I'm looking for a houseplant that is safe for cats.?

Question

I know that greens are important to a cat's health, but my cat never goes outside so he doesn't get to eat grass and stuff like other cats. Also, he's chewing up my silk plants I guess because he thinks they are real. (He came from the animal shelter, he was a stray so he's used to outdoor life - but where I live, it's just not safe for him to be outside)

Anyway, I'm looking for a houseplant that is non-toxic to cats. i need something relatively low maintenance. it doesn't have to flower or be real pretty, as it's sole purpose will be for the cat the eat it.

I've tried those little "cat grass" kits you can buy at the store, but the grass grows and then dies after a few days. I need something that continues to grow.

Thanks.

To everyone who keeps saying "get a cactus" you're not reading the question.
I want something he CAN eat. Not something that he WON'T eat.

Answer 1

There are Many many plants that are NOT safe for cats or dogs.. I could list them but it woulds take several pages so I am going to refer you to a web page.. bring it up and take a look at the many plants that ARE POISONOUS to cats:

http://www.cfainc.org/articles/plants.html

Answer 2

I know spider plants are safe for cats, but they are not the same as grass. Really the pet grass is the best way to go. The best way to keep it growing is to have a good light source and water it from the bottom. You have to keep it trimed too. A lot of pet stores that sell it can tell you how to care for it.

Answer 3

Most plants aren't very good for cats. You can ask you vet or do some research online about plants that cats won't chew - we used to have blooming cacti which the cats wouldn't chew on for obvious reasons, and any other plants we'd have to put out of reach of kitty (top of the fridge, bookshelf, etc). But for low-maintenance, a cactus is your best bet. Good luck!

Answer 4

I dont know whats good for them, but here is what is not

How are plants hazardous to my cat and which ones are poisonous?
Many household plants and even grasses can be a source of irritation to your cats gastrointestinal system and cause vomiting. Other plants, such as nettle hairs can impart a stinging substance to the hair coat and skin of a cat rubbing up against it. Even punctures and abscesses can be the result of thorny plants such as cacti or blackberries “attacking” your cat while playing around them. Check with your veterinarian for safe “chew guard” type products to discourage cats of all ages from sampling your indoor plants. Lastly, print out and keep handy the Cornell University web sites list of poisonous plants (www.ansci.cornell.edu/plants/index.html) and remove any culprits permanently from your home

Answer 5

Spider Plants

Answer 6

I sort of had a similar problem with the cat grass. It didn't die (in fact, it loved long enough for us to give up on the cat ever eating it and gave it to our guinea pig). But Blaze seemed seriously scared of it! He loves grass, but he wouldn't go near the stuff.

I hope you find something that's safe for him!

Answer 7

Some of my cats love to chew on my Philodendron plants. It's apparently harmless to them, though they've killed two plants in the last 19 months. Fortunately, Philodendrons are cheap and easy to care for.

Answer 8

Aloe Vera. I had a cat once that ate the whole thing! Roots and all! At least she was healthy.

Answer 9

.... have you tried catnip? ... to be safe, I'd try another "grass kit" - I highly recommend anything by Cosmic (my cats present and past adore Cosmic Catnip - best stuff around!) .... also, here is a link to safe houseplants ....

http://www.xmission.com/~emailbox/plantsok.htm

Answer 10

Cat nip...hahaha