“Can I really keep plants and a cat at the same time?”
If you’ve ever wondered this, you’re not alone. I’ve been there too—bring home a pretty plant, worry the cat will chew it, stay up late googling whether it’s toxic… yep, that was me.
After three years of trial and error, here are 7 plants that are 100% safe for cats, easy to care for, and great for interiors. I personally grow these at home, so I can recommend them with confidence!
🌟 Three Rules for Choosing Cat-Safe Plants
Before we dive in, here are my must-check criteria:
✅ Checkpoint 1: Verified Non-Toxic
- Cross-check the ASPCA’s pet-safe plant list
- No vomiting, diarrhea, or poisoning if nibbled
- Sap and pollen should also be safe
✅ Checkpoint 2: Easy Care
- Beginner-friendly
- Forgiving watering schedule
- Tolerant of a range of light conditions
✅ Checkpoint 3: Practicality
- Strong interior styling impact
- Bonus points for air-purifying ability
- Hard to tip over
Only plants that meet all three made the cut. Let’s go!
🥇 #1 Areca Palm — The Air-Purifying Champion
<img src=”placeholder” alt=”Areca Palm”>
Why it’s #1
Areca palm is my top, no-hesitation pick. There’s a reason NASA ranks it as a #1 air-purifying plant.
Safety: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (perfect)
Difficulty: ⭐⭐☆☆☆ (beginner-friendly)
Interior: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (tropical vibes)
My home experience
I keep a large areca palm in the living room—instant mini-jungle mood. My cat showed interest at first, but the pot is big and heavy, so there’s no tipping. Even if she nibbles, it’s harmless.
Best part? Humidity control. A mature areca can transpire close to a liter of water a day, which keeps winter air comfy when the heater’s on.
Care tips
- Light: Bright, indirect (avoid harsh sun)
- Water: About twice a week; water thoroughly when the top soil dries
- Humidity: Occasional misting helps
- Temp: 18–24 °C (protect from winter drafts)
Pro tip: Dusty leaves = weaker air purification. Wipe with a damp cloth monthly (great for catching cat hair, too).
Price & where to buy (KR)
- Small (30–50 cm): ₩15,000–25,000
- Medium (80–100 cm): ₩40,000–60,000
- Large (150 cm+): ₩100,000–150,000
Shops: Local florists, plant stores, online (Market Kurly, Coupang)
Cat-coexistence
- Choose a large (10-inch+) heavy pot
- Cover soil with large pebbles to stop digging
- Offer cat grass so leaves are less tempting
🥈 #2 Boston Fern — Lush, Fountain-Like Greenery
Why you’ll love it
Boston ferns spill over like a green fountain. As a hanging plant, they give instant café vibes.
Safety: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Difficulty: ⭐⭐⭐☆☆ (a bit humidity-sensitive)
Interior: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (big, fluffy volume)
My take
I hang one in the bathroom window—steam from showers = happy fern. It’s out of paw-reach and super soothing to look at. Once I skipped watering on a trip and it browned, but bounced back with care—surprisingly resilient.
Care guide
- Light: Bright, indirect (no harsh sun)
- Water: Keep soil evenly moist; ~2–3×/week
- Humidity: Loves it (mist 1–2× daily if air is dry)
- Temp: 15–24 °C
Watch-out: Dry air browns the tips. Use a humidifier or mist often.
Keep it cat-proof
- Hang it (best method)
- High bathroom shelf (naturally humid, fewer cat visits)
- Glass terrarium (humidity + protection)
Price (KR)
- Small: ₩8,000–15,000
- Medium: ₩20,000–30,000
- Hanging basket set: ₩25,000–40,000
Seasonal tip: Buy in spring/fall; mind humidity (summer) and dryness (winter).
🥉 #3 Cat Grass — A Special Treat for Your Cat
A must-have!
Cat grass is basically a healthy snack and behavior redirect for cats. If you keep plants, this is essential.
Safety: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (made for cats!)
Difficulty: ⭐☆☆☆☆ (super easy)
Practicality: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (direct health benefits)
Why it’s awesome
- Hairball help: Fiber stimulates the GI tract
- Nutrients: Rich in folate, vitamins, minerals
- Stress relief: Satisfies natural grazing/“hunting” urges
- Plant protection: After adding cat grass, my areca damage fell by ~90%
How to grow (it’s truly easy)
- You’ll need: Cat-grass seeds (oat/wheat/barley), a small pot/kit, potting mix
- Steps:
- Soak seeds 4–6 hours
- Sow 1 cm deep
- Water well
- Place in bright spot
- Sprouts in 3–7 days
- Feed at 10–15 cm tall
Pro tip: Rotate three small pots, one week apart, for year-round fresh greens.
Cat reaction
Mine sniffed at first, then chomped happily days later—especially during early-morning zoomies. Start with small amounts to find your cat’s ideal serving.
Price (KR)
- Seeds: ₩3,000–5,000 (multiple rounds)
- Kits: ₩5,000–10,000
- Pre-grown pots: ₩5,000–8,000
Value tip: Seeds are the best bang for your buck.
#4 Peperomia — Small Plant, Big Charm
Collector’s joy
There are 1,000+ species of peperomia—so fun to collect. Compact size fits desks, shelves, and sills.
Safety: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Difficulty: ⭐⭐☆☆☆ (easy if you avoid overwatering)
Interior: ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆
Popular picks
- Peperomia obtusifolia: Plump, glossy leaves; low-light tolerant
- Peperomia caperata: Crinkled texture; many colors; tiny white blooms
- Peperomia argyreia (Watermelon): Striking leaf pattern—Instagram favorite
Care notes
- Light: Bright, indirect (tolerates shade)
- Water: Only when fully dry (prone to root rot)
- Humidity: Average is fine
- Temp: 18–24 °C
Golden rule: Check with a finger—water after the soil is fully dry (about weekly).
How I place them
- Work desk: three obtusifolias (instant eye-soother)
- High living-room shelf: caperata x2 (out of cat’s reach)
- Bedside: one watermelon peperomia
Price (KR)
- Small (7–10 cm): ₩5,000–10,000
- Medium (15–20 cm): ₩15,000–25,000
- Rare types: ₩30,000+
Budget tip: Even Daiso occasionally stocks peperomias (₩3,000–5,000).
#5 Lipstick Plant — Queen of the Hanging Garden
Romantic by name, gorgeous in bloom
Lipstick plant gets its name from bright red, lipstick-like blooms. As a trailing plant, it’s stunning in a hanger.
Safety: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Difficulty: ⭐⭐☆☆☆ (beginner-friendly)
Bloom factor: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (those red flowers!)
Why it’s fun
Given the right conditions, you can see flowers much of the year, especially winter to spring. Guests always ask about mine!
Care
- Light: Bright (light = blooms)
- Water: 1–2×/week; when soil dries
- Humidity: Moderate–high
- Temp: 18–26 °C
Bloom boosters
- Plenty of light (4–6 hrs/day)
- Slightly drier in fall–winter
- Light liquid feed in spring
- Patience!
Perfect with cats
As a hanging plant:
- Safely out of reach
- Elegant trailing look
- Easy to maintain
Install ideas: Ceiling hooks, macramé hangers, or on a sturdy curtain rod.
Price (KR)
- Standard pot: ₩15,000–25,000
- With hanger: ₩30,000–40,000
- In bloom: ₩25,000–35,000
#6 Hoya (Wax Plant) — Slow and Rewarding
The patience payoff
Hoyas grow slowly, but the reward is huge: glossy leaves and star-shaped, fragrant flowers.
Safety: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Difficulty: ⭐⭐☆☆☆ (thrives on benign neglect)
Bloom factor: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (heavenly scent)
What’s special
- Many varieties: carnosa (classic), curtisii (tiny hearts), compacta (curly), kerri (heart leaf)
- Fragrance: Sweet, dessert-like evening scent
- Longevity: Can live for decades
Care (so easy)
- Light: Bright, indirect (tolerates some sun)
- Water: When completely dry (even every 2 weeks)
- Humidity: Average
- Temp: 15–30 °C
Great for busy folks: Doesn’t mind skipped waterings.
Placement ideas
- Trail from a high shelf
- Hang in a window
- Let vines drape from a bookcase
- Keep a small starter on your desk
Price (KR)
- Small rooted cutting: ₩8,000–15,000
- Medium (30–50 cm vines): ₩20,000–35,000
- Rare types: ₩50,000+
#7 Echeveria — Queen of the Succulents
Low-effort beauty
Rosette-shaped, endlessly diverse, and very easy.
Safety: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Difficulty: ⭐☆☆☆☆ (super simple)
Interior: ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ (minimal & cute)
Why it’s great
- Infinite variety: Greens, pinks, purples, reds, silvers; from 3 cm minis to 30 cm showpieces
- Fun to collect: Create a colorful window-sill garden
- Propagates easily: Leaf cuttings = new plants
Zero-stress care
- Light: More sun = richer color
- Water: Every 2–3 weeks (monthly in winter)
- Humidity: Prefers dry air
- Temp: 5–30 °C
Avoid the #1 mistake: Overwatering. When in doubt, skip it.
Cat-friendly setup
- Choose tall, heavy ceramic/concrete pots
- Top-dress with pebbles
- Place on high shelves, sills, or in a glass terrarium
Price (KR)
- Mini (3–5 cm): ₩2,000–4,000
- Standard (7–10 cm): ₩5,000–10,000
- Large (15 cm+): ₩15,000–30,000
- Rare types: ₩20,000+
💡 Quick Comparison: The 7 Plants at a Glance
| Plant | Safety | Difficulty | Size | Watering | Highlight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Areca Palm | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | Easy | Large | ~2×/week | #1 air purifier |
| Boston Fern | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | Medium | Medium | 2–3×/week (moist) | Lush, fountain shape |
| Cat Grass | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | Very Easy | Small | Keep lightly moist | For cats; hairball help |
| Peperomia | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | Easy | Small | ~1×/week (when dry) | Many compact varieties |
| Lipstick Plant | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | Easy | Medium | 1–2×/week | Striking red blooms |
| Hoya (Wax Plant) | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | Easy | Medium | Every 1–2 weeks | Fragrant star flowers |
| Echeveria | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | Very Easy | Small | Every 2–3 weeks | Minimal, colorful rosettes |