Many popular houseplants are unfortunately toxic to cats — but not all of them!

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If you don’t want to compromise between the atmosphere of your home and your cat’s health, read on: we present 10 ornamental plants that you don’t have to worry about around your cat.

Here Are 10 Cat-Friendly Houseplants

1.) Moth Orchid (Phalaenopsis)

This tropical plant is known for its beautiful, butterfly-like flowers that can decorate a home for months. The moth orchid is the most common orchid variety. Although it resembles lilies — which are particularly dangerous and toxic to cats — it does not belong to the same family, so it is non-toxic to them.

The moth orchid is the most widespread orchid variety

2.) Spider Plant (Chlorophytum comosum)

The spider plant is a popular cat-friendly houseplant. Its special feature is that new plants grow from its small offshoots, making it easy to propagate. It prefers bright, filtered light but also tolerates shade well.

Spider plant

3.) Prayer Plant (Maranta leuconeura)

The prayer plant is also safe for cats, which is fortunate since it is a highly decorative plant with patterned leaves. Its special feature is that its leaves fold up in the evening. This tropical plant prefers humid environments, so regular misting benefits it. It grows best in indirect light.

The decorative leaves of the prayer plant fold up in the evening

4.) Bromeliads (Bromeliaceae)

Several types of bromeliads are available in flower shops. None of them are toxic, so they are safe to keep in homes with cats. Their special feature is the central “cup” that stores water, which the plant distributes to its leaves and roots. They prefer bright but indirect light, and the water collected in the leaf cup should be refreshed regularly.

Bromeliads originally come from South American rainforests

5.) Chinese Money Plant (Pilea peperomioides)

This plant belongs to the younger generation of houseplants. It is characterized by round, coin-like leaves and a compact shape. It easily produces new offshoots that can be used to grow new plants. It prefers bright locations but should be protected from direct sunlight.

It’s good to rotate the pot occasionally so its leaves grow evenly

6.) Parlor Palm (Chamaedorea elegans)

A classic palm species that looks great in corners or near a reading nook. It tolerates medium light conditions better than many other tropical plants. It grows slowly but lives a long time and can reach 1–2 meters in height. Its soil should never be allowed to dry out completely.

The parlor palm is safe for cats

7.) String of Hearts (Ceropegia woodii)

This uniquely named plant is a true decorative gem with trailing, heart-shaped leaves. It prefers bright environments and slightly dry soil, so it requires less frequent watering. It is safe to keep in homes with cats.

Its long trailing vines are made up of heart-shaped leaves

8.) Polka Dot Plant (Hypoestes phyllostachya)

Its dark green leaves with pink spots add a fresh splash of color to any home. If it doesn’t receive enough light, its leaves lose their vibrant color — but it also dislikes direct sunlight. Its soil should be kept evenly moist.

The polka dot plant is often available in flower shops and even garden centers

9.) Peperomia

Thick leaves and a wide variety of colors characterize this plant family. Because of their small size, they are ideal for shelves or windowsills. They prefer bright, filtered light and moderate watering.

More than 1,500 subspecies are recognized within the Peperomia genus

10.) Zebra Plant (Calathea)

The zebra plant is also completely safe for cats. This tropical plant requires a humid environment, so misting the leaves is recommended. Its leaves fold up at night — a phenomenon caused by a special cell structure at the base of the leaf stem that moves the leaves through changes in water pressure.

You don’t have to worry about your cat with the zebra plant either

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