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Is Calathea Toxic to Cats?

✅ Non-Toxic
✅ Cross-checked against veterinary poison-control guidance · Oct 2026 audit
⚠️ Educational info only. If your pet just chewed something and looks unwell, skip the reading and call your vet or Pet Poison Helpline (US): (855) 764-7661.
No, calatheas are non-toxic to cats. Every variety — rattlesnake plant, peacock plant, zebra plant, orbifolia — is safe for a cat household.

Also known as: Prayer Plant Look-alike, Peacock Plant, Rattlesnake Plant, Goeppertia spp. · Calathea spp. (Goeppertia)

What to do if your cat eats it

No action needed. Calatheas are tender, so a chewer may ruin the leaves — place the plant where the cat cannot reach if you care about its looks, not its safety.

Common questions

Is calathea the same as a prayer plant?

They are related look-alikes from different genera. Calathea (Goeppertia) and true prayer plants (Maranta) are both non-toxic, so you do not need to tell them apart for safety.

Why does my cat vomit after chewing the calathea?

Large mouthfuls of any leaf can trigger simple mechanical vomiting from undigested fiber. That is not poisoning. If the cat vomits repeatedly or seems unwell, look for another cause and call your vet.

More plants checked for cats

Pothos☠️ ToxicYes, pothos is toxic to cats. Chewing the leaves or vines releases sharp calcium oxalate crystalAloe Vera⚠️ Mildly ToxicAloe vera is mildly to moderately toxic to cats. The gel is famously soothing for human skin, buSpider Plant✅ Non-ToxicNo, spider plants are non-toxic to cats. They are one of the best houseplants for homes with curEaster Lily☠️ ToxicYes — and this is one of the most dangerous plants a cat can meet. Every part of an Easter lily,Sago Palm☠️ ToxicYes — sago palm is severely toxic to cats and among the deadliest houseplants. Every part contaiBoston Fern✅ Non-ToxicNo, Boston ferns are non-toxic to cats — a classic choice for plant-loving cat households.

This page is general educational information, not a substitute for professional veterinary advice. Every pet is different — if your animal ate something concerning, contact your veterinarian or a pet poison hotline right away. Checking what your pet can eat? Visit our sister site SafeOrToxic.