Is Prayer Plant Toxic to Cats?

Prayer plants are non-toxic to cats, according to the ASPCA. This guide explains what that actually means, what to do if your cat eats a leaf, which symptoms to watch for, and how to protect both your pet and your plant.

If you searched prayer plant toxic to cats because your cat just chewed a leaf, the short answer is reassuring: prayer plant is considered non-toxic to cats. The ASPCA lists Prayer Plant, Maranta leuconeura, as non-toxic to cats and dogs.

That does not mean your cat should eat the plant freely. Non-toxic means the plant is not known to poison your cat, but chewing or swallowing plant material can still cause mild stomach upset in some pets.

Why Prayer Plants Are Considered Safe for Cats

The most important source for this topic is the ASPCA toxic and non-toxic plant database. Its Prayer Plant entry lists Maranta leuconeura as non-toxic to cats and dogs.

You can check the original ASPCA listing here: ASPCA Prayer Plant toxicity listing.

This makes prayer plant one of the better houseplant choices for homes with curious cats. It is much safer than truly toxic houseplants like lilies, pothos, peace lilies, or snake plants.

What to Do If Your Cat Ate a Prayer Plant Leaf

If your cat ate a small piece of prayer plant, stay calm. In most cases, you only need to identify the plant, check how much was eaten, and monitor your cat for mild digestive symptoms.

Use this simple step-by-step approach:

Call your veterinarian if vomiting is repeated, your cat seems lethargic, symptoms do not improve, or you are not completely sure what plant your cat ate. If the plant may not be a prayer plant, it is safer to treat the situation more seriously.

Symptoms to Watch For After a Cat Chews a Prayer Plant

Because prayer plant is non-toxic, severe poisoning symptoms would not be expected from the plant itself. Still, some cats can react to plant material with mild digestive upset.

Possible mild symptoms include:

• Drooling or lip-licking: The leaf texture may irritate the mouth slightly.
• A single vomiting episode: Some cats vomit after eating plant material, even from non-toxic plants.
• Temporary appetite change: Your cat may ignore food briefly if their stomach feels unsettled.
• No symptoms at all: Many cats chew a small piece and act completely normal.

If you need a broader reference for dangerous and safer plants, the ASPCA also keeps a searchable toxic and non-toxic plants database.

Why Cats Chew Prayer Plants

Cats chew houseplants for several reasons, and it is not always because they like the taste. Prayer plants have soft, patterned leaves that can move noticeably from day to night, which may make them more interesting to a curious cat.

Common reasons cats chew prayer plants include:

• Curiosity: Soft, moving leaves are interesting to investigate.
• Boredom: Indoor cats may mouth plants when they need more stimulation.
• Texture: Some cats like the feel of soft leaves between their teeth.
• Plant-seeking behavior: Some cats chew grass or plant material occasionally.

If your cat keeps targeting the same plant, assume the setup is too tempting. The better fix is usually placement and redirection, not punishment.

How to Keep Cats Away From Prayer Plants

Even though prayer plants are cat-safe, most owners still want to prevent chewing. It protects the plant, reduces the chance of stomach upset, and keeps your cat from forming a plant-chewing habit.

The most reliable solutions are physical barriers and better alternatives.

• Use a hanging planter: This is often the best option if your cat cannot reach it.
• Move the plant to a high shelf: This works best for cats that are not strong climbers.
• Offer cat grass: Give your cat a safer plant to chew instead.
• Keep leaves out of reach: Trailing or low leaves are easier for cats to grab.
• Add enrichment: More play, scratching posts, and climbing spaces can reduce plant chewing from boredom.

Be careful with deterrent sprays. Only use products that are safe for both pets and plants, and avoid spraying anything directly on leaves unless you know it will not damage the plant.

Are Prayer Plants Toxic to Dogs?

No. Prayer plants are also listed as non-toxic to dogs by the ASPCA. If a dog chews a small amount, poisoning would not be expected from Maranta leuconeura.

As with cats, eating leaves can still cause mild stomach upset in some pets. If your dog eats a large amount or shows repeated vomiting, lethargy, or unusual behavior, call your veterinarian.

Other Cat-Safe Houseplants to Consider

If you want more pet-friendly houseplants, start with plants listed as non-toxic by reputable pet-safety sources. Always check the exact plant name before buying, because common names can be confusing.

Houseplants to Be More Careful With Around Cats

Prayer plants are a safer choice, but not all popular houseplants are cat-safe. If you share your home with cats, be especially careful with plants that are known to be toxic or irritating.

• Lilies: Especially dangerous to cats and should be avoided in cat homes.
• Pothos: Can irritate the mouth and digestive tract.
• Peace lily: Not a true lily, but still irritating if chewed.
• Snake plant: Can cause digestive symptoms if eaten.

For an additional pet-safety reference, Cats Protection provides guidance on cat-safe and unsafe plants here: Cats Protection guide to dangerous plants.