Best cat-safe houseplants to buy (UK, 2026)
You don't have to choose between houseplants and cat safety — these popular varieties are non-toxic and widely available in UK garden centres and online.
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Many of the most popular houseplants — peace lilies, pothos, philodendron, snake plants — are toxic to cats. But there are plenty of beautiful alternatives that are perfectly safe. The plants below are all confirmed non-toxic to cats and readily available in the UK.
Spider Plant (Chlorophytum comosum)
One of the easiest houseplants to grow and confirmed non-toxic to cats. Produces cascading 'spiderettes' that can be propagated endlessly. Cats are often attracted to them — and that's fine.
Boston Fern (Nephrolepis exaltata)
Non-toxic and one of the best air-humidifying plants you can keep. Needs consistent moisture and indirect light but rewards you with lush foliage.
African Violet (Saintpaulia)
One of the most popular flowering houseplants in the UK and confirmed cat-safe. Easy to grow on a windowsill, blooms for months at a time.
Calathea / Maranta (Prayer Plant)
Striking patterned leaves, non-toxic to cats. Calatheas do best in indirect light and need consistent moisture — a little more demanding but worth it.
Even with non-toxic plants, some cats will still chew on leaves and get an upset stomach from the plant matter. If your cat is an enthusiastic plant-chewer, consider a tray of cat grass as a decoy — it's safe and many cats prefer it.
Last reviewed: · By the What Can My Cat Eat? editorial team