10 Stylish Houseplants That Are Totally Safe for Cats

by The Home Growns May 29, 2025, 3:59 pm 2.4k Views

Alright, after the delicate beauty of the orchid, let’s switch gears completely to a plant that’s all about personality, resilience, and a touch of the wild! If you’re looking for something that’s a bit playful, super drought-tolerant, and definitely a conversation starter, then you are going to adore the Ponytail Palm.

9. Ponytail Palm (Beaucarnea recurvata) – The Playful & Drought-Tolerant Tree

A mature Ponytail Palm (Beaucarnea recurvata) with its characteristic large, bulbous base and two distinct trunks, from which long, slender green leaves gracefully cascade like a ponytail. This drought-tolerant specimen, often included in lists of cat friendly house plants due to its non-toxic nature, is planted outdoors against a light-colored wall, with a decorative stone border around its base. Its unique and playful appearance makes it a striking addition to gardens or as a larger indoor plant where pets are present.

Now, the first thing you might notice about the Ponytail Palm is that it doesn’t really look like your typical palm tree at all! And you’d be right – it’s actually a member of the succulent family, believe it or not, closely related to things like agaves and yuccas.¹ I remember seeing my first one and being totally captivated by its quirky shape. It’s like a little bit of the desert decided to grow a fabulous hairdo! It’s a fantastic low-maintenance houseplant for anyone, especially if you’re a bit of a forgetful waterer like I can be sometimes.

What’s So Cool About This “Palm-That’s-Not-Really-A-Palm”?

The most distinctive feature of the Ponytail Palm (Beaucarnea recurvata) is its swollen trunk base, called a caudex. This big, bulbous bottom isn’t just for show; it actually stores water, which is how the plant survives long periods of drought in its native Mexico.² Pretty clever, huh? It’s like its own built-in water tank!

And then, erupting from the top of that sturdy base, you get this amazing fountain of long, thin, curly leaves that cascade down, truly resembling a horse’s ponytail. The way the leaves arch and curl gives it such a whimsical and architectural look. It’s playful yet somehow quite elegant too. It really does look like something Dr. Seuss might have dreamed up, but it fits surprisingly well into all sorts of decor styles.

Cat-Friendly Fun: A Tough Plant for Playful Paws (Usually!)

Here’s some great news for all of us who share our homes with curious cats: the Ponytail Palm is non-toxic to cats! So, you can enjoy its unique charm without worrying if your feline friend takes an interest.

What’s even better is that its tough, leathery leaves are usually not very tempting for chewing. My cat, a little rascal named Pip, will sometimes bat at the dangling leaves like they’re a built-in toy, but he’s never shown much interest in trying to munch on them. They’re just not that appealing for a nibble, which is a definite plus! This makes it a fantastic choice if you’re looking for a cat-safe statement plant that can generally hold its own against playful paws.

Ponytail Palm Care: My “Set It and Almost Forget It” Approach

If you’re looking for an easy-care indoor tree, then Ponytail Palm care is going to be right up your alley. These plants thrive on a bit of neglect!

First up, light: it loves bright light and can even take some direct sun. A spot near a sunny south-facing or west-facing window is often ideal. These plants definitely remind me of the sunny, arid landscapes you see in places like Baja California; they just soak up those rays! If they don’t get enough light, their growth might slow down, and they might not look quite as perky.

Watering is where the “forgetful” part really comes in handy. Because of that water-storing caudex, they are very drought-tolerant. You’ll want to water thoroughly, but then allow the soil to dry out completely between waterings. I mean completely dry. During the winter, when growth slows down, you might only need to water it once a month, or even less! Well-draining soil is absolutely essential – a good cactus or succulent mix is perfect to prevent any chance of root rot from too much moisture.³ Overwatering is the biggest enemy of this plant, so when in doubt, don’t water!⁴

Styling Your Ponytail Palm: Adding a Quirky Touch to Your Decor

The Ponytail Palm’s unique silhouette makes it a fun and quirky floor plant. It looks especially fantastic in bohemian or eclectic decor styles, where its unusual shape can really shine and add to that collected, free-spirited vibe. I’ve seen them look amazing in rustic terracotta pots or colorful, patterned ceramic ones.

It can also be a great statement piece in a bright entryway or a sunny living room corner. Because they’re so drought-tolerant and can handle bright light, they’re also a good candidate for a spot where other, thirstier plants might struggle. In warmer climates, like here in San José del Cabo, you often see them thriving outdoors on patios too! Its unique, sculptural form really adds a touch of playful desert charm and a bit of the unexpected to your indoor jungle.

Isn’t the Ponytail Palm just a character? So easy-going and full of personality! We have just one more fantastic, feline-friendly plant to explore on our list, and it’s a real classic when it comes to festive cheer.

Click the “Next” button below to discover our final stylish and cat-safe houseplant!