cat friendly plants

HOW TO

Cat-Safe Plants: Our Top 5 Picks

Story by Diana Keeler
Plant Whisperer
Photo: Jeroen Van Der Spek - @jeroenvanderspek

If you share your home with a feline friend, cat-friendly plants are a must. Below, you’ll find 5 of our favorites, ranging from stylish air plants to Instagram’s favorite piece of greenery.  If you’re looking at plant options not covered here — and you’re worried about a new plant’s potential toxicity — be sure and head over to the ASPCA. The organization maintains a lauded and comprehensive database for pet owners looking to determine if a plant could cause harm; consult it whenever bringing something leafy and unfamiliar into your home. 

HERE KITTY, KITTY: 5 CAT FRIENDLY PLANTS

Maidenhair Fern

1
Chinese Money Plant

Pilea peperomioides

This in-demand plant — the star of Instagram — with a fascinating backstory is certainly the highest-profile option that’s also safe for cats. Give it a spot with indirect sun, and let its soil dry out a bit between waterings.
Split Leaf Philodendron

2
Zebra plant

Haworthia fasciata

This cat-safe succulent is also very easy to grow. Put it in a sunny window — wait to water until the soil dries out. You can distinguish it from its close cousin, Haworthia attenuate, by checking the underside of its leaves — Haworthia fasciata will be fatter and smooth.
Phothos

3
Hens & Chicks

Echeveria

Echeveria is a family of succulents native to Central America, and all sharing a similar rosette shape. Colors within the family vary beautifully — we love the pale-green Violet Queen, with tips that tend toward lavender in cool weather.
Air Fern

4
Air Fern

Tillandsia xerographica

Like most air plants, the tillasandia is safe for pets. Mist them daily and place them somewhere they’ll enjoy indirect sun.
Glossy Leaf Paper Plant

5
Bird’s Nest Fern

Asplenium nidus

This crinkly-leaved fern loves shade or indirect sun and regular moisture — but avoid getting the roots too wet, as this can lead to trouble. Water away from the center of the plant; well-draining soil will help as well.
Air Fern

6
Boston Fern

Nephrolepis exalta bostoniensis

Though this easy-growing fern is native to sunny spots like Florida and Mexico, it won't require much sunshine. To keep it happy, give it bright, indirect light, keep its soil damp, and mist it regularly, especially during winter or in low-humidity climates.