If you live with pets, you should ensure that all of your houseplants are safe for cats and dogs. Pets may be motivated to chew on indoor plants for a variety of reasons, including mischief and curiosity. While some common houseplants are poisonous to cats and dogs, there are other pet-friendly options for adding greenery and purifying the air in your home.

Why Cat-Safe Plants Are a Must for Your Home

Cats like to explore, and one way they do that is by nibbling on your plants. But not all plants are safe for them. Because of this, it’s very important to pick plants that are both pretty and safe for your pets. Here is a list of the best and most beautiful plants that will make your cat happy and your home look great

Here are 33 beautiful non-toxic and Safe House Plants for cats and dogs.

Gloxinia (Sinningia speciosa)

Gloxinia is a beautiful flowering houseplant that is safe for both cats and dogs. It has thick, ruffled leaves and single or double flowers that can be white, red, pink, lavender, purple, or blue. Dogs and cats can eat it. The flower shapes and colors are very different because most of these plants are crosses of Sinningia speciosa. The plants often come as gifts, and they bloom and then go dormant for a while.

• Light: Shade
• Water: Water from bottom
• Soil: Moist, well-draining, slightly acidic

Banana Tree (Musa spp.)

If you have pets, you can have a big banana tree (Musa spp.) as an accent plant. It can grow to be six feet tall or more, but dwarf types only get two to four feet tall. In tropical cooking, the stem in the middle splits into long, wide leaves that are sometimes used to steam or serve food. It’s not strange that this plant is listed as non-toxic by the ASPCA. This means it’s a safe House plant for cats and dogs.

• Light: Full
• Water: Water regularly and keep moist
• Soil: Loamy, well-drained, acidic

Chinese Money Plant (Pilea peperomioides)

This plant is easy to care for and has round, thick, bright green leaves. It is in the nettle family (Urticaceae), but it is safe House plant for cats and dogs. If possible, put it somewhere in your home that gets bright, indirect light, but it can also live in moderate to low light.
When you do water, do it rarely but deeply. In between waterings, the dirt should dry out. You can tell if you haven’t watered the plant in too long because the disc-shaped leaves will start to droop.

• Light: Partial sun
• Water: Water well, let dry out between waterings
• Soil: Well-draining, acidic, neutral

 

Areca Palm (Dypsis lutescens)

A plant called Dypsis lutescens, which is also called the butterfly palm, can make any room feel like it’s in the tropics. There are times when cats will swat and bite at palm leaves for fun, so it’s good to know that the areca palm is safe for both cats and dogs.

• Light: Full to partial sun
• Water: Keep moist, but let slightly dry out between waterings
• Soil: Moist but well-drained, acidic, neutral

Boston Fern (Nephrolepis)

People have loved Boston ferns (Nephrolepis) for a long time, but their thick leaves might tempt cats and dogs to chew on them. Its leaves grow straight up from the center of the plant and then curve outward as they get longer. This type of fern is sometimes called a sword fern.

The foliage is non-toxic to cats and dogs, so it’s fine to brighten up your guest room or bathroom with these lush plants.

• Light: Partial sun
• Water: Keep lightly moist with weekly waterings
• Soil: Moist, well-drained, acidic

 

Calathea (Calathea spp.)

Calathea spp. plants have big tropical leaves with interesting stripes or stippling. They are also known as zebra plants or peacock plants. If your pet-friendly home has a shady spot, a calathea is a great choice because too much light can fade the leaves.

• Light: Partial sun to shade
• Water: Maintain consistently moist soil
• Soil: Loamy, moist, well-drained, acidic, neutral

 

African Violet (Saintpaulia)

One of the most famous flowering houseplants that are safe for pets is the African violet (Saintpaulia). They do best in mild temperatures and normal humidity, and they bloom when there isn’t much light.
It is a safe House plants for cats and dogs.

• Light: Partial sun
• Water: Water from bottom, do not allow to sit in water
• Soil: Well-drained but moist, acidic, neutral

Spider Plant (Chlorophytum)

Spider plants naturally grow in high places, like on floating shelves or in hanging baskets, because their leaves fall over. It is also called the ribbon plant or the airplane plant. Cats and dogs can safely live with it, and it is known for being a hardy houseplant.

• Light: Partial shade
• Water: Maintain moist, but not soggy soil
• Soil: Loamy, well-drained, neutral

Haworthia (Haworthia spp.)

All members of the big Haworthia genus safe House plant for cats and dogs. but not the aloe plants that look a lot alike. The haworthia should be in bright light and be watered once a week in the summer and less often in the winter. For mild to low light conditions, it can also grow, but if the leaves start to turn brown, that means the plant isn’t getting enough light.

• Light: Full to partial sun
• Water: Water when top inch of soil dries out in spring and summer, water to keep leaves plump in fall and winter
• Soil: Sandy, well-drained, neutral

 

Venus Fly Trap (Dionaea muscipula)

Adding carnivorous plants to your home decor is a fun and unique idea, but what if your cat tries to pounce on one of those traps that snaps shut? Cats and dogs can eat Venus fly traps (Dionaea muscipula), so if your pet nibbles on one, you won’t have to take them to the vet.

Bright light and irrigation with distilled water will keep these pet-friendly plants in fly-catching condition.

• Light: Full to partial sun
• Water: Water from bottom with rainwater
• Soil: Sandy, moist, acidic

Baby’s Tears (Soleirolia soleirolii)

Soleirolia soleirolii has a mat of tiny green leaves that grows over other plants and adds color to terrariums, small hanging baskets, and around the base of indoor trees. Plants that look like baby tears cover the ground and might keep dogs away that like to dig in your houseplants.

• Light: Partial sun to shade
• Water: Should stay consistently moist
• Soil: Rich, moist loam, slightly acidic

Polka Dot Plant (Hypoestes phyllostachya)

Hypoestes phyllostachya has beautiful green, pink, red, or white-splotched leaves that are so pretty that you won’t have to worry about giving them the right conditions to grow like many houseplants do.
Cats and dogs can’t get sick from the polka dot plant or other non-toxic plants, but sensitive pets might have mild stomach problems if they eat a lot of it.

• Light: Partial sun
• Water: Water when top half inch of soil dries out
• Soil: Moist, well-drained, neutral

Air Plant (Tillandsia stricta)

Air plants aren’t like most houseplants because they don’t grow in earth; they grow on other plants. You should instead place them on a board or something else solid. Secure the plant to its mount with glue, wire, or twine to protect it and keep your cat from being interested in the stiff leaves.
Remember that you’ll need to cover the air plant in water for 10 to 30 minutes every week or two to water it.

• Light: Partial sun
• Water: Soak biweekly or mist throughout the week

Prayer Plant (Maranta leuconeura)

The prayer plant has a unique habit: every night, it folds its leaves together, making them look like hands prayed over. It’s safe for pets and has tropical-looking leaves that make it a favorite houseplant. There are different kinds of light that it can grow in, but it likes bright, indirect light the most. It can also grow in light levels that are mild to low.

• Light: Partial sun to shade
• Water: Water frequently, but do not let it get soggy
• Soil: Moist but well-drained, neutral, acidic

Friendship Plant (Pilea involucrata)

Pilea involucrata is a trailing plant with weak roots that does well in damp conditions. It does well in a container, which makes it even less likely that your cat or dog will nibble on it without permission. Show it off in any room of your house because it’s one of the best plants that won’t hurt your pets.

• Light: Partial sun
• Water: Keep consistently moist
• Soil: Loamy, moist but well-drained, acidic, neutral

 

Peperomia (Peperomia spp.)

One of the best things about Peperomia species is that they come in a lot of different colors and shapes. They don’t hurt cats or dogs, look great in pots, and don’t mind if you forget to water them sometimes.

• Light: Full or partial sun
• Water: Allow top two inches of soil to dry out between waterings
• Soil:  Moist but well-drained, neutral to acidic

 

Orchid (Orchidaceae)

If you really love orchids (Orchidaceae), you can add them to your list of plants that are safe for pets. Many orchids bloom for weeks in the winter when the days are short. They do best in situations with some light and roots that are squished together.

• Light: Partial shade
• Water: Allow to dry out between waterings
• Soil:  Well-drained, acidic

Mosaic Plant (Fittonia albivenis)

Fittonia albivenis is also known as oriental mosaic plant and nerve plant, which sounds like it might have something bad for your nervous system. This jungle plant, on the other hand, has beautiful leaves with white or pink veins that are safe for cats and dogs.
If you give this small, safe houseplant some light and water, it does very well. But it needs to be in a very wet place. Because of this, a bathroom is a good place inside.

• Light: Partial sun
• Water: Keep moist and do not allow to dry out
• Soil: Moist but well-drained, acidic

 

Bromeliad (Bromeliaceae)

Bromeliads are popular pets because their leaves are tough and spindly, and their flowers are shaped like strange cones. These plants can be kept near pets and only need a bright window and a damp place to grow.

Depending on the type of bromeliad you choose, it will look different and need different care. Many types grow as soilless epiphytes on a log. You can glue or tie them to the log to keep them in place.

• Light: Partial sun
• Water: Drought tolerant but prefers moist soil
• Soil:  Well-draining, acidic

African Daisy (Gerbera jamesonii)

The African Daisy, or Gerbera jamesonii, is safe because it is a part of the Compositae family. Because there are 30 species in that family, some can be kept inside in pots. One of them is Gerbera jamesonii. Most of the types you can find are hybrids.

• Light: Full sun
• Watering: Water 1 inch weekly (2.5cm)
• Soil: Rich organic soil. Slightly acidic. pH 5-5.5.

 

Aluminium Plant (Pilea cadierei)

Pilea cadierei is a plant that comes back every year in the tropical jungles of Southeast Asia. It’s also known as the Watermelon Pilea and the Aluminum Plant. They live in wet places in Vietnam and China. It has something to do with Pilea Peperiomides, which is also called the English Money Plant. It can grow up to 12 inches tall. It grows best in warm places. You can put this plant inside or outside; it doesn’t need much care.
It’s also safe for your cat and doesn’t need much care. Cats and dogs can use it without getting sick.

• Light: Bright indirect.
• Watering: Water once a week.
• Soil: Use a sandy soil mix.

Bird’s nest fern (Asplenium nidus)

Most people think that ferns are very picky pets. It’s easy to take care of the bird’s nest fern (Asplenium nidus). Another great thing about this plant is that it is safe for cats.
Maidenhair ferns are also thought to be safe for cats by most people.
They say that cats, dogs, and horses can be around Staghorn plants.

• Light: Bright indirect.
• Watering: Water once a week indoors and daily outdoors.
• Soil: Use a peat and sand mix.

Nerve plant (Fittonia verschaffeltii)

The tropical jungles of South America are where Nerve plants live naturally. This plant can also do well indoors, like in an aquarium.
The American Cat Society (ASPCA) says that this plant is safe for cats.

• Light: Bright, indirect light.
• Watering: Every 3-4 days. Prefers moist but not soggy soil.
• Soil: General potting mix. Slightly acidic with a pH of 6.5.

 

Pheasant Plant (Cryptanthus zonatus)

Based on the ASCPA, Cryptanthus zonatus is not considered to be harmful. The Pheasant plant looks cool. As the light gets brighter, its colors get more vivid.

• Light: Bright indirect light.
• Watering: Water every 7-10 days. Prefers moist soil.
• Soil: Peat-based acidic soil.

Rattlesnake plant (Calathea lancifolia)

The Rattlesnake plant is classified as cat-safe by the ASPCA.

• Light: Bright, indirect light. Keep the plant away from direct light.
• Watering: Water every 7-14 days. Prefers filtered water.
• Soil: Loose, organic soil.

 

Wax plant (Hoya carnosa)

The wax pants live in Eastern Asia and Australia. They are in the family Apocynaceae.
Hoya Carnosa is a popular houseplant that is grown for its pretty waxy leaves and because it is safe for pets.

• Light: Bright, indirect light.
• Watering: Water every fourteen days.
• Soil: Mix a cactus and an orchid mix.

 

Polka Dot Plant (Hypoestes phyllostachya)

People mostly grow Polka Dot plants for their leaves. It’s different shades of red, pink, and white. Hypoestes phyllostachya is a plant that doesn’t need much attention.

• Light: Bright indirect light. Avoid direct sunlight.
• Watering: Prefers slightly moist soil. Water once the top 1-inch of soil dries out.
• Soil: Well-draining soil with added perlite and pumice

 

Purple Velvet Plant or Purple Passion Plant (Gynura aurantiaca)

The Purple Passion Plant comes from Indonesia. It’s a houseplant that cats can handle. Their leaves are dark and look like velvet. They do well even when there isn’t much light.

• Light: Bright indirect light from an east-or west-facing window.
• Watering: Water once a week. Prefers slightly moist soil. Allow the top 1 inch (2.5cm) to dry out before watering.
• Soil: General potting soil

 

Guiana Chestnut (Pachira aquatic)

The leaves of the Guiana Chestnut, also known as Pachira aquatica, are well-known. It’s easy to take care of and is also known as the Money tree. It’s a houseplant that cats can handle. Its a safe House plant for cats and dogs.

• Light: Bright indirect.
• Watering: Water 1-2 times per week.
• Soil: Well-draining soil using vermiculite, sand, peat moss, or perlite.

Blue echeveria (Echeveria ‘Blue Atoll’ )

This plant, Echeveria “Blue Atoll,” grows in a rosette shape. Pests can’t get sick from blue echeveria. They don’t have any dangerous chemicals in them.

 

• Light: Direct light.
• Watering: Water every 7-10 days once the soil is dry.
• Soil: Well-draining soil. Cactus mix

 

Baby rubber plant (Peperomia obtusifolia)

It is safe for cats to live inside with the baby rubber plant, also known as the pepper plant. The rubber plant, on the other hand, is not good for your pet.

• Light: Indirect light.
• Watering: Water every 1-2 weeks once the soil is dry to the touch
• Soil: Well-draining mix. Coco coir works well.

 

Watermelon peperomia (Peperomia argyreia)

Peperomia is a plant that is easy to grow inside. It’s beautiful to look at the watermelon peperomia. Its leaves look like watermelons. On top of the leaves, there are lines that range from white to gray.

• Light: Medium-bright light
• Watering: Water every 7-12 days. Let the soil dry out before watering again.
• Soil: Mixture of peat moss and perlite

 

 

FAQ

• Can you keep toxic plants with cats and dogs?

Placing a plant out of reach will keep your pet from damaging it. If you grow it outside in a pot that your pet can’t get to, or put it on a high shelf that it can’t reach.

 

 

• Are succulents safe for cats and dogs?

A lot of plants, like haworthia, are safe for cats and dogs to eat. What kind of plant do you have, though? Not all of them are safe for cats.

 

• Is lavender safe house plant for cats and dogs?

Cats and dogs shouldn’t be near lavender plants outside. Some of the chemicals in it are bad for cats, dogs, and horses and can make their bellies hurt.