It's International Cat Day! Does your Cat Eat Your Houseplants?
Cats and plants can coexist. Find out which houseplants are the best choice for your feline friends.
Cats and houseplants share a delicate and complex relationship, often teetering between curiosity and mischief. Cats are naturally curious creatures, often drawn to the texture, smell, and taste of foliage that awakens their natural instincts. However, certain houseplants can be toxic to cats if ingested, leading to symptoms ranging from mild gastrointestinal upset to severe organ damage or even death.
To keep our furry companions safe, it is crucial to research cat-friendly plant options and ensure that toxic varieties are kept out of their reach. Regularly inspecting plants for signs of damage or munching and promptly seeking veterinary care in case of ingestion is paramount. While cats and houseplants can coexist harmoniously, it is essential to prioritize our pet's well-being by creating a safe environment that eliminates potential dangers. Read on to find out which houseplants are safe and non-toxic for cats, and which houseplants cat owners should avoid.
Which houseplants are poisonous and toxic to cats?
This is not an exhaustive list, but it covers some of the most common houseplants known to be toxic to cats. If you have cats in your home, it's best to either avoid having these toxic plants altogether or keep them out of reach in a place where your feline friends cannot access them. If you suspect your cat has ingested any toxic plant, seek immediate veterinary care. For more information, visit the ASPCA website.
Aglaonema (Chinese Evergreen)
Alocasia
Aloe Vera
Asparagus Fern
Azalea
Begonia
Bird of Paradise
Caladium
Carnations
Chrysanthemum
Cyclamen
Dieffenbachia
Dracaena (Including Corn Plant)
Euphorbia
Ficus (Fig)
Gardenia
Hellebore
Ivy
Jade (Crassula)
Kalanchoe
Lavender
Lemon Trees
Lily (Including Peace Lily and Easter Lily)
Lime Trees
Marijuana
Mint
Mistletoe
Monstera
Narcissus (Including Daffodils, Jonquils, and Paperwhites)
Oregano
Ornamental Pepper
Oxalis (Shamrock Plant)
Panda Plant succulent
Philodendron
Poinsettia
Pothos
Sago Palm
Sansaveria (Snake Plant; Mother-in-Law’s Tongue)
Schefflera
String of Dolphins
String of Pearls
ZZ Plant
If you believe that your animal is ill or may have ingested a poisonous substance, quick action is critical. Contact your vet or an emergency vet clinic immediately.
Cacti are generally safe for cats. Most have spines or needles that can cause mild irritation for cats that come into contact with them.
For those with feline companions, it's essential to prioritize their safety when choosing houseplants. Fortunately, there exists a diverse array of pet-safe houseplants that can coexist with curious and playful cats. You can enrich your living space and contribute to a healthier and more enjoyable home environment, and also provide a safe and secure environment for your beloved cat. Read on for a list of houseplants that are safe for cat parents to grow.
Though it looks similar to the jade plant, elephant bush (Portulacaria afra) is perfectly safe and non-toxic for cats.
Which houseplants are safe for cats?
Aeonium
African Violet
Areca Palm
Burro’s Tail
Bamboo Palm
Calathea
Cast Iron Plant
Christmas Cactus
Cuddly Cactus (Cereus jamacaru ‘Cuddly Cactus’)
Easter Cactus
Echevaria
Elephant Bush
Ferns (True ferns only- beware of other plants that are called “fern” because they resemble true ferns. Boston fern, Button fern, Staghorn Fern, Maidenhair Fern, Bird’s Nest Fern, and Rabbit’s Foot Fern are all cat-safe)
Haworthia
Hoya
Lipstick Plant
Lithops (Living Stones)
Money Plant
Opuntia (Prickly Pear)
Peperomia
Pilea
Polka Dot Plant (Hypoestes)
Ponytail Palm
Prayer Plant (Maranta)
Rhipsalis
Sedum (Stonecrop)
Sempervivum (Hens and Chicks)
String of Hearts
String of Turtles
Tillandsia (Air Plants)
Thanksgiving Cactus