Having houseplants in your home has many benefits, including improving air quality, making a space more inviting, and adding a touch of nature indoors. If you have cats, though, finding the right houseplants to keep both your furry friend and your plants safe can be tricky. The best houseplants for cats are those that are non-toxic and require minimal maintenance so they don’t become a danger to your pets. With the right knowledge and care, you can easily incorporate safe houseplants into your home and enjoy their many benefits.
The Benefits of Having Houseplants
Having houseplants around your home is a great way to brighten up any living space and provide your home with a breath of fresh air. Not only are they aesthetically pleasing, but they can actually help to improve the air quality in your home by absorbing carbon dioxide and releasing oxygen. They can help to reduce stress and anxiety, and even have been known to boost mood and productivity. With the right care and attention, houseplants can provide your home with a natural touch and be a great way to bring nature indoors.
The Best Houseplants Safe for Cats
When it comes to house plants and cats, safety should be the first priority. There are many safe, non-toxic, low-maintenance plants that can happily live in the same space as your feline friend. Spider plants, peace lilies, and cacti are all good options for cats.
For a real showstopper, a Boston fern is a great choice as it is easy to care for and not very dangerous.
When caring for plants around cats, it is important to pay attention to where they are placed. Keep plants away from windows or balconies that cats can reach. Eating plants can lead to GI upset in cats, so it’s better to be safe than sorry.
Take care when watering plants as cats may be attracted to the puddles and can get sick if they drink too much of the water. Following these tips can ensure that both you and your cat can enjoy the beauty of houseplants in your home.
Non-Toxic Options
When it comes to selecting houseplants safe for cats, your first priority should be to choose options that are non-toxic. Some of the best houseplants for cats include catnip, spider plants, and money plants. These plants are safe for cats to be around and non-toxic, so you don’t need to worry about your cat coming into contact with them.
These houseplants are relatively easy to take care of, making them a great choice for cat owners. If you do decide to keep houseplants in your home, you’ll need to take a few extra steps to make sure your cat is safe.
For one, you’ll want to keep the plants out of reach of your cat, preferably in an area that your cat cannot access. You’ll also need to be aware of the potential dangers of your cat eating the plants. If you take these precautions, you can enjoy having houseplants in your home while keeping your cat safe.
Low Maintenance Needs
When choosing houseplants that are safe for cats, opt for low maintenance varieties. These will require less effort from you and will be less likely to cause problems with your pet. Look for plants that don’t need to be watered frequently and that don’t require a lot of pruning or repotting.
Snake plants, and spider plants all make for good, low maintenance options.
If you want to add some color, consider the peace lily, which is non-toxic and easy to care for. There are also some beautiful varieties of air plants that don’t need much attention, but need to be sprayed with water to keep them looking great. Whichever type you choose, make sure that it doesn’t need too much attention so you won’t have to worry about your cat getting into it.
Caring for Houseplants When You Have a Cat
When you have a cat and you want to bring houseplants into your home, you need to be extra careful. Choosing non-toxic plants is the first step, but you also need to be mindful of where you place your plants.
Your cat may be tempted to get a little too close, so make sure anything you bring into your home is placed somewhere your furry friend can’t reach. If your cat does eat something off of a plant, it could cause them to become very ill, so it’s important to be aware of what’s in your home.
When it comes to maintenance, look for plants that don’t need too much effort. Some plants may require frequent fertilization, pruning, and lots of light, which can be difficult to do when you have a pet that loves to knock things over. Opt for plants that are low-maintenance and require minimal effort.
Pothos and spider plants are great options as they need very little attention and can easily be moved if your cat gets too close.
Remember that your cat’s safety should be your priority. If you’re not sure about the varieties of plants you’re bringing into your home, do some research to make sure they’re safe and won’t harm your pet. The last thing you want is for your cat to get sick from ingesting something from your houseplant, so it’s important to take the time to ensure the safety of your pet.
Pay Attention to Plant Placement
If you have cats in your home, it is important to pay attention to where you place your houseplants. Cats are naturally curious creatures, and they may be tempted to nibble on your houseplants.
Even if the plants you buy are non-toxic, it is still important to be mindful of where you put them. Place houseplants out of reach of cats.
If you can, hang them from the ceiling or put them on high shelves. You can also move them to the center of the room or to the corners where cats are less likely to investigate. If you have cats that are particularly persistent, you may want to consider putting a physical barrier like a fence or a screen between the cats and the plants.
If you want to be extra cautious, you can also buy pet-safe houseplant sprays. These sprays will make the plants unappealing to cats, so they won’t be tempted to nibble on them.
It is important to be aware of the dangers of cats eating houseplants. Some plants can be toxic to cats, so it is best to research the plants you buy before bringing them into your home.
Dangers of Your Cat Eating Houseplants
It’s important to watch out for your cat eating houseplants, as some of them can be poisonous to cats. If you have a cat and want to keep plants in your home, make sure to research any plants you consider buying to make sure they’re safe for cats.
Consider looking at the ASPCA’s website for a list of toxic and non-toxic plants, and use this as a guide when you go shopping. If you’re not sure, it’s always best to err on the side of caution and just avoid buying the plant.
It’s also important to be mindful of where you place your houseplants so your cat doesn’t have easy access to them. Make sure the plants are placed in an area that your cat cannot reach, and that they’re not near the edge of any shelves or counters. It’s also beneficial to put a barrier around the plants, like a fence or netting, to keep your cat away from the plants. Taking these precautions will help ensure the safety of both your cat and your plants.
Conclusion
When it comes to having houseplants and cats, it’s important to do your research. Making sure you know what plants are safe for your cat, as well as being aware of potential dangers, is key. Non-toxic houseplants like spider plants, bamboo palm, and parlor palm are great options if you’re looking for something that won’t harm your pet.
If you have cats, you’ll also want to look for varieties that have low maintenance needs.
To be extra safe, make sure the plants you choose are placed out of reach, as cats may be tempted to eat them. This way, you can enjoy your houseplants without worrying about your pet’s safety. When it comes to caring for houseplants with a cat, you’ll want to be extra cautious.
Regularly inspect the plants for signs of damage, and be sure to remove any fallen leaves or petals. You should keep any houseplant food and fertilizer out of reach.
If you have a curious kitty, it’s also important to keep the leaves cleaned off and free of dust, as cats can be attracted to the taste. Taking the time to consider your pet’s safety first will help you enjoy your houseplants without any worries.