Want to add some plants to your space? If you have a cat, you may be wondering what plants are safe for cats. Many pet owners want to know if spider plants, succulents, vine plants, basil plants, and other plants are safe for cats.
Sploot Veterinary Care is here to help! We’ve put together a list of the most common questions about plants that are safe for cats. Read on to learn how to have a cat-friendly collection of plants at home!.
If you’re a cat owner who also loves houseplants finding climbing plants that are safe for cats can be a challenge. While cats don’t generally nibble on plants it’s still wise to avoid varieties that are toxic just in case. The good news is that there are plenty of cat-friendly vining houseplants that can thrive indoors and outside.
From cascading pothos to fragrant jasmine, these climbing plants add beauty without endangering curious felines. Let’s look at the top options for training vines both inside and for landscaping that are non-toxic for cats.
Indoor Climbing Plants Safe for Cats
These houseplants are not only safe for cats, but easy to train onto a moss pole, trellis, or other support to climb vertically in your home.
1. Heartleaf Philodendron (Philodendron scandens)
With lush, trailing leafy vines, heartleaf philodendron is perfectly suited for climbing. The split leaves add texture and interest. Position near a window for bright, indirect light. Water when the top layer of soil dries out. Mist occasionally to boost humidity.
2. Grape Ivy (Cissus rhombifolia)
Also called oakleaf ivy this trailing vine has oak-shaped leaves that make it stand out. It can reach 6 feet long when supported and allowed to climb. Grape ivy thrives in average room temperatures and indirect light. Keep soil slightly moist.
3. Spider Plant (Chlorophytum comosum)
Spider plants send out long, arching leaves that cascade attractively overhanging pots. Let the flowing foliage trail down when suspending baskets or position on shelves and use plant velcro or hooks to guide vines upward. Prefers bright, indirect light.
4. Creeping Charlie (Pilea nummulariifolia)
The trailing round leaves add lush texture perfect for draping over bookcases and other surfaces. Creeping Charlie is an easygoing houseplant that tolerates low light and inconsistent watering once established. Mist often for humidity.
5. Rosary Vine (Ceropegia woodii)
Also called string of hearts, this vining succulent has cute trailing strands of heart-shaped leaves. Grows well in hanging baskets or climbing up supports in bright light. Allow soil to dry between waterings to prevent rot.
Outdoor Climbing Plants Safe for Cats
Add vertical appeal in your garden by training these vining plants that are non-toxic for felines.
6. Jasmine (Jasminum species)
Jasmine vines like Confederate jasmine (Jasminum multiflorum) and star jasmine (Trachelospermum jasminoides) have intensely fragrant blooms perfect for climbing arbors, fences, and trellises. Plant in full to partial sun. Bring potted jasmine plants indoors in winter depending on your zone.
7. Trumpet Vine (Campsis radicans)
The flame-colored trumpet flowers on this fast-growing climber attract hummingbirds. It thrives in full sun and loves to climb up fences, walls, arbors, and more. Cut back rampant growth to keep it under control.
8. Clematis
These classic flowering vines come in many varieties to suit your style – from colorful hybrids to demure white blooms. Clematis flourishes grown on supports like trellises and arbors. Place in full sun to part shade and provide good airflow.
9. Honeysuckle Vine (Lonicera species)
Beloved for its sweet fragrance, honeysuckle vines like Lonicera japonica do best in full sun and moist, well-draining soil. Showy trumpet-shaped blooms emerge in summer. Give honeysuckle a structure to climb like a trellis or garden obelisk.
10. Passionflower (Passiflora species)
The exotic flowers of passionflower vines add tropical flair to arbors, fences, and more in the garden. There are many species and cultivars to choose from. Most require full sun and moderate watering requirements. Protect from frost in cooler climates.
11. Hyacinth Bean Vine (Lablab purpureus)
The stunning purple and white flowers will cover this fast-climbing annual vine. Provide a sturdy trellis or fence in full sun to support the vigorous growth. Blooms attract pollinators all season long through the first fall frost.
12. Climbing Nasturtium (Tropaeolum majus)
Trailing nasturtiums come in shades of red, orange, yellow, white and more. The edible flowers and leaves have a pleasant, peppery taste. Plant in full sun or part shade and provide a trellis for support. These annual vines reseed readily each year.
Tips for Growing Cat-Safe Climbing Plants
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For indoor climbing plants, use command hooks, plant velcro, and trellises to support and train vines to climb walls and more.
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Outdoors, supply climbing plants with structures like garden obelisks, pergolas, fences, and arbors for optimal vertical growth.
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Prune back wayward growth to keep rampant climbers under control and concentrated where you want them.
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Fertilize regularly in spring and summer for lush foliage and abundant blooms. Use slow release or dilute liquid feed.
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Add moss poles, coco fiber, or other supports early on for young climbing plants to attach aerial roots and vines to as they grow.
With the right support and care, these climbing plants safe for cats will create stunning vertical accents indoors and out. Avoid choosing potentially toxic varieties and you can highlight their trailing beauty worry-free. Let these cat-safe vining plants lend their graceful foliage and flowers to your space.
c. Areca Palm (Dypsis lutescens)
With its graceful arching fronds and air-purifying qualities, the Areca Palm introduces a sense of relaxation to any interior space. The good news is that this species of palm is also considered non-toxic to cats, making it a welcome addition for homes that have cats.
Are Bamboo Plants Safe for Cats?
- Scientific name: Bambusoideae
- Is the plant safe for cats? Yes, as long as it’s a real bamboo.
People love bamboo plants because they look beautiful, grow quickly, and are thought to bring good luck and prosperity. They also make rooms feel calm and happy.
So are bamboo plants safe for cats? ‘True’ bamboo, is considered non-toxic to cats. A few examples of true bamboo plants include the following:
Pet friendly Indoor climbing plants | Pet Safe indoor trailing plants
FAQ
What climbers are pet friendly?
Are any ivy plants safe for cats?
Are wall climbing plants safe for pets?
A sad day is realizing that your wall-climbing houseplants are not safe for pets. Don’t viney plants look crazy lush hanging from a planter or climbing a moss pole or wall? They sure do. Devils Ivy, Pothos and Monstera adonsonii are the best for wall climbing, but are technically toxic to pets.
Are outdoor plants safe for cats?
If your cat is an indoor only cat (which is safest for cats anyway) then you can have outdoor plants that are toxic because your cats won’t have access to them. Save the pet-safe plants for the indoor plants.
Are all houseplants safe for cats?
First, it’s important to know that all houseplants are not safe for cats. There are some plants, even many common ones, that people bring into their homes, that have toxic properties that can be dangerous to your cats.
Can cats eat houseplants?
Although cats should never be eating houseplants, when you choose cat-safe ones, you can rest easy knowing that if they do ingest some, they will be okay. Even a cat safe plant can cause some oral irritation, stomach upset, or other mild symptoms. But they won’t be as serious or life-threatening as toxic plants.
Are Houseplants toxic to cats and dogs?
And while some popular houseplants are toxic to cats and dogs, there are plenty of pet-friendly options to add greenery and purify the air in your home. Of course, for the sake of your plants and your pets, you’ll want to keep all houseplants out of the general reach of your pets.
Are potted plants cat friendly?
Very dangerous plants can cause more serious symptoms like kidney failure, liver failure, and worse. Potted plants that are cat friendly include spider plant, ponytail palm, prayer plant, and many others that we will list below so that you can get informed yourself. It is the responsibility of pet owners to keep only cat safe plants in the home.