Cats are natural explorers, and for most of them, that curiosity extends straight to our houseplants and herb garden. While many common plants pose a real danger to cats, there is a surprisingly generous list of plants that are not only safe but can actually support our cat’s digestive health and natural instincts. Knowing which plants are friend and which are foe gives us the freedom to keep a lush, green home without worry. Whether we are growing a sunny windowsill herb garden, filling our living room with houseplants, or simply looking for ways to enrich our cat’s environment, understanding cat-safe plants is one of the most practical things a plant-loving cat owner can know.
Grasses and herbs cats tend to seek out
- Cat grass (wheat grass, oat grass, barley grass) — widely available, easy to grow indoors, aids digestion and hairball control
- Catnip (Nepeta cataria) — safe and enjoyable for most cats, though not all respond to it
- Cat thyme (Teucrium marum) — a catnip alternative some cats prefer
- Valerian — acts as a stimulant for cats, safe in small amounts
- Lemongrass — safe in small amounts; large quantities can cause digestive upset
Culinary herbs that are safe
- Basil
- Cilantro
- Dill
- Rosemary — safe in small amounts
- Thyme — safe in small amounts
Safe flowering or decorative plants
- Roses — petals are safe, though thorns are a physical hazard
- Sunflowers
- Snapdragons
- Zinnias
- Camellias
Safe houseplants
- Spider plant (Chlorophytum comosum) — safe but mildly hallucinogenic to cats in large amounts, so moderate access is wise
- Areca palm
- Boston fern
- Calathea
- Haworthia (a succulent)
Why cats eat plants
Cats eat plants for a few natural reasons:
- To aid digestion
- To induce vomiting when they feel unwell
- To add fiber to their diet
- Out of boredom or curiosity
Best practice
Growing a dedicated cat grass pot indoors is one of the best ways to satisfy your cat’s plant-nibbling instinct while steering them away from plants that could be harmful. It is inexpensive, easy to maintain, and cats love it.
Keepsakes
Most cats will nibble on plants out of curiosity or instinct. Living with cats and plants does not have to be a compromise. With a little knowledge and some thoughtful choices, we can have a home that is green, beautiful, and safe for every member of our household, including the ones with four legs and strong opinions about our décor. Keeping a pot of cat grass on the windowsill, knowing our plant names, and when something new comes into the house, giving it a quick check against the ASPCA plant safety database before it hits the shelf is a small price to pay for our feline’s safety. Our cats are counting on us, and honestly, so are our plants.
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