Are Zebra Plants (Haworthia) Toxic to Cats? Vet-Approved Safety Tips

By Brooke Billingsley · Reviewed & fact-checked by Dr. Lorna WhittemoreVet Approved

Reviewed & Fact-Checked byDr. Lorna WhittemoreVeterinarianLorna is a Scottish vet who has lived, studied, and worked on three continents and has a love of travel. With 20 years of experience in small animal medicine andsurgery, both in the charity and private sector. Gaining a further qualification in feline medicine has given her a continued sense of amazement at the fabulous animals. Currently living in Cape Town, South Africa, with her family and expanding number of pets allows her to spend time in and around nature where she is at her happiest. With a love for learning, Lorna is enjoying researching, editing, and fact-checking for Hepper veterinary editorial team and truly feels that she has the best job in the world!View authorThe information is current and up-to-date in accordance with the latest veterinarian research. Read about our vetsUpdated on December 23, 2025

Zebra plants are popular houseplants due to their manageable size and easy care and maintenance. Just like with any houseplant in a home with cats, though, it’s extremely important to know if zebra plants are safe to have around your feline companions. Some houseplants can be deadly for cats, so it’s imperative for you to know if plants in your home are safe for your feline friends.

Even safe plants may need to be protected from curious kitties who may chew on leaves, sit in pots, and knock pots off shelves. As a general answer, zebra plants are perfectly safe in your cat Let’s talk about the safety of keeping zebra plants in your cat-friendly home.

Are Zebra Plants Toxic to Cats?

Although they may look surprisingly similar to the toxic aloe vera plant, zebra plants are perfectly safe in your cat-friendly home. Zebra plants belong to the Aloaceae family, which can create a lot of confusion with aloe vera. However, aloe vera actually belongs to the Liliaceae family.

Even though zebra plants are considered non-toxic to cats, you should always keep in mind that any plant consumption can lead to nausea and vomiting, with diarrhea or constipation also being possible. This is especially true if your cat regularly snacks on houseplants. Any item, whether food or not, can lead to stomach upset in large enough quantities. Always aim to keep houseplants out of reach of your cats, especially if you have a cat or multiple cats who are known to snack on plants.

Protecting Your Zebra Plant From Your Cats

Keeping your houseplants out of reach of your cats isn’t only for the sake of your cats, but it can also help protect your plants from rough or curious kitties. Cats are generally not known for their gentle nature with plants, and enough damage to your plant can lead to its untimely demise.

The simplest way to keep your zebra plant and cats separated is by keeping your plant out of reach of your cats. This can be done by keeping your plant on a shelf that is out of reach of your cat, although many cats are quite acrobatic and may be so committed to getting to the plant that they may find a way. Another option is to keep the plant in a room that your cats don’t always have access to, like a bathroom or office. This allows you to keep an eye on your cats whenever they are in the same area as the plant.

black cat sitting behind the plant — Image Credit: ManWithoutFace, Pixabay

You can also consider trying options like bitter spray on the plant’s leaves to discourage your cats from chewing on the leaves. If your cats are insistent on digging in the pot or sitting on the plant, you can try adding mesh screening to the pot or aluminum foil around it, as they don’t like to walk on these textures.

Final Thoughts

A zebra plant is a fantastic option for a small succulent in a cat-friendly home. These plants are non-toxic to cats and easy to care for. Always remember that you shouldn’t allow your cat to freely snack on houseplants, even non-toxic plants. This can lead to stomach upset for your cat and is certainly damaging to your plants. Set your cat up to succeed by keeping your zebra plant out of reach, and when that isn’t possible, create an environment that discourages your cat from bothering and damaging your plant.

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Featured Image Credit: Hasogr, Pixabay