Is This Plant Safe For My Cat? A Guide to Cat-Safe Plants

Plants and flowers are a lovely addition to any home. They make a space feel more natural and calm and add a nice splash of colour to the room they’re in.

But when you have a cat, plants suddenly become a minefield. Cats are naturally curious, and it’s not uncommon for them to chew on plants as a way of exploring them. By selecting non-toxic plants, you can rest assured that your cat isn’t going to poison itself. 

But which plants are toxic to cats? What happens if your cat eats a plant it’s not supposed to? What are the signs of poisoning in cats? 

If you’ve found yourself fretting about these questions, then this is the guide for you. I’m going to answer all of these and tell you how I make my house friendly for my cats and my plants. 

The Benefits of Having Indoor Plants That Are Safe for Cats 

Not only do indoor plants provide some nature for us in our homes, but they do the same for our cats. This can be especially beneficial for indoor cats, who otherwise have no way of experiencing nature in the home. 

Cats are also very sensory animals, and plants and flowers provide new smells and textures for them to explore. This is why I like to cycle my plants and swap out different plants at different times of the year. This provides me, my cats, and my home with some variety. 

 Why Do Cats Eat Plants? 

There are several reasons why cats are attracted to plants. 

• Instinctual Behaviors 
  In the wild, cats will consume plants as a natural part of their diet, especially if there is no meat for them to consume. Plants help with digestion and expel hairballs. This instinct persists even in domesticated cats. 
• Nutritional Needs 
  Cat food often lacks fibre, so there is a theory that cats eat plants to increase their fibre intake. 
• Curiosity/Play 
  Cats are curious and playful creatures. They like to explore their surroundings using all their senses. This can mean chewing on plants just because they are there. 
  One of my cats, Charlie, is obsessed with anything that looks like a tendril, whether it’s a shoelace or a strand of spaghetti. So, when I brought home a Spider Plant, he went wild. It didn’t last more than an hour before he’d pulled off every one of its leaves. 
  Luckily, spider plants are safe and non-toxic for cats. But sometimes you need to protect your plants from your cats, and not the other way around!

Cat-Friendly Flowers

If you want to have plants and flowers in your home, you need to choose ones that are safe for your cats to be left alone with. Some cat-friendly options I like to have in my home are: 

• African Violets 
  These are small and colourful flowers, and they add a nice touch of vibrant colour to any home they are in. 

• Roses 
  A classic, beautiful flower. These are non-toxic to cats, but you should remove their thorns to avoid injury to cats that might be too curious! 
• Sunflowers 
  These bright and cheerful flowers are safe for cats and brighten up any room they are in. 

Cat-Friendly Houseplants

Houseplants can improve air quality and add a touch of greenery to your living space. Here are some options that are safe for cats: 

• Cacti 
  Cacti are one of my favourite plants for a lot of reasons. They are non-toxic to cats, but also, their natural defences prevent my cats from damaging them. They also require very little maintenance and watering compared to other houseplants. 
• Spider Plants 
  These are known for their air-purifying ability. They are easy to care for and safe for cats. But as I mentioned earlier, some cats won’t be able to resist munching on them. They won’t get ill, but your plant might not recover. 
• Boston Ferns 
  These are lush plants that thrive in a humid environment (just like cats). 

Specific Plant Concerns 

These are the plants that I see people asking about the most often. 

• Are Orchids Poisonous to Cats? 
  Orchids are not poisonous to cats, but they can cause your cat to have an upset stomach if they eat them. It is best to keep them out of reach of your cats. 
• Are Lilies Poisonous to Cats? 
  Yes, lilies are one of the most toxic plants for cats. Even small amounts of lily pollen can cause kidney failure. If you have cats, I highly recommend not allowing any lilies in your home. Even if your cat steps on the pollen and later cleans their paw by licking it, it can poison them. 
  If you think your cat has eaten lilies, give it water to drink and then contact your vet immediately. 
• Are Yucca Plants Poisonous to Cats? 
  Yes, Yucca plants can be toxic to cats if they eat them. They can cause vomiting and diarrhoea.  Keep these plants out of reach of your cat or opt for safer alternatives.  
• Are Dahlias Poisonous to Cats? 
  While not technically poisonous to cats, they can cause mild digestive issues for your cats. And while these issues might be “mild,” they don’t feel “mild” when you’re the one that has to clean up afterwards. Save yourself the effort and pick a different flower for your house. 
• Are Spider Plants Poisonous to Cats? 
  Spider plants are totally safe for cats, but their leaves can be very tempting to playful cats. So, it’s best to worry more about protecting your spider plant from your cat. Keep them somewhere high where your cat can’t reach them. 

Other Poisonous Plants

There are several common plants that are unsafe for cats, such as philodendrons, pothos, and sago palms. 

Call me neurotic, but I always assume any plant is dangerous for my cat until I’ve researched it and confirmed it’s safe. Even plants that are beneficial to humans (like Aloe Vera) can be poisonous to cats, which goes to show you should never assume that something is safe—always check! 
I’ve compiled this handy table of common house plants for you to reference. 

Plant Name	Safety for Cats
African Violet	Safe
Aloe Vera	Toxic
Amaryllis	Toxic
Areca Palm	Safe
Azalea	Toxic
Bamboo Palm	Safe
Boston Fern	Safe
Christmas Cactus	Safe
Chrysanthemum	Toxic
Dahlia	Toxic
Dieffenbachia	Toxic
English Ivy	Toxic
Hydrangea	Toxic
Jade Plant	Toxic
Kalanchoe	Toxic
Lily	Toxic
Lily of the Valley	Toxic
Mistletoe	Toxic
Oleander	Toxic
Orchid	Safe
Parlor Palm	Safe
Peace Lily	Toxic
Philodendron	Toxic
Poinsettia	Toxic
Pothos	Toxic
Rhododendron	Toxic
Rose	Safe
Rubber Plant	Toxic
Sago Palm	Toxic
Schefflera	Toxic
Snake Plant	Toxic
Spider Plant	Safe
Sunflower	Safe
Wisteria	Toxic
Yucca	Toxic
ZZ Plant	Toxic

Indications That a Cat May Have Ingested a Poisonous Plant 

The most common signs that a cat has ingested something toxic are vomiting, diarrhoea, drooling, lethargy, and difficulty breathing. If you notice your cat displaying any of these symptoms, contact your veterinarian. 

What to Do If Your Cat Has Eaten a Poisonous Plant 

Your vet can provide guidance on the next steps and any necessary treatments. 

Your vet may induce vomiting or administer activated charcoal to prevent the toxin from being absorbed. Do not try to do this yourself unless a vet has told you to do it and explained how to do so. Otherwise, you risk hurting your cat. 

While you are waiting to hear from your vet, keep your cat indoors and give them as much water as they will drink. 

Final Thoughts: Are Plants Safe For Cats?

By understanding which plants are safe for cats and which can be toxic, you can help create a home that is beautiful, safe, and full of sensory stimulation for your cat. Consult the table in this blog and choose plants that are marked as safe. Always research plants before bringing them into your home, and be aware of the symptoms of poisoning so you know what to look out for in your cat.