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.
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.
What makes an indoor plant easier to keep around cats?
Choose a source-backed lower-risk species, a stable pot, pet-safe soil practices, and a location that does not shed leaves into play areas. Hanging placement is useful only when trailing stems and fallen leaves also stay out of reach.
How should I handle a plant sold under a broad trade name?
Compare the botanical label with the checker before purchase. Names such as palm, fern, bamboo, and prayer plant can cover unrelated groups. If the seller cannot provide a scientific name, treat the result as uncertain rather than matching it to the closest picture.
Plants in this group
Open a plant page for the direct answer, scientific name, safety notes, sources, and alternatives.
Reported non-toxic
Spider Plant
Chlorophytum comosum
Spider plant is commonly listed as non-toxic for cats and dogs. Cats may still chew it, so watch for stomach upset.
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.
Use caution
Money Tree
Pachira aquatica
Money tree is often chosen as a pet-friendlier houseplant. Confirm the exact plant because common names can be reused.
Reported non-toxic
Christmas Cactus
Schlumbergera bridgesii
Christmas cactus is commonly listed as non-toxic for cats and dogs. Large amounts of any plant material can still upset the stomach.
Reported non-toxic
Bamboo Palm
Chamaedorea seifrizii
Bamboo palm is commonly listed as non-toxic for cats and dogs. Do not confuse it with sago palm, which is a serious hazard.
Use caution
Calathea
Calathea species
Calathea and prayer-plant relatives are commonly used as pet-friendlier houseplants. Check the exact name when buying.
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.