Indoor Plants that are Non-toxic to Cats
Bringing a bit of nature into our man made world can be soothing, uplifting, and a beautiful reminder of the preciousness of life.
If you’re a pet owner (and we’ll bet you are if you’re reading this), you’ll need to select your next plant with care. Cats are especially notorious for sampling plants we have around our homes, but certain greenery can be downright toxic to them (we’re looking at you, lilies!).
With a little bit of research, filling your home with beautiful and safe foliage is a snap. Your team at Mobile Vet MD is dedicated to helping you find indoor plants that are non-toxic to cats!
What to Watch Out For
As we mentioned previously, all species of Lily are extremely toxic to felines. In some cases, even a lick or two of a lily plant can kill a cat. Besides never allowing lilies into the home, cat owners should also avoid the following popular houseplants:
- Dracaena (Tricolor or Rainbow plant) – Ingestion may result in vomiting, diarrhea, loss of appetite, and/or drooling.
- Sago Palm – All parts of the Sago Palm are extremely toxic to pets, but the seeds pack an especially deadly punch.
- Daffodil – Gifting daffodils in the spring is common, but ingestion by your cat can result in vomiting, diarrhea, and lethargy.
- Rubber plant – Latex is the toxic component in the leaves, and ingestion can cause mild symptoms such as stomach upset, diarrhea, and skin lesions.
Indoor Plants that are Non-toxic to Cats
We don’t know exactly why cats are attracted to houseplants. Maybe it’s to make up for a nutritional deficiency, maybe it’s to soothe an upset stomach, or maybe it’s just part of their playful and inquisitive nature. Whatever the reason, choosing indoor plants that are non-toxic to cats is absolutely essential to their health and well being.
Although there are hundreds of safe options to choose from, we’ve given you a list of some of our favorite cat-safe indoor plants:
- Spider Plant
- African Violet
- Venus Fly Trap
- Banana
- Areca (Butterfly) Palm
- Boston Fern
- Calathea (Zebra or Peacock Plant)
- Polka Dot Plant
- Orchid
- Asparagus Fern
- Bromeliad
Further questions about non-toxic indoor plants for cats? Give your team at Mobile Vet MD a call, or check out the ASPCA’s list of pet-safe plants. And, as a reminder, please remember to crate or otherwise contain your pet (in a bathroom or bedroom, for example) prior to your appointment time to help expedite the start of your appointment!