Choose cat-friendly plants to create a safe environment for your cat. Popular non-toxic indoor plants include rattlesnake plants, spider plants, boston fern, polka dot plant, watermelon peperomia, money tree, parlor palm, and cat grass.
Pet parents know every cat has their quirks, and that extends to what they like to snack on. Itâs easy to figure out that a plastic bag or a phone charger are not part of a balanced dietopens in a new tab, but what about plants? Cats are obligate carnivores, which means they need meat in their diet to survive.
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Still, some feline friends just seem to love the crunch of a houseplant. Because itâs next to impossible to keep a determined cat away from a windowsill, you can decorate your home with non-toxic houseplantsopens in a new tab that are safe if your cat decides to take a nibble. Here are 10 of the best indoor plants not toxic to cats.Related article
Snake plants are a popular houseplant known for their striking appearance and hardy nature. However, they contain saponins that can cause toxicity if ingested by cats. As a responsible pet parent, you want to ensure your home is feline-friendly. The good news is there are plenty of safe alternatives to snake plants that offer similar visual appeal without the risk!
In this article, we will explore 7 cat-safe plants that can substitute snake plants in terms of size, structure and care needs. Read on to discover the top pet-friendly picks to create a harmonious indoor oasis you and your furry companion will both enjoy!
Overview of Snake Plant Toxicity for Cats
While not highly dangerous, snake plants do pose some risks for curious kitties. Here’s what cat owners should know:
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All snake plant varieties and species contain saponins that can irritate cats’ mouths and gastrointestinal tracts. The ASPCA lists them as toxic to cats.
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Ingestion can cause symptoms like excessive drooling, vomiting, diarrhea, and loss of appetite.
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Small amounts only cause minor symptoms but larger ingestion may require veterinary treatment.
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Snake plants should be kept fully out of reach of cats who are prone to nibbling on houseplants.
So while visually stunning, snake plants may not be the best choice in a home with a mischievous feline. Read on to find safer alternatives your cat will enjoy without the worry.
7 Top Snake Plant Alternatives for Cat Parents
Here are 7 of the best cat-safe indoor plants to substitute snake plants in terms of care needs, structure and visual interest:
1. Cast Iron Plant
With long, pointed leaves, the cast iron plant (Aspidistra elatior) mimics the look of certain snake plant varieties. Its shiny, deep green foliage provides great texture. Cast iron plants are also similarly hardy, tolerating occasional neglect. Bright indirect light keeps it thriving.
2. Ponytail Palm
Reaching up to 10 feet tall ponytail palms (Beaucarnea recurvata) make excellent floor plants like large snake plants. Their swollen bases store water. Ponytails adapt well to inconsistent watering and bright light. Their lush tropical look adds drama.
3. Bird’s Nest Fern
The stiff, rippled foliage of bird’s nest ferns (Asplenium nidus) offers visual interest reminiscent of snake plants. They stay compact making them suitable for tables or hanging. Bird’s nest ferns need medium to bright indirect light and regular watering but are non-toxic and pet-safe.
4. Spider Plant
With long, slender leaves, spider plants (Chlorophytum comosum) mimic certain snake plant types. Fast-growing and easy to propagate, spider plants thrive in bright indirect light. Their trailing shoots cascade beautifully from baskets.
5. ZZ Plant
ZZ plants (Zamioculcas zamiifolia) have thick, waxy leaves that pair well with snake plants’ stiff foliage. They tolerate neglect and low to bright indirect light. ZZ plants store water in their tuberous rhizomes, adapting to irregular watering.
6. Peace Lily
A classic houseplant, Peace lilies (Spathiphyllum) have lush, deep green leaves and delicate white blooms, providing visual interest like snake plants. They filter airborne toxins but are non-toxic for cats. Peace lilies need medium to bright indirect light and regular watering.
7. Parlor Palm
With graceful, arching fronds, parlor palms (Chamaedorea elegans) offer a tropical look that complements snake plants’ structure. They adapt well to low to medium indirect light. Parlor palms should dry out partially between waterings. Their air-purifying ability is a bonus.
Key Differences in Care Between Snake Plants and Cat-Safe Alternatives
While visually similar, there are some care differences between snake plants and safer alternatives:
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Watering: Snake plants tolerate irregular watering. Many alternatives like ferns and palms need more frequent watering.
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Light: Snake plants do well even in very low light. Alternatives like parlor palms need at least medium indirect brightness.
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Size: Snake plants come in many sizes. Some alternatives like bird’s nest ferns are more compact.
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Growth: Snake plants are very slow growing. Spider and peace lilies grow relatively quickly.
5 Tips for Safely Keeping Houseplants with Cats
Beyond choosing cat-safe plants, you can take other precautions to protect curious cats:
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Place plants up high where cats can’t access them. Use wall shelves or plant stands.
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Hang plants up out of reach. Ferns and spider plants look great in hanging baskets.
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Keep plants in rooms your cat is not allowed into, like a home office.
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Use enclosed planters or plant cabinets to create barriers around plants.
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Provide tempting cat grass and toys as alternatives to satisfy nibbling urges.
Give Your Cat Some Catnip and Pick Safe Snake Plant Alternatives
Snake plants make stylish houseplants but pose some risk for cats when ingested. Luckily, there are many non-toxic alternatives that can mimic their appearance without compromising your feline’s safety.
Choosing cat-friendly options paired with smart precautions enables you to craft a peaceful indoor sanctuary where you and your furry family can thrive together in harmony. The key is making informed, responsible choices to keep your cat safe while still enjoying beautiful live plants.
Common Types of Snake Plants
There are over 70 snake plant species in the genus Dracaena, initially known as Sansevieria. Among the numerous varieties, some popular ones include:
Are Snake Plants Toxic to Pets?
If you’re own a cat or a dog, you are naturally apprehensive about growing a snake plant in your home. This section explores the possible effects of snake plants on dogs and cats.
Will snake plant kill my cat?
FAQ
Can I have a snake plant if I have a cat?
What is this? However, many plant lovers, who own pets often ask, “Are snake plants toxic to cats and dogs?” Unfortunately, the answer is yes. Snake plants contain saponin, a toxin that protects them against harmful microbes, fungi, and insects.
What is the safest plant for cats?
- Areca palm (Dypsis lutescens)
- Bamboo (Phyllostachys aurea)
- Basil (Ocimum basilicum)
- Boston fern (Nephrolepis exalta bostoniensis)
- Cilantro (Coriandrum sativum)
- Dill (Anethum graveolena)
- Dwarf date palm (Phoenix acaulis)
- Friendship plant (Pilea involucrata)
What houseplants are good for cats in low light?
They like moist soil and indirect light, so Boston ferns are a good pick for a low-light, high-humidity indoor spot like a bathroom. All true ferns are pet-safe plants, so button ferns, bird’s nest ferns or Kimberly Queen ferns are good indoor plants for a house with dogs and cats, too.
What is the most toxic house plant for cats?
Lilies. Beautiful though they may be, lilies are one of the most toxic house plants for cats.
Is a snake plant safe for cats?
The Snake plant is very famous among indoor succulent options. Is a snake plant safe for cats? This is a common concern for gardeners, especially for those who are pet owners. Having a pet, such as a cat, is as tender an experience as any, so it’s natural to have worries.
Are snake plants toxic to other pets?
Answer: Yes, snake plants can be toxic to other pets besides cats, such as dogs and small animals. It’s important to keep all pets away from toxic plants and to choose pet-safe alternatives for your indoor greenery.
How to keep cats away from snake plants?
DIY Solutions: Some cat owners have come up with creative DIY solutions to keep their cats away from toxic plants such as snake plants. This can include creating barriers around the plants or using deterrent sprays to discourage cats from getting too close.
Are snake plants pet friendly?
Though the Snake plant is also known as the good luck plant and has also been used in herbal medicinal purpose in some parts of the world, they are not considered pet friendly. If your pet has nibbled on the plant, and you notice any symptoms, please rush to the veterinarian quickly and get your pet diagnosed.
Which plants are safe for snakes to live around?
Plants such as ivy, juniper, monkey grass, and lantana, as well as other low growing vegetation that hide the ground around them, are suitable for areas where you are comfortable with snakes living. Pine straw is often used in flower beds and around homes.
Can dogs eat snake plant?
It is highly toxic to both dogs and cats. So, if you have a multi-pet household, know that dogs are even more adversely affected than cats. An interesting side effect of snake plant-eating is numbness. There is a type of poison in the plant makeup that causes numbing and swelling of the throat and tongue.