The library
Every plant,one verdict.
57 entries — each reviewed against ASPCA data. Search by common or Latin name, or filter by safety.
SafeAfrican Violet
Saintpaulia ionantha
Compact rosettes with year-round colour — without poinsettia sap or lily renal toxin. The ASPCA lists African violet as non-toxic to cats.
ToxicAglaonema
Aglaonema modestum
Yes — aglaonema (Chinese evergreen) is toxic to cats. The ASPCA attributes it to insoluble calcium oxalate crystals, which cause immediate mouth pain and drooling on chewing.
ToxicAloe Vera
Aloe vera
Saponins and anthraquinones in the gel and latex. Aloe is a human first-aid plant that the ASPCA lists as toxic to cats — vomiting and lethargy are common after ingestion.
ToxicAnthurium
Anthurium scherzerianum
Yes — anthurium is toxic to cats. The ASPCA lists it (as flamingo flower) as toxic, citing insoluble calcium oxalates. Chewing causes immediate mouth pain, swelling, and drooling.
SafeAreca Palm
Dypsis lutescens
Yes — the areca palm is safe for cats. The ASPCA lists Dypsis lutescens as non-toxic. It is one of the best large statement plants for a cat home, with only mild upset if a cat eats a lot of frond.
ToxicAsparagus Fern
Asparagus densiflorus
Yes — the asparagus fern is toxic to cats. The ASPCA attributes it to sapogenins. Eating the berries causes vomiting and diarrhoea; repeated skin contact can cause dermatitis.
ToxicAzalea
Rhododendron spp.
Azaleas and rhododendrons are severely toxic to cats per the ASPCA. Every part contains grayanotoxin, which can produce vomiting, weakness, arrhythmia, and cardiac failure — a few leaves can be life-threatening.
SafeBamboo
Phyllostachys aurea
Yes — true bamboo is safe for cats. The ASPCA lists bamboo (Phyllostachys aurea) as non-toxic. The catch is the name: "lucky bamboo" and "heavenly bamboo" are different, toxic plants.
SafeBasil
Ocimum basilicum
Yes — basil is safe for cats. The ASPCA lists Ocimum basilicum as non-toxic. A cat that nibbles a leaf is fine; the only caveat is the usual mild upset from eating a lot of any plant.
ToxicBegonia
Begonia spp.
Yes — begonias are toxic to cats. The ASPCA attributes it to soluble calcium oxalates, with the underground tubers most toxic. Chewing causes intense mouth irritation and drooling.
SafeBoston Fern
Nephrolepis exaltata
A classic bathroom fern with arching fronds and no toxic compounds. Cats may chew it; the plant may suffer — but the cat will not.
SafeBromeliad
Bromeliaceae
Yes — bromeliads are safe for cats. The ASPCA lists bromeliads as non-toxic. The whole family — Guzmania, Neoregelia, Aechmea, Tillandsia — is cat-safe, with only mild upset if a cat eats a lot.