Non-Poisonous Flowers & Plants for Cats

Daisy

• Daisies, a member of the sunflower family, are among the most widely used plants both indoors and out. They are available in a number of colors and sizes and have a vase life of several weeks. Gerbera daisies are among the most common daisy types and are safe if ingested by cats, dogs and horses, making them an ideal selection for cat-friendly homes and gardens. They thrive best in USDA hardiness zones 9 and 10, but may be grown indoors in cooler climates.

Bamboo

• Bamboo is a large and diverse family of plants that encompasses small and large members; some reach no taller than a few inches while others may grow to be as tall as 100 feet. Depending on the specific type, they grow in just about every climate in the world. They are simple to grow and require very little care once established. Bamboo is commonly found growing indoors and will do well in low-light or full sun situations. Growers should remember to provide adequate space for growth, as bamboo is a hardy grower, and clean water. Bamboo of all types is harmless if ingested by cats.

Bottlebrush

• Bottlebrush plants belong to the Callistemon genus, and are warm weather flowering plants with more than 34 species. These plants grow well in zones 4 through 10 and do well in most soil types. The plants produce flowers in bold colors with deep green foliage. Growers should be careful with this plant, as it is easy to confuse a member of this family -- the weeping bottlebrush, prickly bottlebrush or crimson bottlebrush -- with the buckeye (Aesculus parviflora), which is commonly known as the bottlebrush but is toxic to animals.

Butterfly Bush

• The butterfly bush is an easy to grow plant that produces fragrant purple, pink and red flowers with deep green foliage. The plants attract large numbers of butterflies, bees and hummingbirds, and are very hardy growers that will thrive in just about any soil conditions. It is a native of Chile, but is now cultivated in China and throughout the United States. These plants are widely used in the garden as border shrubs or accent plants. They add color and texture to the garden, and all parts are non-toxic to cats. Growers should plant carefully; if left unchecked, the butterfly bush may become invasive.

Other Plants

• According to PETA, almost all herbs and most vegetable plants are non-toxic to animals. This includes cucumber, dandelion, heather, peppermint and rosemary. Additionally, a number of flowers and other plants are suitable for cat homes and gardens, Including the African violet (Saintpaulia ionantha), begonia, a number of ferns, cactus and a few lily varieties. Prior to making any selections, cat owners should refer to the ASPCA website for a complete list. Common symptoms of toxicity include seizures, lethargy and vomiting. If exposure to a toxic plant is suspected, owners should contact a veterinarian as soon as possible.