While zebra plant is common for Aphelandra squarrosa, it is also used to refer to name three plant species, i.e., Calathea zebrina, Haworthiopsis attenuata, and Haworthiopsis fasciata. We will tell you if these zebra plants are safe for cats.
Aphelandra squarrosa
Native to Brazil’s Atlantic Forest vegetation, Aphelandra squarrosa is a popular houseplant that belongs to the family Acanthaceae, thanks to its dark leaves with white stripes along their veins and colorful flowers.
Aphelandra squarrosa, also known as the zebra plant, is non-toxic to cats, dogs, and horses, making it a beautiful houseplant.
Calathea zebrina
Belonging to the family Marantaceae, Calathea zebrina, also known as zebra plant or Goeppertia zebrina, is non-toxic to cats, horses, and even dogs, just like the rest of the calatheas, including peacock plant, rattlesnake, C. ornata, C. rufibarba, C medallion, and C. orbifolia.
Calathea Zebrina is native to southern Brazil and has gained the Royal Horticultural Society’s Award of Garden Merit. However, this beautiful houseplant needs a little bit of much care.
You will love its lovely leaves, red on the underside and dark green with lime green veins, spines, and margins.
Haworthiopsis attenuata
Also known as zebra haworthia, Haworthiopsis attenuata (formerly known as Haworthia attenuata) is safe for cats, dogs, and even horses. It belongs to the family Asphodelaceae and not Liliaceae, as you may find in some texts.
This succulent plant native to South Africa (Eastern Cape Province) resembles aloe vera. It has white bumps-like steaks on the outside of its leaves, making it look zebra-like and hence the name, with some varieties having dark red leaves and others being short.
Haworthiopsis fasciata
Haworthiopsis fasciata, (formerly Haworthia fasciata) is another plant species known as the zebra plant that is safe for cats, dogs, and horses. This succulent shares the same genus name with Zebra haworthia and has some close resemblance.
Haworthiopsis fasciata are lovely succulents that want the same care as echeveria or aloe vera, including indirect bright light, well-drained soils, and you avoid overwatering them. Water them once the soil is dry.
As cold-hardy plants, they can withstand temperatures that are as low as 50°, with the ideal being 60° to 85° degrees Fahrenheit.
Zebra plants and cats
From the above discussion, we can assure you that all zebra plants are cat-safe or cat-friendly, making them a fantastic houseplant choice. It doesn’t matter which specific species the name refers to, as they are all safe.