Is Calathea toxic to cats?
Is Calathea toxic to cats?
Calathea and prayer-plant relatives are commonly used as pet-friendlier houseplants. Check the exact name when buying.
Names to check
Calathea common and scientific names
Scientific name: Calathea species
Also searched as: prayer plant, maranta
Common names can point to different plants. When buying or identifying a plant, use the scientific name on the label when possible.
What sources say
Source-backed safety notes
Calathea and prayer-plant relatives are commonly used as pet-friendlier houseplants. Check the exact name when buying.
Even plants reported as non-toxic can cause stomach upset if a pet eats enough leaves, soil, fertilizer, or treated stems.
Safer alternatives to consider
These are not guarantees for every pet, but they are better starting points than plants marked toxic or high-risk.
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
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.
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.
Last reviewed and corrections
Last reviewed: 2026-06-13. If you find a source mismatch or a plant-name issue, send the exact plant name and source through the contact page.