Cats are curious creatures who love to explore their surroundings. Unfortunately, this curiosity can sometimes get them into trouble with houseplants. Many common houseplants are toxic to cats if ingested. However, there are plenty of safe options for low-light areas that will allow you to have plants in your home without endangering your feline friends.
Benefits of Having Indoor Plants with Cats
Having indoor plants can benefit both you and your cats in several ways:
- Air Purification – Houseplants help remove toxins and purify the air indoors. This promotes better health for both people and pets. Certain plants like peace lilies and spider plants are especially good for air purification.
- Aesthetic Appeal – Plants add beauty, color, and life to any space. Greenery livens up the home and makes it feel more inviting.
- Behavioral Enrichment – Safe plants allow cats to interact with nature indoors. Cats enjoy nibbling on and playing with safe greenery. It provides enrichment and satisfies their natural curiosity.
- Stress Relief – Studies show being around plants reduces stress and anxiety in people. The same is likely true for pets as well. Natural elements create a calming environment.
The key is choosing pet-safe plant varieties and proper placement to reap these benefits while keeping your cats out of harm’s way.
Dangers of Toxic Plants
Many common houseplants can cause serious harm to cats if ingested. Toxicity levels range from mild to severe:
- Mildly Toxic – Cause minor digestive upset like vomiting or drooling. Examples include spider plants and dracaena.
- Moderately Toxic – Lead to more serious effects like difficulty breathing, diarrhea, lethargy, and heart abnormalities. Examples include lilies, pothos, and cyclamen.
- Severely Toxic – Cause intense symptoms and can be fatal if untreated. Examples include sago palms, azaleas, and oleander.
Even plants considered mildly toxic can lead to worse effects if a large amount is eaten. It’s best to avoid any plant known to be poisonous and stick to known cat-safe varieties.
Most Dangerous Houseplants for Cats
The following houseplants should be avoided if you have cats at home:
Lilies
True lilies like Easter, Asiatic, and Japanese lilies can cause fatal kidney failure in cats if ingested. Even small amounts of pollen or water from the vase can be deadly. Other lily varieties like peace lilies are not true lilies yet still toxic to cats.
Sago Palms
All parts of sago palms are highly poisonous. Ingestion can cause liver failure, seizures, and death. Just nibbling on a leaf can be fatal. Extra care must be taken with these plants.
Aloe Vera
The gel inside aloe leaves can act as a laxative and cause severe vomiting and diarrhea if large amounts are eaten.
Azaleas & Rhododendrons
These flowering shrubs contain grayantoxins that can cause vomiting, drooling, weakness, coma, and potential death in cats.
Oleander
Extremely toxic in all parts, oleander ingestion can quickly cause digestive upset, abnormal heart function, tremors, and death.
Chrysanthemums
These popular flowers contain pyrethrins that are toxic to cats. Ingestion causes salivation, vomiting, diarrhea, and other gastrointestinal issues.
Cyclamen
The tubers of these flowering plants contain glycosides that cause significant mouth and throat irritation, vomiting, and even heart rhythm abnormalities if consume
14 Low-Light Houseplants Safe for Cats
Fortunately, there are many cat-safe houseplants well-suited to low-light conditions. Here are 14 great options:
1. Spider Plant (Chlorophytum comosum)
Spider plants are non-toxic, easy to grow, and thrive in low to medium indirect light. Their long arching leaves provide visual interest. Cats may nibble on the leaves occasionally which can cause some mild stomach upset. But most cats can interact with spider plants safely. Hang these attractive plants out of reach to prevent excessive chewing.
2. Ponytail Palm (Beaucarnea recurvata)
The ponytail palm is adaptable to low light levels. Its swollen base stores water so it only needs occasional watering. The leaves are not toxic, but the plant has sharp, claw-like structures along the base that can scratch inquisitive pets. Keep it out of reach to avoid injury.
3. Peperomia (Peperomia spp.)
With over 1,000 species, peperomia offer lots of low-light options for cat owners. Their thick, succulent-like leaves come in many shapes like ripples, stripes, and whorls. Water these plants sparingly. Cats may nibble on the leaves occasionally but peperomia is non-toxic.
4. Prayer Plant (Maranta leuconeura)
The eye-catching foliage of prayer plants folds up at night then reopens in the morning light – resembling hands in prayer position. They thrive in humid, low-light environments. All plant parts are cat-safe, but their trailing nature makes them prone to nibbling. Keep out of reach to prevent chewing.
5. Boston Fern (Nephrolepis exaltata)
Boston ferns grow well in indirect light and humid conditions. Their long, graceful fronds provide lush greenery. The plant is non-toxic to cats and dogs if ingested, though gastrointestinal upset is possible if large amounts are consumed.
6. Parlor Palm (Chamaedorea elegans)
Parlor palms are pet-safe and adapt well to low-light spots. Their compact size makes them ideal for tabletops and smaller spaces. Cats may try chewing the slender leaves and leaflets which can cause mild vomiting or drooling. Place out of reach to avoid access.
7. Cast Iron Plant (Aspidistra elatior)
Nearly indestructible, the cast iron plant survives low light, drought, heat, cold and pollution. Its large, glossy leaves add elegant simplicity. The plant contains minute amounts of toxins, but ingestion rarely causes more than mild stomach upset. A safe, low-maintenance option.
8. Moth Orchids (Phalaenopsis spp.)
Stylish moth orchids thrive in bright indirect light. All parts are non-toxic, though the flowers can cause mild diarrhea if eaten. Place orchids out of reach to prevent chewing and knocking over. Secure top-heavy plants to prevent tipping injuries.
9. Purple Waffle Plant (Hemigraphis alternata)
Sometimes called the red ivy, the purple waffle plant handles low light well. Its colorful, textured leaves are non-toxic and safe for cats if ingested. It may cause minor stomach upset. Place out of reach since the trailing stems are prone to nibbling.
10. Christmas Cactus (Schlumbergera bridgessii)
Christmas cacti are jungle cacti that grow well indoors. Their trailing segmented stems bear colorful flowers in winter. The plant is non-toxic, thoughspines and leaves can cause mechanical injury. Hang Christmas cacti up high or place out of reach.
11. Arrowhead Plant (Syngonium podophyllum)
Also called nephthytis, these pretty trailing vines thrive in medium to low light situations. Their variegated leaves are non-toxic to cats. They can cause mild vomiting or diarrhea if eaten. Keep arrowhead vines out of reach to prevent chewing.
12. Chinese Evergreen (Aglaonema spp.)
Chinese evergreens tolerate very low light levels. They produce interesting variegated foliage and have few pest problems. All parts are only mildly toxic and may cause salivation and vomiting if large amounts are consumed. Keep out of reach to prevent chewing.
13. Nerve Plant (Fittonia spp.)
Nerve plants stay compact with gorgeous, brightly veined leaves. They do best in humid environments with indirect sunlight. Moderate nibbling causes no ill effects, but large ingestions may cause vomiting. Place in hanging baskets away from pets.
14. Air Plants (Tillandsia spp.)
Unusual air plants make great low light plants since they get nutrients from the air. Their striking shapes and forms add visual drama. Air plants are non-toxic, but their sharp leaves can poke inquisitive pets. Hang air plants in glass terrariums out of reach.
Tips for Keeping Cats Away from Houseplants
Proper selection and placement of plants is key to avoiding toxicity risks:
- Research plants thoroughly and only choose known cat-safe varieties. Avoid any plants toxic to cats.
- Place plants out of reach of cats by using wall shelves, hanging baskets, high shelves or plant stands. Keep plants well away from counters or tables cats can access.
- Use pet repellent sprays made with citrus, mint, or lemongrass oils around plants. Cats dislike these strong scents. Reapply after watering.
- Consider cat grass. Offering pots of oat, wheat or rye grass allows cats to nibble approved greenery safely.
- Keep plants in rooms cats are not allowed access if possible. Shut doors and use baby gates to block entry.
- Use motion-activated deterrents near plants. Devices emit a blast of air, sound or scent when motion is detected to startle cats away.
- Trim plants to remove parts cats are nibbling. Focus chewing on one small area to prevent ingesting large amounts.
- Ensure your cat has plenty of other outlets for its natural curiosity like cat trees, toys, scratchers and interactive playtime.
What to Do if a Cat Ingests a Toxic Plant
If you witness your cat ingesting a toxic plant or suspect it may have, take action fast:
- Identify the plant if possible to determine toxicity level and symptoms to watch for. Take a sample or photo to the vet.
- Induce vomiting only if ingestion occurred in the last 2 hours. Use 3% hydrogen peroxide dosed properly for weight.
- Call your vet or an emergency 24-hour animal hospital immediately for advice. Toxicity progresses quickly.
- Note any symptoms like vomiting, diarrhea, difficulty breathing, seizures or collapse. Watch the cat closely in a safe area.
- Take the cat to the vet immediately for examination and prompt treatment to prevent serious complications. Treatment varies based on the toxin.
Fast action is critical for the best outcome if a cat eats a poisonous plant. Prevention through proper plant selection and placement is the best way to avoid tragic poisoning accidents involving curious cats.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which low-light houseplants are the safest for cats?
The safest low-light houseplants for cats include Peperomia, Boston Fern, Ponytail Palm, Spider Plant, Prayer Plant, Parlor Palm, Cast Iron Plant, Purple Waffle Plant, Nerve Plant, and Air Plants. Always research plants thoroughly and keep them out of reach of cats.
What are the most toxic plants for cats that should be avoided?
The most dangerous plants for cats include Lilies, Oleander, Sago Palms, Azaleas/Rhododendrons, Chrysanthemums, Aloe Vera, Cyclamen, and Pothos among others. Avoid any plants labeled toxic and never assume a plant is safe.
Are cacti and succulents safe for cats?
Some cacti and succulents like Christmas Cactus are cat-safe. But many varieties have toxic properties or sharp spines/leaves that can harm curious cats. Do thorough research before bringing any into a home with cats.
What precautions can I take to keep my cats away from houseplants?
Keep plants out of reach on high shelves, wall mounts or hanging baskets. Use cat repellent sprays around plants and keep potted plants inside rooms cats can’t access. Provide plenty of cat-safe outlets like cat grass for nibbling.
What should I do if I think my cat ate a toxic plant?
If ingestion just occurred, induce vomiting with hydrogen peroxide. Call your vet immediately for advice. Note any symptoms and watch the cat closely. Take to the vet ASAP for prompt treatment which can vary depending on the toxin involved. Fast action is critical.
Conclusion
Cats will naturally be intrigued by any plants kept indoors. Unfortunately, many common houseplants pose serious toxicity risks to them if ingested. By sticking with known low-light, cat-safe varieties and taking proper precautions, you can add greens to your home while keeping your curious cats out of harm’s way. Research thoroughly and always err on the side of caution when selecting plants for a home shared with cats.