I'm thinking about getting a cat later this year, and while I grew up with cats that ignored houseplants, I'm a bit worried that my future kitty might have different instincts! I currently have a snake plant that I love for its look and low maintenance, as well as a hanging pothos. I'm looking for suggestions for alternative plants that are aesthetically similar and just as easy to care for, but safe for cats. Any ideas?
2 Answers
You can check out the ASPCA website for a full list of house plants and their toxicity levels. I know snake plants and pothos are toxic to cats, so it’s good you’re searching for alternatives! Some cat-friendly options I recommend are ferns, orchids, many types of palms, African violets, prayer plants, Calathea, Echeveria (a type of succulent), and money trees. They look lovely and should keep your cat safe!
If you like hanging or vining plants like pothos, maybe consider Peperomia scandens, which has a similar leaf shape and is low-maintenance. There are also Aeschynanthus (the lipstick plant)—it may take a bit more care, but it’s beautiful as long as it’s warm and gets enough light. For Sansevieria alternatives, bromeliads like Billbergia and Guzmania are nice if you love rosettes. Popular Phalaenopsis orchids are low maintenance, too, as long as you watch a few key details like light and watering. Just make sure to double-check their safety for your future cat!
This is super helpful, thank you! For my pothos, I really enjoy its hanging nature. My snake plant is the one I truly love; it's visually stunning with its striated leaves and height.