Climbing Plants That Are Safe For Cats: A Complete Guide

Having a cat at home can be an absolute joy. Their playful nature and affectionate cuddles brighten up our days. However, our feline friends can also get into mischief, especially when it comes to our beloved houseplants. Cats love to nibble, paw, and play with houseplants which can be detrimental to both the plant and the cat if toxic varieties are chosen.

If you want to incorporate climbing plants into your home decor, it’s crucial to select only cat-safe varieties. The good news is that there are plenty of gorgeous vining houseplants that are non-toxic for cats.

In this article, we’ll explore the best climbing plant options to grow indoors and outdoors that will keep your curious kitties out of harm’s way.

Why Cats And Toxic Plants Don’t Mix

Cats love to play with and chew on plants. It’s just in their nature. When toxic varieties are present, this normal cat behavior can lead to serious health issues.

Common symptoms from ingesting poisonous houseplants include:

• Excessive drooling
• Vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Abdominal pain
• Breathing difficulties
• Lethargy
• Tremors
• Seizures

Some toxic indoor plants for cats like lilies can even cause fatal kidney failure. It’s critical to keep these dangerous varieties completely away from felines.

When choosing climbing plants, always verify that they are cat-safe. Non-toxic plants will cause little to no issues if nibbled or ingested. Let’s look at the best pet-friendly vining plant options suitable for cat parents.

Top Indoor Climbing Plants Safe For Cats

These vining houseplants aren’t just beautiful, they are completely non-toxic for curious cats who may nibble a leaf or two.

Heartleaf Philodendron

With its lush, trailing vines, heartleaf philodendron is a graceful addition to any indoor space. Position in bright, indirect light near a window and provide a moss pole or trellis for support. Water when the top few inches of soil become dry. The split leaves add visual interest as this easy-care climbing plant matures.

Grape Ivy

Also called oakleaf ivy, grape ivy features trailing vines with unique oak-shaped leaves. It can readily grow to 6 feet long when given a structure to climb. Grape ivy thrives in average indoor temperatures and indirect sunlight. Keep the soil slightly moist, allowing it to dry out some between waterings.

Spider Plant

A household favorite, spider plants are non-toxic and pet-safe. Let the arching ribbon-like leaves trail over the sides of hanging baskets. Or use plant hooks and velcro to guide the flowing foliage upwards on shelves and walls. Spider plants flourish in bright, indirect light and are very easy to grow.

Creeping Charlie

The lush trailing foliage of creeping Charlie aka Pilea nummulariifolia looks fantastic draped over bookshelves, desktops, and other surfaces. It tolerates low light once established making it an undemanding houseplant. The rounded leaves provide pleasing texture and a trailing habit.

Rosary Vine

Also called string of hearts, this vining succulent is completely cat-safe. The strand-like trailing stems are lined with adorable heart-shaped leaves. Rosary vine does best in bright light and should be allowed to dry out some between waterings. An easy-care trailing plant perfect for hanging planters.

Climbing Begonia

With colorful leaves that range from bronzy-green to deep purple, climbing begonia offers unique tropical appeal. Its vining stems readily grab onto trellises and other supports. Provide bright, filtered light and ample humidity. Keep the soil lightly moist but not soggy.

Best Outdoor Climbing Plants For Cats

Add vertical appeal and privacy to your outdoor spaces with these stunning cat-safe vines perfect for arbors, trellises, fences and more.

Jasmine

A fabulous choice for covered arbors and trellises, jasmine vine features wonderfully fragrant blooms in spring and summer. There are many varieties to choose from including star jasmine and Confederate jasmine. Most jasmine vines flourish in warm climates in full sun to partial shade.

Trumpet Vine

With its fast growth rate and brilliant orange trumpet-shaped blooms, this hardy vine is ideal for creating quick coverage on fences and arbors. It attracts hummingbirds and provides dense foliage for privacy. Just be sure to prune occasionally to keep its rampant growth in check. Trumpet vine thrives in full sun.

Honeysuckle

Another classic vining plant, honeysuckle comes in both evergreen and deciduous varieties. The wonderfully sweet fragrance of the flowers makes this a popular choice. It often blooms in summer and does best planted in full sun to partial shade. Provide a trellis or arbor for support.

Morning Glory

A fast-growing annual vine, morning glory is prized for its cheerful trumpet-shaped blooms that come in a rainbow of colors. It’s easy to grow from seed. Provide a trellis and site morning glory in full sun for the best flowering. The vines readily self-seed so you’ll have a continuous supply each year.

Clematis

Available in countless beautiful hybrid flower varieties, Clematis adds incredible vertical color. These classic flowering vines do best with some shade at their roots and full sun on their vines. Provide good air circulation and ample water. A support like a trellis or arbor is required.

Passionflower

The exotic, ornate blooms of passionflower vines lend a tropical vibe to gardens and patios. There are both annual and perennial species to choose from. Most vines require full sun, well-draining soil, and a trellis or arbor for optimal growth. Protect from frost in cooler climates.

Tips For Growing Climbing Plants Safe For Cats

Here are some helpful tips for successfully growing cat-safe climbing plants indoors and out:

• Provide ample bright, indirect light from a southern or western window for indoor climbing plants. Filter harsh direct sunlight with sheer curtains.

• Use trellises, moss poles, hooks, or other supports early on to train young climbing plants upwards. This encourages strong vertical vine growth.

• Outdoor vines need sturdy structures like fences, garden arbors, or trellises to climb up vertically.

• Fertilize monthly during spring and summer with a balanced houseplant fertilizer or compost tea. This fuels lush green growth.

• Prune back overgrown vines occasionally to keep rampant climbers tidy and contained.

• Mist indoor climbing plants often to provide the needed humidity that mimics their tropical origins.

• Water thoroughly when the top few inches of soil become dry and avoid letting vines sit in soggy soil.

With the right care, non-toxic climbing plants can thrive indoors and out, adding new vertical dimensions to your home. Avoid poisonous varieties and decorate safely with trailing vine plants that will keep your precious cats out of danger. Soon you’ll have lush cat-friendly greenery growing on walls, fences, poles and more!