes |
| Echeveria | Echeveria spp. | Bright direct/indirect | Low | Yes |
| Ponytail Palm | Beaucarnea recurvata | Bright direct/indirect | Low | Yes |
Common Toxic Plants to Avoid Around Cats
Knowing what to avoid is as important as knowing what’s safe. These common houseplants are toxic to cats and should not be kept in cat-accessible areas:
- All true lilies (Lilium and Hemerocallis spp.) — extremely toxic; even small amounts can cause acute kidney failure
- Pothos (Epipremnum aureum) — toxic; causes oral irritation, vomiting, and difficulty swallowing
- Philodendron (Philodendron spp.) — toxic; similar symptoms to pothos
- Peace lily (Spathiphyllum spp.) — toxic; causes oral pain and swelling
- Snake plant / mother-in-law’s tongue (Dracaena trifasciata) — toxic; causes vomiting and diarrhoea
- Aloe vera (Aloe barbadensis miller) — toxic to cats despite its medicinal reputation for humans
- Jade plant (Crassula ovata) — toxic; causes vomiting and lethargy
- Sago palm (Cycas revoluta) — highly toxic; can cause liver failure and death
- ZZ plant (Zamioculcas zamiifolia) — toxic; contains calcium oxalate crystals
If you’re building your indoor plant collection and want guidance on finding pet-safe options at a range of light levels, our guide to best low-light indoor plants cross-references safety information alongside care requirements. For complete beginner-friendly options across categories, see our easy indoor plants for beginners guide.
Tips for Keeping Cats Away from Plants
Even with a house full of non-toxic plants, some cats are persistent chewers or diggers. A few practical strategies:
- Elevate plants — high shelves and wall-mounted planters keep plants above casual paw reach
- Use hanging planters — spider plants, Swedish ivy, and Boston ferns all work beautifully in hanging baskets that stay out of reach
- Citrus peel deterrent — place orange or lemon peel on the soil surface; most cats dislike the scent and will avoid the pot
- Decorative stones — covering soil with decorative pebbles prevents digging without harming the plant
- Cat grass — providing a designated pot of cat grass or catnip gives cats a safe, sanctioned plant to interact with, reducing curiosity about other plants