Plants That Are Safe For Cats
Plants That Are Safe For Cats

With the long list of plants that cause adverse reactions in cats, it can be tempting to avoid houseplants or an outdoor garden altogether. Toxic plants can cause issues including gastrointestinal discomfort, oral pain and swelling, difficulty swallowing and even death if a cat ingests them but thankfully, that isn't the case with all indoor and outdoor plants.

Below are five plants that are perfectly safe to grow in the presence of your feline companion.

1. Tillandsia Air Plants

Tillandsai Air Plants
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Tillandsia air plants are unique and easy to grow indoors. They don't require soil, which means they can be placed in rocks, on shelves, or in glass jars, provided they're not enclosed. While tillandsia air plants don't need dirt, they do need a few hours of indirect sunlight each day, as well as moisture, which means they'll need to be soaked in water regularly — daily watering is best for plants in homes that lack humidity.

2. Hibiscus

HIbiscus
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Hibiscus plants can be grown either indoors or outdoors and they make a great addition to gardens in nearly any zone across North America. In the summer, the bright-colored flowers that grow on hibiscus plants are known to attract hummingbirds and butterflies, which might even provide entertainment for cats that enjoy sitting near the window.

3. Staghorn Fern

Staghorn Fern
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While some ferns are toxic to cats and dogs, the staghorn fern is perfectly safe. This plant also goes by the botanical name, Platycerium Bifurcatum. Staghorn ferns are easy to grow indoors in a small pot and require minimal maintenance. Watering this plant every one to two weeks and providing indirect sunlight on the same schedule is typically enough to keep them thriving.

4. Echeveria

Echeberia
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Succulents are generally easy to grow indoors, but unfortunately, some of the more common varieties, including aloe and jade, are considered toxic for cats and other pets. Echeveria is a great alternative that's safe for cats, dogs, and other animals. This blueish plant grows best in direct sunlight, which it needs daily, and needs water once per week.

5. Bamboo Palm

Bamboo Palm
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Those looking for a larger indoor plant might want to consider a bamboo palm. These plants grow anywhere from four to 12 feet tall and have a span of three to five feet when fully matured. When kept indoors, growth can be kept to a minimum by avoiding direct sunlight. Bamboo palms need plenty of water to thrive but are otherwise relatively easy to care for.

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