Are Calatheas Toxic to Cats or Dogs? No. Here's the Proof + Safe Varieties

What the ASPCA actually says about calatheas

The ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center keeps separate lists of plants that are toxic and non-toxic to cats and dogs. Calathea shows up on the non-toxic side in two places:

• Calathea (Calathea spp.), the genus-level entry, which is non-toxic to cats, dogs and horses.
• Calathea insignis, listed under the common names prayer plant, peacock plant, rattlesnake plant and zebra plant.

The ASPCA lists "no toxic principles" for calathea. There is no compound in it known to poison pets, unlike pothos, philodendron or peace lily, which contain insoluble calcium oxalate crystals.

Why your plant tag might say "Goeppertia"

In 2012 botanists moved most plants sold as calathea into the genus Goeppertia. Calathea orbifolia is now Goeppertia orbifolia, Calathea makoyana is Goeppertia makoyana, and so on. It's the same plant with a new name. The ASPCA list still uses "Calathea," so if your tag says Goeppertia, it's covered by the same entry.

Calathea varieties: are they safe for cats and dogs?

All rows fall under the ASPCA's Calathea entry. Prayer plants (Maranta), close cousins in the same family, are also listed as non-toxic. See our lemon lime prayer plant guide.

Is calathea safe for dogs too?

Yes. The ASPCA lists calathea as non-toxic to dogs. Dogs are more likely to knock a pot over or dig in the soil than to nibble leaves, so a heavy pot or a plant stand is the main precaution.

What happens if my cat eats a calathea?

In most cases, nothing. "Non-toxic" means the plant won't poison your pet. It doesn't mean it's food. Cats aren't built to digest much plant fiber, so a cat that eats a lot of any leaf may:

• vomit once or twice
• have a soft stool for a day

Call your vet if symptoms last more than a day, or if you're not certain the plant is actually a calathea. The ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center is available 24/7 at (888) 426-4435 (a consultation fee may apply).

How to keep your cat from shredding it

Calathea leaves are thin and they move. They lift at night and lower in the morning, which makes them irresistible to some cats. The plant is safe, but the leaves won't stay pretty. What works:

• Height: a plant stand or shelf your cat doesn't already use as a perch.
• A better option nearby: a pot of cat grass gives chewers something they're allowed to eat.
• Sturdier leaves: rattlesnake plant and orbifolia hold up better to batting than paper-thin varieties like White Fusion.

Calathea care in 60 seconds

• Light: bright to medium indirect. Direct sun fades and curls the leaves.
• Water: keep the soil evenly moist, never soggy. Filtered or rain water helps prevent crispy brown tips.
• Humidity: 50%+ is ideal. Group plants or use a humidifier.
• Temperature: 65–80°F. Keep away from cold drafts and heat vents.
• Curling leaves during the day usually mean thirst or dry air.

Short on light? Calatheas are one of our top picks in pet-safe low light plants.

FAQ

Are all calatheas safe for cats?

The ASPCA lists the Calathea genus as non-toxic, so every calathea sold as a houseplant falls under that entry, including those now labeled Goeppertia.

Are calathea flowers toxic?

No. Calatheas rarely flower indoors, and the ASPCA listing covers the plant, not only the leaves.

Is a "prayer plant" the same as a calathea?

Not exactly. True prayer plants are Maranta, and some calatheas get called prayer plants too. Both are in the same family and both are listed as non-toxic.

Can kittens be around calathea?

Yes. The non-toxic listing doesn't depend on age. Kittens chew more, so the fiber note above applies more often.

Written and reviewed by Nikki, founder of Root & Reach Botanicals. Last updated September 2026. Sources: ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center non-toxic plant lists for cats and dogs. This article is general information, not veterinary advice.