15 Succulents Safe for Cats

It's no surprise succulents are among the most popular houseplants. These striking plants often thrive on minimal care and are compact enough for even the smallest apartments. However, if you have feline friends, you’ll want to avoid prickly cacti and toxic succulents like jade plants. Here are 15 popular succulents that are safe for cats.

Low-maintenance and flower-shaped, echeveria species are some of the most popular succulents, and it's a bonus that they are cat-friendly. Mexican peacock echeveria is perfect for those without a green thumb, requiring just a sunny spot and occasional watering to thrive.

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The spiky striped or dotted foliage of the compact haworthia species is sure to make a statement in your small space while being non-toxic to cats. They prefer bright, indirect light, but unlike many succulents, haworthias can survive in lower light conditions, as long as you don't overwater them.

The coin-shaped foliage of the Chinese money plant (Pilea peperomioides) is cat-friendly and easy to maintain with bright, indirect light and irregular watering. And who knows, if the legends are true, this easy-to-propagate plant might even bring you financial good fortune.

You don't have to worry about your cat playing with the trailing tendrils of your Donkey's Tail (Sedum morganianum). Be cautious, though, as the stems are fragile and playful paws could knock them off. Place it in a sunny spot and water when the well-draining potting mix is dry to maximize the length of this hanging succulent.

Cats and hens might not always get along in reality, but if you have a hens and chicks succulent (Sempervivum tectorum), they will coexist just fine. These succulents are particularly hardy, making them suitable for forming a mat across your outdoor rock garden—just avoid overly shady spots and use well-draining soil.

If you're looking for a striking, cat-safe cactus without the prickles, try a dragon fruit cactus (Hylocereus undatus). With the right amount of bright sunlight and careful watering, your plant might even bear some edible exotic fruit.

The compact ghost plant (Graptopetalum paraguayense) gets its name from the pale gray to whitish frosting on its rosette-forming foliage. You don't have to worry about this farina layer being a problem for your cat, as this is another non-toxic succulent for pets. This relatively cold-hardy plant thrives in bright light and a loose potting mix, so be sure not to overwater it.

Spiky cacti might be a bad idea for curious kitties, but the pet-friendly Christmas cactus (Schlumbergera bridgesii, syn. Schlumbergera x buckleyi) is prickle-free and features pretty pink, orange, or white tubular flowers that add a splash of color in winter. Unlike many cactus species, these plants prefer diffused light and more regular watering to keep them blooming.

Slow-growing and strange-looking, living stone succulents (Lithops spp.) certainly add a novelty factor to your plant collection. These stemless, low-growing species evolved to look like stones to deter animals from eating them in their native habitat. You don’t have to worry if your cat nibbles on these plants, and as long as you can provide them with the bright light they love, they are quite forgiving of neglect.

While it might be frustrating if your cat starts pawing at the trailing vines of your Hindu rope plant (Hoya carnosa 'Compacta'), you won't have to worry about this non-toxic species harming them. This eye-catching plant has curly leaves that are easy to maintain. Select a well-drained potting mix, a warm spot with bright, indirect light, and water deeply when fully dry in the growing season.

Often mistaken for an indoor palm, the ponytail palm (Beaucarnea recurvata) is actually a pet-safe succulent that makes a beautiful desktop plant. Provide as much bright light as possible and water once every one or two weeks during the growing season to keep this hassle-free houseplant happy.

If you're looking for a standout succulent that is cat-safe, consider the ghost echeveria (Echeveria lilacina). This drought-tolerant species, with its silvery-gray fleshy foliage that grows in short-stemmed rosettes, appreciates a bit of neglect. All it needs is a sunny spot in your home.

There's a reason the Mexican snowball (Echeveria elegans) is one of the most popular pet-friendly succulents around. These pretty little plants thrive on neglect, provided you can offer them enough sun and sandy soil.

There are so many cat-safe echeveria species to choose from, and the Mexican firecracker (Echeveria setosa) is another easy-to-find option. These low-maintenance houseplants just need plenty of sun, a loose potting mix, and occasional deep watering to flourish.

Like its relative, the Christmas cactus, you don't have to worry about your cat getting pricked on the thorn-free, pet-friendly Thanksgiving cactus (Schlumbergera truncata). It's another one that, provided you offer medium, indirect light and consistent moisture, will reward you with bright blooms as the weather turns colder.

FAQ

What if my cat eats my succulent?

Even if a succulent is safe for cats, eating enough foliage or flowers can still cause stomach upsets. Contact your vet for advice if your cat experiences severe or persistent diarrhea or vomiting. And if you aren't sure if the succulent is safe for cats, don't delay calling your vet or the Pet Poison Helpline, especially if they show signs of illness.

How do I keep my cat away from my succulent?

Even pet-safe species can cause upset stomachs, and you don't want your cat to damage your prized plants. Cat-proof your plants by keeping them on a high shelf or in a hanging basket, and ensure your cat has enough alternative enrichment, including toys or even edible cat grass.