Cats are naturally curious animals. They love to explore, climb, and nibble on plants. If you are a cat owner and a gardening enthusiast, you may wonder which climbing plants are safe to grow around your furry friend. The good news is that there are several beautiful and cat-safe climbing plants that can bring life to your garden or home without putting your pet at risk.
In this article, we will explore a variety of climbing plants that are non-toxic to cats. You’ll also learn about the benefits of climbing plants, how to care for them, and what plants you should avoid. Whether you’re growing in the garden or indoors, this guide is designed to be simple, clear, and practical.
Why Cat-Safe Climbing Plants Matter
Cats like to chew on plants out of curiosity, boredom, or instinct. But not all plants are safe. Some can cause stomach upset, breathing problems, or worse. As a responsible pet owner, it’s important to grow plants that are non-toxic to cats—especially climbing ones, which your cat may try to reach or play with.
Choosing the right plants helps you:
- Protect your pet’s health.
- Create a safe and peaceful environment.
- Avoid unexpected vet bills.
- Enjoy gardening with peace of mind.
What Makes a Climbing Plant “Cat-Safe”?
A climbing plant is considered “cat-safe” if it is listed as non-toxic to cats by reputable sources such as the ASPCA (American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals). Non-toxic means that even if your cat chews or swallows part of the plant, it won’t cause serious health issues.
Still, even safe plants should be monitored. Eating too much plant material, even if non-toxic, can cause minor stomach upset.
Top Cat-Safe Climbing Plants
Below is a list of climbing plants that are safe for cats. They are beautiful, easy to grow, and ideal for cat-friendly gardens or homes.
Passionflower (Passiflora)
- Scientific Name: Passiflora spp.
- Toxicity Level: Non-toxic to cats
- Where It Grows: Outdoors or indoors with support
Passionflower is a tropical-looking vine with bright purple or blue flowers. It is not only cat-safe but also attracts butterflies. It climbs quickly and needs a trellis or fence for support.
Care Tips:
- Likes full sun to partial shade
- Water regularly
- Prune to shape
Spider Plant (Chlorophytum comosum)
- Scientific Name: Chlorophytum comosum
- Toxicity Level: Non-toxic to cats
- Where It Grows: Indoors
Although not a classic climber, spider plants send out long, trailing stems that hang or climb if supported. Cats love them because of their grass-like leaves.
Care Tips:
- Tolerates low light
- Needs moderate watering
- Grows well in hanging baskets
Swedish Ivy (Plectranthus verticillatus)
- Scientific Name: Plectranthus verticillatus
- Toxicity Level: Non-toxic to cats
- Where It Grows: Indoors or outdoors in mild climates
Swedish Ivy has trailing stems that can be trained to climb. It’s a lush, green plant with small purple flowers. It’s fast-growing and safe for cats.
Care Tips:
- Prefers indirect sunlight
- Keep soil lightly moist
- Pinch back stems to keep bushy
Boston Fern (Nephrolepis exaltata)
- Scientific Name: Nephrolepis exaltata
- Toxicity Level: Non-toxic to cats
- Where It Grows: Indoors or shaded garden areas
Boston ferns can climb slightly or drape from hanging baskets and shelves. Cats often find them irresistible. Luckily, they are safe.
Care Tips:
- Keep soil moist
- Mist often for humidity
- Likes cool, shaded spots
Areca Palm (Dypsis lutescens)
- Scientific Name: Dypsis lutescens
- Toxicity Level: Non-toxic to cats
- Where It Grows: Indoors
Areca Palm is not a true climber but grows tall and provides vertical greenery. It has soft fronds that cats love to play with, and it’s completely safe.
Care Tips:
- Needs bright, indirect light
- Water when top inch of soil is dry
- Keep away from cold drafts
Bamboo Palm (Chamaedorea seifrizii)
- Scientific Name: Chamaedorea seifrizii
- Toxicity Level: Non-toxic to cats
- Where It Grows: Indoors or warm, shady gardens
This palm has long, arching leaves and grows vertically. It provides height like a climber and is safe for pets.
Care Tips:
- Prefers low to moderate light
- Water moderately
- Avoid soggy soil
Cat-Safe Vines and Trailing Plants You Can Train to Climb
Some vines and trailing plants can be trained to grow up supports, even if they don’t naturally climb. These add vertical interest and are good for indoor shelves or balcony gardens.
Baby’s Tears (Soleirolia soleirolii)
This tiny-leafed trailing plant is safe for cats. You can let it climb a moss pole or cascade from a pot.
Care Tips:
- Likes moist soil
- Prefers bright, indirect light
Peperomia Species
Many types of Peperomia are cat-safe, including trailing kinds that can be trained up a stake or trellis.
Care Tips:
- Water when dry
- Likes warm rooms and humidity
Polka Dot Plant (Hypoestes phyllostachya)
Although not a strong climber, it can be paired with vines in a climbing display. It’s colorful, playful, and non-toxic to cats.
Climbing Plant Structures for Cat Safety
Once you’ve chosen your cat-safe climbers, it’s time to help them grow up!
Use These Structures:
- Trellises: Good for outdoor climbing plants like passionflower.
- Hanging baskets: Perfect for trailing types like spider plant or Swedish ivy.
- Wall hooks: Use indoors to guide vines along walls.
- Cat-safe moss poles: Encourage vertical growth without harming pets.
Make sure structures are stable so cats don’t accidentally pull them over.
Plants That Look Similar But Are Not Safe
Some toxic plants look like safe ones. Be careful not to confuse them.
| Toxic Plant | Safe Lookalike |
|---|---|
| English Ivy (Hedera helix) – toxic | Swedish Ivy (Plectranthus) – safe |
| Asparagus Fern – toxic | Boston Fern – safe |
| Jasmine (many species) – toxic | Some Passiflora vines – safe |
What Happens If a Cat Eats a Toxic Plant?
If your cat eats a toxic climbing plant, symptoms can include:
- Vomiting
- Drooling
- Diarrhea
- Lethargy
- Trouble breathing
Call your vet immediately or contact the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (1-888-426-4435).
Tips for Growing a Cat-Friendly Garden
Creating a cat-friendly garden or plant space takes planning. Here are some quick tips:
- Check toxicity before buying any plant.
- Keep toxic plants out of reach—even better, don’t grow them at all.
- Grow plants in hanging baskets to reduce temptation.
- Distract with cat grass or catnip, which are safe and enjoyable for cats.
- Create vertical cat playgrounds using safe plants.
Bonus: Fun Plants for Cats
These aren’t climbers, but they’re great companions to your safe climbing plants:
- Cat Grass (Dactylis glomerata) – A fun snack.
- Catnip (Nepeta cataria) – Most cats go crazy for it.
- Lemongrass – Non-toxic and fragrant.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: Can I train all cat-safe plants to climb?
No, not all plants are natural climbers. Some can be trained to trail or lean upward with support, but others won’t climb at all. Choose species that naturally vine or send out long stems.
Q2: Are flowering vines safe for cats?
Some are safe, like passionflower, while others, like jasmine and morning glory, are toxic. Always check each specific species before planting.
Q3: What should I do if my cat keeps eating even safe plants?
Even safe plants can upset your cat’s stomach if eaten in large amounts. Offer cat grass as a snack, move plants higher, and use hanging containers to reduce access.
Conclusion
Creating a green space filled with climbing plants doesn’t mean putting your cat in danger. By choosing the right varieties—like passionflower, spider plant, Swedish ivy, and Boston fern—you can grow a beautiful, safe garden indoors or outdoors. Just remember to avoid toxic lookalikes and support your climbers with safe structures. Your cat will enjoy the greenery, and you’ll have peace of mind knowing your space is both beautiful and pet-safe.
