Flowers and greenery enhance our homes, gardens and environment, but what about plants safe for cats? Read our guide to discover a huge list of indoor and outdoor plants which are safe for our furry friends.
As well as a devoted cat mom, I am a keen gardener and find plants and flowers essential to my well-being. Not only do they look great and brighten up any space, they also improve air quality and reduce stress. So I’ve done extensive research into which plants I can enjoy without endangering my feline companions.
Some plants are highly toxic to cats, and can cause poisoning if even a tiny amount is ingested (for example if a cat grooms fur which has come into contact with the plant). Other plants are toxic if deliberately ingested.
Cats are generally careful about what they eat, but they often chew on grass as part of their normal behaviour. Grass is a natural emetic, and helps them eliminate fur balls. They can be tempted to chew on your prize plants for the same reason, particularly if they are indoor cats who don’t have access to grass. So it is better to be safe than sorry, and stock your home and garden with plants that are safe for cats.
The plants on this list are completely non-toxic even if eaten, according to the American Society For The Prevention of Cruelty to Animals list of plants safe for cats. They will not poison the cat, although they may cause a vomiting reaction similar to when a cat eats grass.
Here is the list of plants safe for cats:
Indoor Plants Safe For Cats
1 Lipstick Plant (Aeschynanthus japhrolepsis)
2 Chinese Money Plant ( Pilea peperomioides)
3 Cast Iron Plant (Aspidistra)
4 String of Hearts (Ceropegia woodii)
5 Zebra Plant (Calithea zebrina)
6 Orchids
7 Hoya (Wax Flower)
8 Sedum (Stonecrop)
9 Bromeliads
10 African Violet (Cape Primrose, Streptocarpus)
Outdoor Plants Safe For Cats
11 African Daisy (Cape Marigold, Osteospermum)
12 Snapdragon (Antirrhinum)
13 Giant Aster (Townsendia Exscapa, Stemless Townsend Daisy)
14 Busy Lizzie (Impatiens)
15 Honeysuckle Fuchsia (Fuchsia triphylla)
16 Coral Bells (Heuchera, Alumroot)
17 Hollyhock (Alcea rosea)
18 Petunias
19 Pincushion Flower (Scabiosa)
20 Zinnia
Plants Toxic To Cats
What to do if you think your cat has eaten a poisonous flower or plant
Symptoms of poisoning
Summary
Read on, or click on a link above to find out more.
Indoor Plants Safe For Cats
A list of cat-friendly houseplants.
1 Lipstick Plant (Aeschynanthus japhrolepsis)
A tropical evergreen perennial with striking red flowers which bloom throughout summer and fall. Easy to care for, these plants hail from the rain forest so appreciate warmth and humidity. They have a trailing habit so suit hanging baskets or tall containers.
This popular house plant is a favorite for many cat owners, due to its low-maintenance, and attractive flowers and foliage.
2 Chinese Money Plant (Pilea peperomioides)
An evergreen perennial from China, the Chinese Money Plant or Pancake Plant has distinctive flat round leaves. It is easy to care for, being tolerant of most household conditions, although it dislikes over watering. It is a member of the Pilea family, all of which are non-toxic to cats.
With its glossy, flat leaves, the Chinese Money Plant is a stunning addition to any home — and one that your cats can enjoy too!
3 Cast Iron Plant (Aspidistra)
As well as being cat-friendly, Aspidistras are perfect for a less than attentive owner as they will tolerate neglect and poor conditions very well. They are known as the Cast Iron Plant because they are almost impossible to kill! They originate from China and Vietnam and are used to growing in tough conditions under trees with poor light and nutrients.
When grown indoors it will not usually flower, but its long, deep green glossy leaves and indestructible nature make the Aspidistra a perfect choice as a cat-friendly house plant.
4 String of Hearts (Ceropegia Woodii)
The String of Hearts plant has beautiful trailing stems of variegated heart-shaped leaves. It’s a light-lover and a position on a south facing windowsill would be ideal (the colour of the leaves change according to how much light it receives).
It likes to be root bound so doesn’t require frequent re-potting, and doesn’t need much watering either. All in all, a low maintenance cat friendly plant.
5 Zebra Plant (Calithea Zebrina)
The Zebra Plant is native to the rainforests of Bolivia, so it enjoys a humid environment – bathrooms are ideal. It features striking foliage with white veins on deep green velvety leaves, and likes a position away from bright sunlight. It likes small amounts of regular watering, and is very sensitive to drafts. The plants can grow quite big so require repotting every year or so.
Although it’s a bit fussier than other houseplants, its eye-catching foliage and non-toxicity makes it worth the extra effort.
6 Orchids
Orchids are beautiful and exotic houseplants that are totally non-toxic to felines, making them a great choice for cat owners. They are a relatively easy to care for plant that prefers bright, indirect light and warm temperatures.
It’s important to keep the soil lightly moist, but not soggy, as over-watering can cause root rot. They like humid conditions and appreciate regular misting. You will be rewarded with stunning blooms that last for months.
7 Hoya (Wax Flower)
Welcome a beautiful, non-toxic Hoya plant into your home to instantly add a touch of glamour and vibrancy for you and your furry friends alike!
The Hoya plant, also known as the wax flower, comes in a variety of shapes and sizes. As a succulent, it can retain its own water supply and needs a careful watering schedule to ensure it stays healthy. Hoyas also like bright light (a conservatory is ideal) and regular misting. It’s a great choice for anyone looking for an attractive plant that won’t harm cats if ingested.
8 Sedum (Stonecrop)
Sedums are one of the safest succulents you can grow, totally non-toxic to cats and perfect for a feline loving household. They come in a wide variety of shapes, colors and sizes which can be arranged in pretty displays, several to a pot. Sedums are some of the easiest plants to grow indoors. They like a position where they will get a few hours of sun every day, and require minimal watering.
Sedums should be watered from the bottom up, and the soil should be allowed to dry out for at least a week between waterings.
9 Bromeliads
For long lasting, tropical color, a non-toxic, cat-friendly Bromeliad may be the perfect choice for you. They love warmth and light, and will thrive on a warm, bright windowsill. They also need humidity, so can be stood in a saucer of damp gravel or have a regular misting of their leaves.
Bromeliads are slow growing, and most varieties need little or no feeding as they get their nutrients from the air and water.
10 African Violet (Cape Primrose, Streptocarpus)
African Violets are beautiful and popular houseplants that are easy to care for. They are known for their rosettes of fuzzy leaves and vividly colored flowers. They come in various shades of pink, blue and purple, making them perfect for adding a pop of color to any cat-friendly home.
African Violets like bright, indirect sunlight, and should be watered from the bottom to avoid getting the leaves wet.
Outdoor Plants Safe For Cats
If your cat has access to your garden or yard, it’s best to ensure it is a cat-safe space they can enjoy without coming into contact with harmful plants.
Here is the list of safe, cat-friendly outdoor plants and shrubs:
11 African Daisy (Cape Marigold, Osteospermum)
Osteospermum is a beautiful flowering plant that is native to South Africa. It’s also known as Daisy Bush or African Daisy. This perennial flower grows in a bush-like form, and it’s easy to maintain in most climates. It grows best in full sun and well-drained soil, but it’s also fairly drought-tolerant, making it a popular choice for gardens. The flowers come in a variety of colors, including yellow, white, pink, and purple, and they bloom from April to October. Osteospermum also attracts hummingbirds and butterflies, adding to its beauty.
12 Snapdragon (Antirrhinum)
Antirrhinums, commonly known as snapdragons, can be a great addition to your home if you have cats. Not only are they beautiful and colorful, they are easy to grow and maintain, and can be grown easily from seeds. Snapdragons prefer sunny, sheltered locations, with plenty of warmth and light throughout the day. It’s important to ensure the area isn’t too windy, as the stems of the plants can easily be damaged. The soil should be well-drained, as antirrhinums don’t like to be waterlogged.
13 Giant Aster (Townsendia Exscapa, Stemless Townsend Daisy)
Townsendia Exscapa or Giant Aster is a low-growing, clump-forming perennial with pinkish-white flowers that bloom in the late spring and early summer. The flowers are star-shaped and grow to approximately 1-7” high, the perfect height for a cat’s nose! Fortunately Townsendia Exscapa is a completely safe plant for cats. The plant grows best in well drained soil and requires full sun for optimal growth. Watering should be done sparingly, as overwatering can lead to root rot. Townsendia Exscapa is deer and rabbit resistant, and the flowers are very attractive to pollinators such as butterflies, bees, moths and hummingbirds.
14 Busy Lizzie (Impatiens)
Busy lizzie plants, also known as Impatiens, are an excellent choice for cat lovers looking to add some vibrant, colorful flowers to their feline-friendly garden.
The plants come in a variety of shapes, sizes and colors, and are easy to grow and care for. Busy Lizzies grow to a height of 6-18 inches and prefer moist, well-drained soils and partial sun. They are an excellent way of brightening up a more shady area of the garden.
15 Honeysuckle Fuchsia (Fuchsia triphylla)
Fuchsia plants are a beautiful and diverse group of non-toxic flowering plants that can add structure, color and beauty to any cat-friendly yard or garden. They come in a variety of sizes, shapes, and colors, and are easy to care for. Fuchsias can be grown in pots, in the ground, or even in hanging baskets, making them a versatile addition to any patio or flower bed.
Fuchsia plants are known for their long blooming season and ability to attract pollinators such as bees, butterflies and hummingbirds.
Fuchsias like fertile, well draining soil that is kept moist but not waterlogged. They need around 8 hours of dappled sunlight per day to optimise blooming.
16 Coral Bells (Heuchera, Alumroot)
I’m so glad that Heucheras are on the list of non-toxic plants safe for cats because I adore them. They are an evergreen perennial which not only displays beautiful shades of foliage, from variegated pale green and bronze, to deep chocolatey purple, but they also have the most attractive, vibrant flowers too. The leaves of the Heuchera (pronounced hoo-keh-rah) are often ruffled or crimped, perfect for adding a touch of color and texture to your landscape.
Heuchera plants are relatively low-maintenance, requiring only occasional watering and pruning. They come in a variety of colors and shapes, from delicate spires to bold foliage, and can be grown in both full sun and partial shade.
17 Hollyhock (Alcea rosea)
If you’re looking to add a colorful backdrop to your flower patch, the cat-friendly hollyhock is a perfect choice for both large and small gardens alike. Hollyhocks are tall, spiky flowers that come in a variety of colors, from bright pink to deep purple. Hollyhocks are part of the mallow family, and they can grow up to six feet tall, with their long, slender stems covered with a plethora of blooms.
The blooms typically last for the whole summer, and the plant itself will return year after year, making hollyhocks a great choice for gardeners looking for a long-term and reliable garden feature. Hollyhocks are happiest in full sun and well-drained soil, and are drought tolerant.
18 Petunias
Petunias come in an array of sizes, shapes, colors and patterns but all have abundant large, bell-shaped blooms and long-lasting flowers. They are grown as an annual in most areas, but can be grown as tender perennials in milder climes.
All types of petunias are easy to care for and thrive in full sun and well-drained soil. Dead-heading and pruning will prolong flowering. With the right care, petunias will bloom all season long, providing life and beauty to your cat-friendly outdoor space.
19 Pincushion Flower (Scabiosa)
Don’t be put off by this plant’s somewhat unattractive name, it is absolutely beautiful and fantastically easy to grow. Scabiosa’s vibrant, pincushion flower heads in shades of white, blue and purple are a magnet for bees, butterflies and other pollinators, and it is seldom bothered by garden pests such as slugs or snails.
Scabiosa can be grown as an annual or perennial depending on the variety. It likes a position in full sun or partial shade, in moist but well-drained soil. Deadheading will prolong its flowering season, and the blooms make excellent cut flowers too. Be aware that is low-growing bushy habit can make it the perfect cat bed!
20 Zinnia
Zinnias are a beautiful and cheerful addition to any feline’s home garden. With their bright, bold colors and variety of shapes and sizes, they can make any space look vibrant and inviting. The blooms make excellent cut flowers too.
Zinnias can easily be grown from seed as annuals, in a well drained position that receives full sun. They like lots of space so leave 6-12 inches between each plant to help air circulate and prevent disease. Zinnias are drought tolerant and don’t like waterlogged roots so beware of over-watering.
Plants Toxic To Cats
Unfortunately many popular plants contain toxins that can cause severe reactions in cats, such as vomiting, diarrhea, and even organ failure. If ingested, it is important to take your cat to the vet immediately, as the effects of these toxins can be life-threatening.
The ASPCA has an extensive list with both the common and the scientific names of toxic plants, as well as plants safe for cats. The full list can be found here.
Lilies in particular are a huge no no for cat owners. All parts are toxic to cats including stamens, pollen, stems, leaves, petals and bulb. Even the water in the vase of cut flowers is toxic. Cats can brush past and get pollen on their fur which they later ingest whilst grooming, so lilies are best avoided completely if you have cats.
- Other toxic plants include:
- Chrysanthemums
- Sweet Peas
- Poppies
- Peonies
- Poinsettia
- Delphiniums
- Iris
- Cornflowers
- Marigold
- Ivy
- Astrantia
- Campanula Bells
- Clematis
- Craspedia
- Eucalypus
- Asparagus Fern
- Lavender
- Orange star
- Ranunculus
- Sweet William
- Tulip
For a comprehensive list of plants that are toxic to cats, check out the American Society For The Prevention of Cruelty to Animals list of plants safe for cats.
What to do if you think your cat has eaten a poisonous flower or plant
- Take them to a vet
- Give the vet information about what you think they have eaten
- Keep other pets away from the plant
- Don’t wait for symptoms
- Don’t try to make your cat vomit
Symptoms of poisoning
- Symptoms may vary and can be subtle, but some of the most common signs are:
- confusion
- lack of coordination
- breathing difficulties
- drooling
- increased thirst
- fitting
- vomiting
Summary
Having plants in your home or yard can be a great way to improve air quality and add a splash of life and color to your environment. As long as you ensure you are growing plants safe for cats, you can enjoy the benefits of plants and flowers without the risk of harming your feline friend.
For more information about what is safe for cats, see our guide on what can cats not eat.
