Plants for the catio, with the evidence showing
Cats chew plants. The plant layer screens container plants against sourced toxicity information and is honest about gaps: a missing listing is not proof of safety.
Four statuses, never a blanket “safe”
- Known hazard — a reliable source lists the plant as toxic or clinically concerning for cats. Placing one is a blocker.
- No known issue found — not listed as a hazard in the sources reviewed. Not proof of safety.
- Conflicting evidence — sources disagree; shown with caution and the sources.
- Insufficient data — not recommended where cats can chew it.
Sources and review
Each status records its sources, the date reviewed and the confidence. Toxicity information starts from the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center’s plant lists, which the ASPCA itself says are not exhaustive. Browse the plant guide.
Fertilisers, pesticides, mulches and some containers are hazards too; they are covered in the planting guide.
In the beta
- Curated plant list with safety status and sources
- Planters as catio furniture
- Blocker for known-hazard plants inside the enclosure
Planned
- Regional climate fit and container sizing
- Care schedules and reminders
- A correction and review queue
Questions
My cat ate a plant. What should I do?
Contact your veterinarian or an animal poison control service straight away — for example the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at (888) 426-4435 in the US (a consultation fee may apply). Do not rely on a website, including this one.
Is a plant safe if it is not on a toxic list?
Not necessarily. Lists cover the plants that have been reported and reviewed. That is why OpenCatio3D says “no known issue found” rather than “safe”.
Related
Design your catio in your browser
Free to design and check. Fit a catio to your wall, window and yard, run the safety checks, and see the materials list before you buy a single board.