8 Pet-Safe Plants Your Cat Can Veg Out On
Cats love the crunch of a houseplant. These ones will do them no harm
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Pet parents know every cat has their quirks and that extends to what they like to snack on. It’s easy to figure out that a plastic bag or a phone charger are not part of a balanced diet, but what about plants? Cats are obligate carnivores, which means they need meat in their diet to survive. Still, some feline friends just seem to love the crunch of a houseplant. Since it’s next to impossible to keep a determined cat away from something they want to get their paws on, instead decorate your home with non-toxic houseplants that are safe for your pets to nibble on now and then. Here are eight indoor plants safe for cats.
Rattlesnake plant
Don’t let the name fool you – these uniquely coloured leaves are as dangerous as a pillow fight. They do well with medium, indirect light and lots of water.
Spider plant
Common among waiting rooms and bathrooms, spider plants are a great way to add some low-fuss foliage to your home. They like indirect light and a little humidity, so hanging them near your shower can be a great choice.
Boston fern
For a stately aesthetic, you can’t go wrong with a Boston Fern. Also known as a sword fern due to the long, blade-like fronds, this is a low-maintenance option that your cat can bite and bat at to their heart’s content.
Polka dot plant
Officially known as ‘Hypoestes,’ it’s easy to see where the punnier name came from. The speckled leaves come in a variety of colours, and indirect sunlight with frequent misting will keep it vibrant and vital.
Watermelon peperomia
Another cat-safe option that gets its name from the distinctly patterned leaves, a little nibble on this watermelon variety won’t result in cat food vomit. Medium, indirect sunlight and regular watering will keep those leaves looking ripe enough to eat.
Money tree
The money tree is pet-friendly, air-purifying and said to bring good luck and positive energy into your home. A perfect indoor plant that can give any room a tropical feel.
Parlour palm
Belonging to the same family as coconut trees, the Parlour Palm is a reliable indoor option that thrives with plenty of sunlight and weekly waterings. Don’t worry, you won’t have coconuts falling on the floor, but leave plenty of headroom as these can grow to be over six feet tall.
Cat grass
A list of cat-safe plants wouldn’t be complete without cat grass. Technically, it’s a grass mixture grown from wheat, barley, oats and rye, and specifically designed for kitty consumption. Due to the high fibre content, cat grass can even aid with digestion and (fair warning) help cats work out hairballsopens in a new tab.
Jeremy Gundel
Jeremy Gundel is a writer and comedian from New York City. He’s a veteran performer at the Magnet Theater, been a featured contributor for CollegeHumor, McSweeney’s Internet Tendency, and performed stand-up in bars, basements, and basements of bars. He lives with his wife and two freeloading cats.
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