Reported non-toxic
Rose
Rosa species
Roses are commonly reported as non-toxic to cats, dogs, and horses, but thorns, pesticides, and fertilizers can still cause problems.
cat safe plants
Cat Safe Plants
Use this hub when you want safer plant options for a home with cats. Non-toxic does not mean edible or risk-free, so each card still links to sources and caution notes.
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.
How should I compare cat-safe plants at a nursery?
Start with the scientific name on the pot, not the common name on a shelf sign. Open the matching record and confirm that the cat status is reported non-toxic by a named source. If the label is missing or the name is broad, leave the plant out of reach until it can be identified.
Why can a non-toxic plant still cause trouble?
Non-toxic is not the same as edible. Chewed leaves, potting mix, fertilizer, pesticides, thorns, and large amounts of plant material can still cause injury or stomach upset. Choose the plant first, then make the pot and growing setup pet-safe too.
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
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
Sunflower
Helianthus annuus
Sunflower is commonly listed as non-toxic for cats, dogs, and horses, making it a safer bouquet choice than lilies.
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
Daisy
Bellis perennis and related common names
Daisy is a common name used for several plants. Treat unidentified daisies as caution until the exact plant is confirmed.
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.
Use caution
Hibiscus
Hibiscus species
Hibiscus is a broad common name, so check the exact species before treating it as safe. Some pet owners search this because hibiscus appears in yards, teas, and bouquets.
Reported non-toxic
Lilac
Syringa species
Common lilac is often treated as a lower-risk plant, but the common name can be confused with unrelated plants. Confirm the scientific name before bringing cuttings near pets.
Reported non-toxic
Alstroemeria
Alstroemeria species
ASPCA lists Peruvian lily, also called alstroemeria, as non-toxic to cats, dogs, and horses. It is not a true lily, but any chewed plant material can still cause stomach upset.