Are you a houseplant-loving cat parent on the hunt for pet-friendly, easy-to-care-for houseplant options? This post is for you! Check out 16 non-toxic, easy houseplants safe for cats (with pictures) below!
Photo by Anete Lusina via Pexels
16 Easy Houseplants Safe for Cats (With Pictures)
From cacti and succulents to palms, Pileas, Hoyas, and more check out 16 non-toxic, easy-care houseplants that are safe for cats below!
1. Ponytail Palm
Photo by Severin Candrian via Unsplash
Despite its name, the Ponytail Palm isn’t a palm at all – it’s a succulent! Not only that, but it’s also super easy to care for and is safe around pets.
Scientific name: Beaucarnea recurvata
Additional names: Elephant-foot tree, Bottle Palm, Ponytail Plant
Sunlight: Thrives in bright, indirect light
Water: Water deeply but infrequently during spring and summer, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings. Reduce watering significantly in winter
Feeding: Fertilize 1-2 times in spring/summer using a general all-purpose plant food
Soil: Well-draining cactus soil mix
Size: Up to 10′ tall
2. Chinese Money Plant
Photo via Art and the Garden (Etsy)
Known for its coin-shaped foliage, the Chinese Money Plant is another popular houseplant amongst pet parents and novice gardeners.
Scientific name: Pilea peperomioides
Additional names: Coin Plant, Pancake Plant, UFO Plant
Sunlight: Thrives in medium-bright, indirect light
Water: Water every 1-2 weeks, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings
Feeding: Feed using a diluted houseplant fertilizer once a month during the growing season (spring through early fall)
Soil: Well-draining potting mix
Size: Up to 12″ tall
3. Hindu Rope Plant
Photo via American Plant Exchange (Amazon)
Known for its curly wax-like leaves and rope-like appearance, the Hindu Rope Plant is a pet-friendly and low-maintenance houseplant.
Scientific name: Hoya carnosa compacta
Additional names: Krinkle Kurl, Porcelain Flower, Wax Plant
Sunlight: Thrives in bright, indirect light
Water: Water when the soil is almost dry during the growth phase, and infrequently during winter
Feeding: Feed monthly during spring and summer using a diluted water-soluble fertilizer
Soil: Lightweight, well-aerated, fast-draining potting mix
Size: Up to 15″ long
4. Cast Iron Plant
Photo by ©skymoon13 via Canva.com
As its name suggests, the Cast Iron Plant is pretty hardy and only requires very simple maintenance to thrive.
Scientific name: Aspidistra elatior
Additional names: Bar Room Plant, Iron Plant
Sunlight: Medium-low light is ideal, keep out of direct sunlight
Water: Water established plants deeply then let the soil dry out a few inches down between waterings
Feeding: Feed once a month with an all-purpose liquid fertilizer during the spring and summer months or use a slow-release fertilizer in spring
Soil: Well-draining potting mix
Size: Up to 2′ tall and wide
5. Watermelon Peperomia
Photo via Land of Alice Studio (Etsy)
Named after its watermelon-like leaves, the Watermelon Peperomia is easy to grow and care for, and is also safe around pets.
Scientific name: Peperomia argyreia
Additional names: Watermelon Begonia
Sunlight: Bright, indirect light
Water: Water thoroughly, allowing the soil to dry at the top before watering again. Less water is required during winter
Feeding: Feed once every 2-4 weeks during spring until the end of summer using a diluted liquid fertilizer
Soil: Well-draining soil is essential
Size: Up to 6-12″ tall
6. Money Tree
Photo via Shop the Urban Garden (Etsy)
Known for its air-purifying qualities, the Money Tree gets its name from the feng shui belief that it will bring positive energy and good luck to its owner. It’s also pet-friendly and easy to care for.
Scientific name: Pachira aquatica
Additional names: Money Plant
Sunlight: Thrives in medium to bright indirect light
Water: Water deeply when the top 50-75% of the soil is dry
Feeding: Feed once a month in the spring and summer with a water-soluble, well-balanced plant food at half the recommended strength
Soil: Well-draining, nutrient-rich potting soil
Size: 6-8′ tall
7. Haworthias (Many varieties)
Photo via Cal Summer Garden (Etsy) feat. a Zebra Haworthia
Hardy and low-maintenance, Haworthias are a popular pet-friendly choice among pet parents and succulent lovers.
Scientific name: Haworthia species (many varieties)
Additional names: Popular Haworthia varieties include Zebra Haworthia, Bristle Haworthia, File Leafed Haworthia, Star Cactus, and Zebra Wart
Sunlight: Partial shade, indirect sun
Water: Water evenly during the growing season (April-November), be sure to let the top layer of soil dry off slightly between waterings. Water less during winter
Feeding: Feed monthly during the growing season with diluted succulent/cactus fertilizer
Soil: Well-draining potting mix or cactus potting mix
Size: 3-5” tall and wide (some species can reach 20” tall!)
8. Echeverias (Many varieties)
Photo via Cal Summer Garden (Etsy) feat. Echeveria Blue Prince
Another pet-friendly, low-maintenance succulent variety, Echeverias are perfect in homes with pets and are available in a multitude of cultivars.
Scientific name: Echeveria species (many varieties)
Additional names: Over 100 varieties available, popular cultivars include Perle von Nurnberg, Black Prince, Topsy Turvy, Dusty Rose, Hens and Chicks, Tippy, and the Ghost Echeveria
Sunlight: Echeverias prefer approx. 6 hours per day of bright direct light
Water: Provide moderate water during the hot, dry season, allowing the soil to completely dry out before watering again
Feeding: Echeverias grow well without fertilization, however, World of Succulents suggests that they may benefit from a slow-release fertilizer in spring or a liquid fertilizer diluted 2 to 4 times than usual and used less often than recommended
Soil: Well-draining potting mix or cactus potting mix
Size: Up to 12” height/spread
9. Emerald Ripple Peperomia
Photo via Land of Alice Studio (Etsy)
Known for its wrinkled, heart-shaped leaves and metallic sheen, the Emerald Ripple Peperomia is easy to care for and safe around pets.
Scientific name: Peperomia caperata
Additional names: Green Ripple Peperomia, Little Fantasy Peperomia, Ivy-leaf Peperomia, Metallic Peperomia, and Silver Heart
Sunlight: Thrives in medium to bright indirect light
Water: Only water when the top 2” to 3” (5 – 7.5 cm) is dry, then thoroughly douse the soil with room-temperature filtered water until it drains from the pot
Feeding: Fertilize monthly during the growing season with diluted houseplant fertilizer
Soil: Porous, well-draining potting soil
Size: Up to 8” tall
10. Aluminum Plant
Photo via Sun Soul Creations (Etsy)
Another member of the Pilea family, the Aluminum Plant is relatively easy to care for and safe in homes with pets.
Scientific name: Pilea cadeirei
Additional names: Watermelon Plant
Sunlight: Prefers bright, indirect light (at least 4 hours per day)
Water: Water as necessary when the soil surface appears dry, less in winter
Feeding: Feed every 5-6 weeks during active growth phases. Apply liquid or soluble fertilizer according to the manufacturer’s instructions
Soil: Well-draining potting soil rich in organic matter
Size: 6-12” tall
11. Parlor Palm
Photo via Florida Plants Gardens (Etsy)
Great for beginner gardeners and homes with pets, the Parlor Palm is a popular indoor houseplant that can grow up to 12′ tall!
Scientific name: Chamaedorea elegans
Additional names: Bamboo Palm, Miniature Fish Tail Dwarf Palm, Good Luck Palm
Sunlight: Thrives in medium to bright indirect light, but can also tolerate low indirect light
Water: Water every 1-2 weeks, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings
Feeding: Feed with a weak liquid fertilizer once or twice during the growing season and not at all during the winter
Soil: Rich, well-draining potting soil
Size: Up to 10-12′ tall
12. Kentia Palm
Photo via American Plants (Etsy)
Another popular indoor palm that is safe for pets and easy to care for.
Scientific name: Howea forsteriana
Additional names: Forster Senty Palm
Sunlight: Prefers 6-8 hours of indirect sunlight per day. It can also tolerate low-light conditions
Water: Water weekly in the spring and summer, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings. Water less during winter. Kentia Palms also benefit from added humidity, so plan to spray the leaves lightly at least once a week
Feeding: Feed monthly in the spring and summer using a liquid fertilizer or slow-release pellets specially-formulated for palms
Soil: Sandy, well-draining potting soil mix
Size: Up to 12′ tall
13. Ric Rac Cactus
Photo via Hayland Living (Etsy)
1 of 2 trailing cactus varieties on this list, the Ric Rac Cactus is safe for pets and perfect for novice gardeners.
Scientific name: Cryptocereus anthonyanus
Additional names: Fishbone Cactus
Sunlight: Bright, indirect light
Water: Water when the top inch of soil dries out. During the winter, the soil should be drier than normal
Feeding: Feed with a water-soluble cactus or orchid fertilizer in early spring
Soil: Porous, well-draining soil or cactus mix
Size: Up to 12″ long or more
14. Hoya Heart
Photo via 3Exoticgreen (Etsy)
Known for its thick, heart-shaped leaves, the Hoya Heart is non-toxic to pets and almost thrives on neglect.
Scientific name: Hoya Kerrii
Additional names: Wax Hearts, Valentine Hoya, Sweetheart Vine, Hoya Hearts, Lucky Heart Plant
Sunlight: Several hours of bright, direct sunlight every day
Water: Allow the soil to dry thoroughly between waterings. In the summer you can water more frequently, while in the winter you should cut back on watering significantly.
Feeding: Apply a balanced liquid fertilizer once a month during spring and summer to encourage healthy growth
Soil: Airy, well-draining potting soil
Size: Up to 13′ long, (but not single leaf ‘plants’)
15. Mistletoe Cactus
Photo via Mazzeta (Etsy)
The Mistletoe Cactus is easy to grow with very minimal needs. It’s also safe for pets.
Scientific name: Rhipsalis baccifera
Additional names: Chain Cactus, Rhipsalis Trailing Cactus
Sunlight: Bright, indirect light
Water: Water when the surface of the soil has dried out
Feeding: Feed with a half dilution of cactus food from April to September, once per month
Soil: Well-draining cactus mix
Size: Stems can reach up to 6′ long
16. Spider Plant
Photo by ©itasun via Canva.com
Low-maintenance and safe around pets, the Spider Plant is perfect for novice gardeners – just don’t let your cat munch on it as it can be mildly hallucinogenic and may upset their tummies if too much is eaten. Don’t worry though, it’s not toxic.
Scientific name: Chlorophytum comosum
Additional names: Ribbon Plant, Spider Ivy, Airplane Plant
Sunlight: Thrives in bright, indirect light
Water: Water weekly, allowing the soil to dry out in between waterings
Feeding: Fertilize monthly in spring and summer using a water-soluble fertilizer
Soil: Well-draining potting mix
Size: 6-12” tall, 6-24” wide
We hope you enjoyed today’s post about easy houseplants safe for cats! For a comprehensive list of toxic and non-toxic plants for cats, be sure to check out this list from the ASPCA.
Alternatively, for more cat care content and posts like this one, check out our cat care archives.
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