After doing the article last week about cats eating grass, I got to thinking about house plants in general. I did a bit of research and came up with some good information for you. Below is a list of ten non-toxic house plants that will not harm you, your pets, or your children.
You may want to check any other plants you keep inside for toxicity issues. To get a complete list, go to the ASPCA website, where you will find information on both toxic and non-toxic plants.
In my research, I found this list of ten on the website, www.wideopenpets.com. The great thing about the plants on this list is that they are not only non-toxic, but they also help purify the air in your house…a real win-win situation.
Here is the list, with a picture of each plant.
Money Tree (Pachira aquatica)
This plant works to reduce the toxins you may be breathing in your home. It is also great for anyone with asthma or lung issues. If you live in an area where there is a great deal of smog, it will also clean out those smog fumes.
An extra-special note about this plant: The money tree is known for fostering luck and prosperity. (Send me ten of them, right now!
Palms
There are several varieties of palm that can be grown indoors. These are safe for pets if they decide to chew on them a bit. There is a palm variety that you might try called the areca palm that is a nice choice. This plant requires little care and acts as a natural air purifier.
Spider Plant
I am so glad to know this plant is non-toxic, as my animals seem to think it is just the thing to chew on. I do discourage them, but it’s nice to know they won’t get sick from munching them. The spider plant is quite sturdy and reproduces lots of new shoots. The plant heals you as it decorates your room.
Be sure to hang it high enough so the cat can’t decide to dig it up or knock it over (the other cat hazard one has with plants.)
Boston Fern
If you are in a place where the weather can get harsh, keeping you inside, you might find the Boston fern of real value. The plant is said to act as an air humidifier.
This plant will help restore moisture to a room dried with heat from your air vents.
Tradescantia zebrina
This plant is non-toxic. It will create a lush, purple display in your home. It is a good plant to hang in a window or to place on an end table. Be prepared: Cats love its soft, curling leaves.
Blue Echeveria
This attractive plant is a member of the Stonecrop family. A sweet succulent, it will add color and life to your home. If your pet thinks it is too beautiful to resist, and munches a bite or two, the pet will not be harmed.
African Violet
We all know this plant is a great addition to our houseplants. It has colorful blooms that keep going for a lot of time. The green leaves have a hint of color. Put it in a sunny spot, where you and your cat can both enjoy it.
Moth Orchid
Here is a beautiful plant that won’t poison your kitty, but just the same, let’s hope he just admires it but doesn’t eat it. Not only are the blooms beautiful, but it will help to purify indoor air.
If you are looking for a housewarming gift, this plant might be perfect. It combats paint fumes. Their pets will appreciate it, too.
Cast Iron Plant
This plant might be good to use outside or inside, as it is hardy. It is beautiful to look at and tough as well, and does well in just about any growing conditions.
If curious creatures try chewing on it, the plant might receive a blemish or two, but the pet will not be harmed.
Bamboo
The bamboo tree is very tall and obviously can’t be grown inside because of the size. However, it is easy to find a potted bamboo, as that will grow nicely inside, and will not outgrow its container.
The bamboo plant will detoxify the air inside your abode. Besides improving air quality, they require little maintenance. This one is also an attractive addition to your decor.
I hope this little guide will be helpful to you when bringing new house plants into your home.
Thank you for your suggestions for cat-friendly plants. If one decides to take on the responsibility of pet ownership it is important to insure its safety. Pets offer so much, not only love and companionship but stress reduction and other benefits. A healthy home needs plants as well and many plants can be toxic to pets. It is our job to make sure our plants and pets are compatible. Your list of ten cat-friendly plants is a great start. Thank you
It’s nice to know that the lovely plants you have in your home are safe for both pets and children. I am glad you liked the list.
Hey there,
I’ve really enjoyed reading this article as you’ve provided us with tonnes of valuable information. I personally use palms as they are best for any type of pets. From my perspective, I tend to think that they are better because even though your pet consumes it, it can digest it faster and they won’t continue to chew on it as they know that it’s not for eating.
Thank you for taking your precious time in writing this blog post. Keep up the good work!
Glad you enjoyed the post. Yes, palms are good, and very attractive. It is good to know what plants are poisonous, both for pets and children, and which ones are safe. I also have an article on my site on poisonous plants. You might want to check it out
Thank you for this amazing post, I find it really helpful and great. I like house plant a lot because they are not toxic and help freshen up the air. I can attest to the potted bamboo because I have it in my own abode.it is not toxic and also a Good plant to manage, it is obviously one of the few house plants I can recommend.
Glad you enjoyed the post. Yes, bamboo is a very nice one. It is helpful to know which plants are safe for pets, and for people as well.
Thanks for this valuable information.
We own 2 cats and we love houseplants. Actually, some of these on your list such as Spider Plant, Tradescantia Zebrina, and Boston Fern are hanging in pots right in our patio. Why not keep them indoors? Because our cats love to chew on them and other than not wanting these plants to be ruined, we’re also not sure if they are safe for our 2 naughty cats. My mom is also concerned that they can be toxic not only to our cats but to us as well if we keep them indoors.
Now that I know they’re not only safe but also help purify the air in our house, I will start transferring some of them into other pots to be kept inside. I will also ask African Violet from my aunt who lives a few blocks away from us. Thanks again.
Oh, you are so welcome! You might also check the article on my website that lists some of the plants that are poisonous to animals. Then you will have a more complete list.
Hello Fran,
I love plants and animals.
In the last years I have had different cats and the truth is that they have got along very well with my indoor and outdoor plants.
Effectively both dogs and cats like to eat grass is a way to purge.
Many of the beautiful plants that I show in my home are part of the harmony that reigns in my home.
Thanks for sharing your very nice article.
Regards! Claudio
Thanks, Claudio. Yes, I love having plants in my home — and fortunately have never had problems with the animals eating something poisonous. I’ve always planted little tubs of grass for my kitties in winter.