🌼 Welcome to the Jungle—But Is It Safe for Your Cat?
You love your plants. You love your cat. But can the two coexist peacefully? If you’ve been googling “are prayer plants toxic to cats” after catching Whiskers sniffing your greenery, breathe easy.
Let’s separate fear from fact and answer your question with clarity, warmth, and helpful info.
✅ Short Answer: No, Prayer Plants Are Not Toxic to Cats
According to the ASPCA (American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals), Maranta leuconeura, commonly known as the prayer plant, is non-toxic to cats.
That’s right! Your cat can rub against, sniff, or even lightly nibble on a prayer plant without the same risks posed by toxic houseplants like lilies or philodendrons.
But that doesn’t mean you should let them feast freely.
📘 What Is a Prayer Plant?
The prayer plant (Maranta leuconeura) is a popular tropical houseplant known for its striking foliage and curious habit of folding its leaves upward at night, mimicking hands in prayer.
Native to Brazil, it’s part of the Marantaceae family and is often confused with calatheas and stromanthes (some of which are also cat-safe).
🐾 Why Do Cats Chew Plants—Even Safe Ones?
Here’s the deal: even if a plant isn’t toxic, cats might still chew it. Why?
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Curiosity
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Boredom
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Craving texture or fiber
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Attention-seeking behavior
So while the prayer plant won’t poison your pet, it might cause a tummy ache if eaten in large amounts.
🤢 Potential Symptoms from Overeating Non-Toxic Plants
If your cat decides the prayer plant is its next snack, it may still experience:
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Mild vomiting
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Diarrhea
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Lethargy (rare)
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Loss of appetite for a day
Generally, symptoms are mild and short-lived. Still, monitor your pet and consult your vet if you’re concerned.
🏥 When to Call the Vet
🚨 Call your vet immediately if:
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Vomiting is persistent
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Your cat stops eating for over 24 hours
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There’s blood in the stool or vomit
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They seem in pain or overly lethargic
Even with non-toxic plants, individual sensitivity can vary. Always err on the side of caution.
🧼 Safe Doesn’t Mean Indestructible—for the Plant
Here’s the twist: while prayer plants are safe for cats, cats are not always safe for prayer plants.
Your feline may:
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Dig in the soil
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Knock over the pot
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Tear leaves with claws or teeth
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Nap in the planter (adorable but dangerous)
A few deterrent strategies will help both flora and feline thrive.
🛡️ How to Protect Prayer Plants from Curious Cats
Try these tried-and-true solutions:
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Elevate it: Use hanging baskets or tall shelves
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Cover the soil: Use decorative stones or mesh to block digging
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Deterrent spray: Use citrus-scented repellents (cats hate citrus)
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Cat grass station: Give them their own chew-friendly greens
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Play more: Bored cats = plant destroyers. A stimulated cat is a happier one.
🌱 Want More Cat-Safe Plants?
Here’s a list of lovely greenery that plays nice with cats:
| Plant Name | Safe for Cats? | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Prayer Plant | ✅ Yes | Beautiful and safe |
| Spider Plant | ✅ Yes | Easy-care, may cause mild vomit if eaten too much |
| Calathea | ✅ Yes | Bold leaves, pet-safe |
| Bamboo Palm | ✅ Yes | Air-purifying and lush |
| Peperomia | ✅ Yes | Compact and colorful |
🌿 Plants That Are Dangerous for Cats
Not all houseplants are kind. Keep your kitty far from these:
❌ Lilies (highly toxic, even pollen)
❌ Pothos (Epipremnum aureum)
❌ Sago Palm (Cycas revoluta)
❌ Dieffenbachia (Dumb Cane)
❌ English Ivy (Hedera helix)
❌ Aloe Vera (surprising but true!)
Always double-check before bringing a new plant into a pet-friendly home.
🧩 Prayer Plant vs. Other Lookalikes
Some plants look similar but aren’t all equally safe. Here’s a quick comparison:
| Plant | Toxic to Cats? | Common Confusion |
|---|---|---|
| Prayer Plant (Maranta) | ❌ No | Safe, folds at night |
| Calathea | ❌ No | Also safe, often mislabeled |
| Stromanthe | ❌ No | Safe, similar appearance |
| Dieffenbachia | ✅ Yes | Toxic, often mistaken for Maranta |
Pro tip: Always check the scientific name when buying plants.
🐱 Final Thoughts: Prayer Plants Are Cat-Friendly Greenery
In summary:
If you’re wondering “are prayer plants toxic to cats?”—rest easy. They’re one of the rare indoor plants that add beauty to your home without endangering your fur baby.
Just be mindful of how much your cat interacts with them and offer alternatives like cat grass to satisfy their craving for greens.
With a little care and planning, you can create a home where plants and pets live together in purr-fect harmony. 🐾🌿
❓ FAQs
Is the prayer plant poisonous to cats?
No. Prayer plants are non-toxic to cats according to the ASPCA.
Can my cat get sick from chewing a prayer plant?
Not toxic, but large amounts may cause mild stomach upset.
Is the Maranta plant different from Calathea?
Yes, but both are non-toxic and safe for cats.
What should I do if my cat ate a prayer plant?
Monitor for vomiting or changes in appetite. Call your vet if symptoms persist.
Can I grow a prayer plant in a home with multiple cats?
Absolutely! Just make sure it’s placed where it won’t get destroyed.
Are prayer plants toxic to dogs too?
No, they are also safe for dogs.
