Houseplants are a great way to add some life to your home and are also a great choice for cat owners. Not only do they bring a pop of color and texture to a room, but also can provide a place for your cats to explore, scratch, and sleep. Before you start shopping for houseplants, make sure to choose ones that are safe for cats so you don’t run the risk of making your furry friends sick. In this article, we’ll discuss which houseplants are safe to have around cats and what factors to consider when choosing them.
Why Houseplants are Good for Cats
Houseplants can be beneficial for cats in several ways. They can help to introduce humidity into the home, which is especially helpful in drier climates, and can also help to filter pollutants from the air. Cats can feel stimulated by the movement of the plants and the sounds they make as the air moves through them.
Houseplants can also provide a safe way for cats to explore and express their natural curiosity, as well as providing places to hide and rest away from the hustle and bustle of the home. When selecting plants for your home, it is important to do your research and choose plants that are safe for cats.
The best houseplants for cats include spider plants, ponytail palms, ferns, and areca palms.
All of these plants are non-toxic and less likely to be eaten by cats. It is also important to avoid any plants that are toxic to cats, such as lilies, poinsettias, and aloe. Pet-friendly potting soils should be used, and it is important to keep the plants out of reach or in areas that the cat cannot access. With proper research and care, houseplants can be a great addition to any home with cats.
Types of Houseplants that are Safe for Cats
When picking a houseplant for your cat, it’s important to consider safety first. There are plenty of pet-friendly plants that you can bring into your home. Spider plants, ponytail palms, ferns, and areca palms are all great options for cats.
Spider plants have large, broad leaves and long, hanging stems that cats love to bat around.
Ponytail palms, with their long, spiky leaves, are equally attractive to cats and require only minimal care. Ferns are also a great option, as they have soft, feathery leaves that cats won’t be able to resist. Areca palms are an excellent choice, as they are one of the most common houseplants and are not toxic to cats.
Spider Plant
Spider plants are a great houseplant to have around cats. They are easy to care for and provide a beautiful display in any home. They are also known to be non-toxic, so your cat can safely explore and nibble on them.
Spider plants love indirect sunlight and will thrive in temperatures between 45-80 degrees Fahrenheit.
They also prefer to be watered every one to two weeks, allowing the top inch of soil to dry out in between waterings. When you see the leaves starting to droop, then it is time to water.
If you are creative, you can even grow them in a hanging basket! When choosing a pot for your spider plant, make sure to look for one that is pet-friendly. This means it should be made from non-toxic materials such as ceramic or terracotta.
Potting soil should be organic and free from any added fertilizers or chemicals.
Make sure to keep your cat away from the plant, as they may still be curious enough to try and eat it. Spider plants are an ideal choice for pet owners who want to add a little greenery to their home. They are easy to care for, pet-safe, and provide a beautiful display. With the right care, your spider plants should thrive for many years to come.
Ponytail Palm
Ponytail palms are one of the best houseplants to have around cats, as they are not toxic, and cats tend to stay away from them. They have narrow leaves and a distinctive trunk that stores water, making them ideal for low humidity environments. They won’t take up too much space, as they tend to grow fairly slowly.
To keep your ponytail palm thriving, make sure to keep the soil moist but not wet, and place in an area with bright, indirect sunlight. To keep your cat away, place the plant in an area they are not likely to go.
Ferns
Ferns are a great choice for any cat-friendly home. They are non-toxic, low maintenance, and add a lush, tropical feel to any room. They grow quickly and can be moved around easily, making them a perfect pet-friendly addition.
When picking a fern, consider its growth rate and size, as they can quickly take over a room. Make sure to place it in a place where your cat won’t be able to access it, as they can be quite curious. Don’t forget to give your fern the right amount of water and light so it can thrive in your home!
Areca Palm
Areca palm is a great houseplant for cats because it is non-toxic and has long, arching leaves that cats like to play in. It also looks great as a decorative piece, and its leaves will help to purify the air. For maximum safety around cats, keep this plant in a tall planter to avoid them chewing on the leaves, and keep an eye on them to make sure they don’t try to eat the leaves.
Use pet-friendly potting soil to ensure that they remain non-toxic. If you want to make sure your cat steers clear of the areca palm, try spraying citrus scented essential oil around it or adding a few catnip toys around the plant. Your cat will be attracted to those instead of the areca palm.
Factors to Consider when Choosing Houseplants
When choosing houseplants for cats, it’s important to be aware of which plants are toxic and should be avoided. Some of the most common toxic plants to cats are lilies, azaleas, poinsettias, oleander, tulips, and amaryllis. If you have cats, it would be prudent to avoid adding these plants to your home.
When potting your houseplants, use a pet-friendly potting soil to ensure your cat won’t be exposed to any toxins. Keep in mind that cats are naturally curious and will likely explore any new plants in your home.
Consider setting up barriers, such as baby gates, to keep your cats away from your houseplants. Adding a bit of natural cat repellent, such as cayenne pepper or lemon, can help deter your cats from sniffing or tasting the plants.
Toxic Plants to Avoid
It is important to be aware of plants that are toxic to cats, so your feline friend can stay safe. Keep away from lilies, which can cause kidney failure in cats if ingested; dieffenbachia, which can cause tissue damage to the mouth and throat; and philodendrons, which can cause difficulty breathing and an upset stomach. Poinsettias and oleander are two of the most poisonous plants for cats, if ingested, so it is important to keep these away from your pet.
When it comes to selecting pet-friendly potting soil, you should avoid any soil that is treated with fertilizer or pesticides, as these are potentially dangerous for cats. Look for organic materials, such as peat, compost, and bark, which are all safe for cats to be around.
You should also avoid soil that contains small rocks or large pieces of bark, as these can be hazardous if swallowed. To keep your cat away from your houseplants, you can use deterrents.
Sprinkle citrus peels around the plants or spray them with a mixture of water and white vinegar. You can also use cat repellent products, such as motion-activated sprinklers, to keep your cat away. It may be helpful to provide your cat with a designated scratching post or a few toys to distract them from your plants.
Pet-Friendly Potting Soil
When choosing a potting soil for your houseplants, it is important to make sure that it is pet-friendly. Potting soil that contains fertilizers, pesticides, or other chemicals can be toxic to cats if they ingest it. It is best to use an organic potting soil that is free of any additives, or to make your own soil mixture.
If you make your own, be sure to use only organic, natural ingredients such as peat moss, sand, and compost. Make sure to keep the potting soil away from your cat’s food and water dishes.
It is important to keep the potting soil out of your cat’s reach. Cats are curious creatures, and if they get their paws on the soil, they may end up ingesting it.
It is best to put your houseplants on a shelf or table where your cat cannot get to them. If the plants must be kept lower to the ground, consider using barriers, like a mesh fence, to keep your cat away from them.
It is important to monitor your cat around the houseplants. If you notice that your cat is exhibiting any signs of illness after being around the houseplants, be sure to take them to the vet immediately.
Keep an eye out for signs of your cat eating any of the potting soil, and take steps to ensure that they can’t get to it. With the right precautions, your houseplants can be kept safe around your cat.
Tips for Keeping Your Cat Away from Your Houseplants
If you want to keep your cat away from your houseplants, there are a few tips you can use. Make sure to keep any potentially toxic plants away from your cat’s reach.
Some plants, such as lilies, can be dangerous if ingested, so it’s important to keep them away from your cat. Use pet-friendly potting soil when you’re planting your houseplants. This type of soil is free of chemicals and fertilizers that could harm your pet.
Create a designated area for your houseplants. Put them in a place that your cat won’t be able to reach, such as high shelves, hanging baskets, or the top of a bookshelf. By following these tips, you can keep your houseplants safe and sound, and away from your curious cat.