Table of Contents
If you're a seasoned pet owner, then you probably already know that there are a number of plants that are toxic to cats.
This is the time of year when people are bringing outdoor plants inside, starting seeds to grow plants for next spring, and purchasing houseplants for hostess/holiday gifts.
If you're one of these people, try one of these cat-safe houseplants for pet owners.
Cats have been known to chew on the leaves and blossoms of indoor plants. This is why it's important to be careful of the plants you bring into your home.
Do some quick research before bringing in new plants, and check on the plants you already have. If you have an indoor/outdoor cat, you must also research the plants in your yard.
The consumption of toxic plants could lead to nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and general stomach upset.
Some plants can even be life-threatening to your pet. For this reason, it's important to know the names of every plant in your home/yard.
If you believe that your cat may have ingested a toxic plant, contact your veterinarian immediately or the Animal Poison Control Center 24-hour emergency hotline at 1-888-426-4435.
Cat Safe Houseplants for Pet Owners
1. Venus Fly Trap
These unique plants are a fun addition to any home. They are fun to watch and will entertain children and adults alike.
These plants prefer direct sunlight, but they will do alright in partial shade. The soil needs to be moist at all times and should frequently be wet with standing water. These plants lose their leaves and go dormant in the winter months.
2. Calathea
Also referred to as a zebra plant, these cat-safe houseplants have beautifully striped leaves. As you can see in the photo, they also have vibrant colors that would look good in any home.
They don’t do well in direct sunlight, so they are a great choice for apartment dwellers or homes that don’t have a lot of window space.
3. Gloxinia
This plant has large leaves and large flowers. It is ideal for cat owners who want to brighten up their homes with a flowering plant. These plants can withstand slight drought conditions, but it's important to keep the soil moist.
You also have to be careful not to overwater Gloxinias. These cat-safe houseplants may not be the best choice for beginning horticulturists.
4. Brazilian Orchid
Orchids are known for being harder to maintain but are also well-known for their unique beauty. Brazilian orchids do need to be in full sun or very minimal shade. They need watering weekly, and most experts recommend feeding them with a fertilizer formulated for orchids.
If you (or the person you're buying for) are not well-versed in plant care, you may want to choose a houseplant that is easier to maintain.
5. Hoya
These houseplants are nearly indestructible, also called wax plants or porcelain flowers. They have waxy, thick leaves and produce beautiful, sweet-smelling flowers in the spring. Hoyas are a great gift for a beginner or someone with a less-than-green thumb.
6. Christmas Cactus
With the holidays upon us, I couldn't leave this unique houseplant off my list. This cactus has interesting blooms. It is a green plant that grows through the spring, summer, and fall and blooms with pink, red, or white flowers during the holidays.
Being a cactus, these plants don't require much water. You must pay attention to the lighting these cacti receive, or they won't bloom.
