Living with cats doesn’t mean giving up beautiful house plants. Many plant lovers who share their homes with curious cats know the stress of constantly checking whether a plant is toxic. After years of growing indoor plants in cat-friendly homes, it becomes clear that the safest approach is choosing plants that look great and won’t harm pets.
This guide shares 7 cat friendly house plants that are commonly grown indoors and considered safe for cats. These plants are not only non-toxic but also easy to care for, making them ideal for living rooms, bedrooms, bathrooms, and low-light spaces. Each plant listed here has been grown and observed in real homes with cats where nibbling, brushing past leaves, and everyday interaction is part of life.
Why Choosing Cat Friendly House Plants Matters
Cats explore the world with their mouths. Even indoor cats may chew leaves out of curiosity or boredom. Toxic plants can cause vomiting, drooling, or worse. Choosing house plants that are cat friendly removes that worry and creates a safer, calmer home for both pets and plant parents.
Trusted veterinary sources and long-term plant care experience consistently show that the plants below are among the safest options for cat households.
1. Spider Plant (Chlorophytum comosum)
The spider plant is often the first choice for cat owners—and for good reason. It’s resilient, adaptable, and thrives in a wide range of indoor conditions.
From experience, this plant handles occasional leaf chewing without declining, which is rare. It does well in bright indirect light but also tolerates lower light areas.
Why it works well:
- Non-toxic to cats
- Excellent low-maintenance plant
- Ideal for shelves and hanging baskets
2. Areca Palm (Dypsis lutescens)
For those wanting a large cat friendly house plant, the areca palm is a standout. It brings a tropical feel to living rooms while remaining safe for pets.
In real homes, cats often nap under its fronds or brush past it without issues. It prefers bright, filtered light and regular watering.
Why it works well:
- Safe for cats and dogs
- Adds height and fullness to rooms
- Naturally improves indoor air quality
3. Calathea (Prayer Plant Family)
Calatheas are known for their striking leaf patterns—and thankfully, they’re also cat friendly house plants.
They do require slightly more attention, especially with humidity, but many plant owners find them worth the effort. In cat homes, these plants are often left alone due to their thicker leaves.
Why it works well:
- Completely non-toxic to cats
- Great for bedrooms and low-light spaces
- Visually stunning foliage
4. Boston Fern (Nephrolepis exaltata)
Boston ferns have been grown in pet-friendly homes for decades. They thrive in bathrooms where humidity is higher and add a soft, classic look to interiors.
First-hand experience shows cats may swat at the fronds, but accidental ingestion doesn’t pose a danger.
Why it works well:
- Safe for cats
- Ideal for bathrooms and humid rooms
- Lush, full appearance
5. Parlor Palm (Chamaedorea elegans)
The parlor palm is one of the easiest cat friendly low light house plants to maintain. It’s slow-growing, elegant, and well suited to apartments.
Cats often sit beside it without showing much interest, which makes it a peaceful addition to shared spaces.
Why it works well:
- Non-toxic and pet safe
- Thrives in low to moderate light
- Perfect for bedrooms and living rooms
6. Peperomia
Peperomia plants are compact, stylish, and excellent for shelves or desks. Their thick leaves make them less appealing for chewing, which is helpful in cat homes.
These plants have been grown successfully in spaces where cats roam freely, with no signs of irritation or toxicity.
Why it works well:
- Safe for cats
- Easy to care for
- Ideal for small spaces
7. Polka Dot Plant (Hypoestes phyllostachya)
For a pop of color, the polka dot plant is a fun and cat friendly house plant option. While more delicate than others on this list, it’s safe when cats come into contact with it.
With proper care, it stays compact and colorful, making it great for bedrooms or shelves.
Why it works well:
- Non-toxic to cats
- Bright, decorative foliage
- Works well in indirect light
Final Thoughts: A Safe & Stylish Home for Cats and Plants
Creating a home filled with greenery doesn’t have to come at the expense of your cat’s safety. These 7 cat friendly house plants have been chosen based on trusted plant safety data and real-world experience in cat-friendly homes.
When cats and plants coexist peacefully, it creates a calm, healthy environment that benefits everyone. Choosing non-toxic plants is a small step that makes a big difference.
