cat safe indoor plants

Cat Safe Indoor Plants

Indoor plant searches often mix safe, toxic, and ambiguous common names. Start with the exact plant name, then keep even lower-risk plants away from cats that chew leaves or soil.

Plant safety checker

Search a plant before your pet gets near it

This site is a pet-safety reference, not veterinary advice. If your pet has eaten a plant or is showing symptoms, contact your veterinarian or a poison-control service immediately.

Plants in this group

Open a plant page for the direct answer, scientific name, safety notes, sources, and alternatives.

Reported non-toxic

Orchid

Phalaenopsis species

Phalaenopsis orchids are commonly listed as non-toxic for cats and dogs. Use the scientific name when checking a specific orchid.

Reported non-toxic

Basil

Ocimum basilicum

Basil is commonly listed as non-toxic for cats and dogs. Keep seasonings, oils, and treated soil away from pets.

Reported non-toxic

Catnip

Nepeta cataria

Catnip is commonly listed as non-toxic for cats and is intentionally grown for cats. Use moderation because too much can cause stomach upset.

Use caution

Fern

Varies by species

Fern is too broad to treat as one safety result. Boston fern is commonly used as pet-friendlier, while some fern-like plants are not.

Use caution

ZZ Plant

Zamioculcas zamiifolia

ZZ plant is best treated as caution unless you have a source for the exact plant. Many pet owners avoid it because chewing can irritate pets.