Cat Friendly Plants - Top 27 Nontoxic Varieties that are Easy to Care For!

Updated: March 29, 2024

Cat Friendly Plants - Top 27 Nontoxic Varieties that are Easy to Care For!

There are two things that people can be passionate about: pets and plants. However, not all plants are suitable for your pets. If you share your home with cats and plants, then it's important to choose only low-maintenance indoor plants that are non-toxic to cats.  

Happy Cats = Happy Home: Creating a Safe Environment for Your Feline Friends 

Cats are notorious for getting into houseplants, whether they like swatting at hanging foliage or nibbling on the leaves. Having cat-safe plants in your home ensures their well-being and prevents potential health issues.  

Non-toxic houseplants are beneficial, but it's equally important to keep toxic cleaning supplies out of reach and hide objects like paper clips, twist ties, and plastic bags that could accidentally harm your cat. Plus, provide them with plenty of food and water. This creates a safe environment for both plants and pets. 

Approved by ASPCA, below is a detailed list of houseplants safe for cats (with pictures) to make it easy for you to find the best low-maintenance cat friendly plants for your home.  

Our Top 27 Favorite Cat-Safe Houseplants

All our plants listed here are not only cat-friendly but also incredibly hard to kill. They have low watering needs and can tolerate dry conditions, so even if you forget to water them for months or even longer, they'll still thrive. These resilient cat friendly plants are perfect for busy owners or those who may not have a green thumb.

1

Zebra Plant (Haworthia fasciata)

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keypoints:

  • Toxicity: Friendly to cats, Friendly to Dogs
  • Water: Low
  • Mature Size:8 in. tall
  • Light: Full sun, partial shade

The Zebra Plant, are fantastic houseplants that are non-toxic to cats and dogs. With its striking appearance, it features thick, dark green leaves adorned with white horizontal stripes, resembling zebra patterns. This plant is relatively small in size, making it perfect for indoor spaces like shelves or desks. The Zebra Plant adds a touch of elegance and uniqueness to any room, making it a great choice for plant enthusiasts and pet owners alike. Learn more...

2

Air Plants (Tillandsia varieties)

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keypoints:

  • Toxicity: Friendly to cats, Friendly to Dogs
  • Water: Low
  • Mature Size:7 ft. tall, 4 ft. wide
  • Light: Full sun, partial shade

The Air plants are wonderful indoor plants that are safe for cats and dogs. These unique pet friendly indoor plants don't require soil to grow, making them a versatile and low-maintenance choice for any home. Air plants come in various shapes and sizes, with beautiful foliage ranging from vibrant green to silvery-gray. They absorb moisture and nutrients from the air, so they can be displayed in creative ways like hanging in glass terrariums or mounted on driftwood. Just mist them with water a few times a week, and they'll thrive in bright light. Learn more...

3

Wax Plant (Hoya carnosa Tricolor)

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keypoints:

  • Toxicity: Friendly to cats, Friendly to Dogs
  • Water: Low
  • Mature Size:12-20 ft. tall
  • Light: Full sun, partial shade

The Wax Plant is a beautiful plant features variegated leaves in shades of green, pink, and white, adding a pop of color to any space. It's a vine-like plant that can be trained to climb or allowed to trail down from a hanging basket. It also produces lovely clusters of fragrant, star-shaped flowers that can bloom in the right conditions. With its pet-friendly nature and stunning foliage, the Hoya Carnosa Tricolor is an excellent choice for plant enthusiasts and pet owners alike. Learn more... 

4

Variegated String of Hearts (Ceropegia Woodii Variegata)

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keypoints:

  • Toxicity: Friendly to cats, Friendly to Dogs
  • Water: Low
  • Mature Size:12 ft. long
  • Light: Full sun, partial shade

The Variegated String of Hearts is another easy to care for charming houseplant features cascading vines adorned with small, heart-shaped leaves that have a beautiful variegation of green and white. It adds a touch of whimsy and elegance to any indoor space. It's a trailing plant that looks stunning when displayed in hanging baskets or placed on shelves. With its pet-friendly nature and unique foliage, the Variegated String of Hearts is a perfect choice for plant enthusiasts and pet owners seeking a lovely addition to their home. Learn more...

5

Christmas Cactus (Schlumbergera bridgesii)

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keypoints:

  • Toxicity: Friendly to cats, Friendly to Dogs
  • Water: Low
  • Mature Size:12 in. long, 24 in. wide
  • Light: Full sun, partial shade

The Christmas Cacti are also popular low-maintenance indoor plants that are safe for cats and dogs. This stunning plant blooms with vibrant and colorful flowers during the holiday season, adding a festive touch to your home. The Christmas Cactus is a low-maintenance plant that thrives in bright, indirect light and requires regular watering. It's a great choice for those looking to bring some holiday cheer indoors. Learn more...

6

Parlor Palm (Chamaedorea elegans)

keypoints:

  • Toxicity: Friendly to cats, Friendly to Dogs
  • Water: Low
  • Mature Size:6 ft. tall (as houseplant), 16 ft. tall (in wild)
  • Light: Full sun, partial shade

The Parlor Palm is a good choice because it is a pet-safe plant and low-maintenance since it doesn't need much light or water to survive, making it ideal for low-light rooms and forgetful waterers. You don't have to think about putting it in place inside your house that has direct sunlight.

7

Spider Plant (Chlorophytum comosum)

keypoints:

  • Toxicity: Friendly to cats, Friendly to Dogs
  • Water: Low
  • Mature Size: 2 ft. long
  • Light: Partial shade 

Spider plants are very popular and non toxic houseplants for cats and dogs, which is also known to help purify indoor air. Spider plants are fast-growing plants that can quickly fill up a bare spot in your home, and they can survive in different light conditions. It is easy to propagate by rooting the offshoots in water. 

8

Sweat Heart Hoya (Hoya kerrii)

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keypoints:

  • Toxicity: Friendly to cats, Friendly to Dogs
  • Water: Low
  • Mature Size:13 ft. long
  • Light: Full sun, partial shade

The Sweetheart Hoya or valentines Hoya plants are low-maintenance house plants features heart-shaped leaves that make them a perfect symbol of love and affection. With its pet-friendly qualities and charming heart-shaped leaves, the Sweetheart Hoya is an ideal choice for plant enthusiasts and pet owners looking to add a touch of love to their home. Learn more...

9

Donkey Tail Plant (Sedum morganianum)

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keypoints:

  • Toxicity: Friendly to cats, Friendly to Dogs
  • Water: Low
  • Mature Size:4 ft. long
  • Light: Full sun, partial shade

The Donkey Tail plant is a fantastic non-toxic indoor plant that features long, trailing stems adorned with plump, succulent leaves that resemble the tail of a donkey. The Donkey Tail plant is known for its pet-friendly nature, allowing you to enjoy its beauty without worrying about your furry friends. It's also a low-maintenance plant, making it perfect for those who want a stunning houseplant without much effort. Learn more...

10

Ponytail Palm (Beaucarnea Recurvata)

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keypoints:

  • Toxicity: Friendly to cats, Friendly to Dogs
  • Water: Low
  • Mature Size:11 in. tall, 6 in. wide
  • Light: Full sun, partial shade

The Ponytail Palm is also a low-maintenance large houseplant that is safe for cats and will totally rock your space. It's completely pet-friendly, so you don't have to worry about your furry friend around it. With its unique and eye-catching appearance, featuring a thick, bulbous trunk and long, cascading fronds, it adds a touch of tropical charm to any room.  The Ponytail Palm is a low-maintenance plant, making it perfect for busy plant lovers. Learn more...

11

Watermelon Peperomia (Pilea argyreia)

keypoints:

  • Toxicity: Friendly to cats, Friendly to Dogs
  • Water: Low
  • Mature Size:12 in. tall, 8 in. wide
  • Light: Partial shade

The Watermelon Peperomia is an easy houseplant as well as safe for cats and dogs. Its leaves have a striking resemblance to watermelon rinds, with vibrant green color and unique silver stripes. The Watermelon Peperomia is also a low-maintenance plant, making it perfect for busy plant lovers. It thrives in lower-light conditions and only needs regular watering when the top inch of soil feels dry. 

12

American Rubber Plant (Peperomia obtusifolia)

keypoints:

  • Toxicity: Friendly to cats, Friendly to Dogs
  • Water: Low
  • Mature Size:Up to 12 in. tall
  • Light: Partial shade

The American rubber plant is non-toxic to felines and can remove toxins from the air. Choose the American version instead of the Indian Rubber Plant. To thrive, your baby rubber plant, needs indirect sunlight and under-watering, as these baby plants don't like standing water. Wait until the first few inches of topsoil dry before watering.

13

Echeveria (Echeveria spp.)

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keypoints:

  • Toxicity: Friendly to cats, Friendly to Dogs
  • Water: Low
  • Mature Size: 8 in. tall, 1 ft. wide
  • Light: Full sun, partial shade

The echeveria plants are non-toxic, low-maintenance indoor houseplants suitable for cats or dogs, grows plump rosettes with colors ranging from greenish-silver to blue-green or lilac-hued. To maintain its health, place it in a sunny location with 4 to 6 hours of sun daily, and water this drought-tolerant every 1 to 2 weeks when the soil is completely dry. Overwatering can cause the plant to suffer, while prolonged drought can also hinder growth. Learn more...

14

Ox Tongue Plants (Gasteria spp.)

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keypoints:

  • Toxicity: Friendly to cats, Friendly to Dogs
  • Water: Low
  • Mature Size: 24 in. tall, 12 in. wide
  • Light: Full sun, partial shade

The Gasteria, a pet-safe plant from South Africa, has distinct flat leaves and spiky, textural leaves patterned in white and green. It grows best in bright, indirect light and produces pinkish-green flowers, which bloom from winter to spring. Properly maintained, gasteria produces stomach-shaped flowers, derived from the Latin word "stomach." Learn more...

15

Variegated Ghost Plant (Graptopetalum Paraguayense Variegata)

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keypoints:

  • Toxicity: Friendly to cats, Friendly to Dogs
  • Water: Low
  • Mature Size: Up to 12 in. long, 6 in. wide
  • Light: Full sun, partial shade

The ghost plant is a showstopper with its stunning variegated leaves that feature a mix of green and creamy white colors. Not only is it visually appealing, but this low light houseplant is safe for cats. So you can enjoy its beauty without worrying about your furry friend. It's like having a piece of living art in your space. And the best part is that it's a low-maintenance houseplant, perfect for those who may not have a green thumb or are always on the go. Learn more...

16

Money Tree (Pachira aquatica)

keypoints:

  • Toxicity: Friendly to cats, Friendly to Dogs
  • Water: Low
  • Mature Size: 8–60 ft. tall
  • Light: Partial shade 

The Money tree is another low-maintenance houseplant safe for cats and dogs. The money tree is believed to bring good luck and fortune to its owners, making it the perfect housewarming gift. These pet-friendly plants, resembling miniature trees, grow quickly with shiny leaves and braided trunks. Native to Southeast Asia, this houseplant is ideal for a plant stand or shelf in a bedroom with limited natural light due to its need for partial shade.

17

Aeonium haworthii 'Kiwi'

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keypoints:

  • Toxicity: Friendly to cats, Friendly to Dogs
  • Water: Low
  • Mature Size: 3 ft. tall
  • Light: Full sun, partial shade

The Aeonium Kiwi is not only among easy-care plants, but it's also cat safe indoor plant. You don't need to worry about your furry friend around this pet-friendly plant. The Aeonium Kiwi is known for its vibrant colors, with rosettes of green and pinkish edges. It's a low-maintenance houseplant, making it perfect for any reader or buyer looking for an easy-to-care-for plant. Learn more...

18

Lithops (Living Stones)

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keypoints:

  • Toxicity: Friendly to cats, Friendly to Dogs
  • Water: Low
  • Mature Size: 4 in. tall, 6 in. wide
  • Light: Full sun, partial shade

The Lithops living stones are also safe for cats and dogs. The Lithops varieties come in a wide range of colors and patterns, resembling little stones. They are low-maintenance and make great houseplants for pet lovers, looking for an easy-to-care-for plant. With their pet-friendly nature, you can rock your space with these captivating plants while keeping your cat safe and happy. Learn more...

19

Rainbow Bush (Portulacaria afra variegata)

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keypoints:

  • Toxicity: Friendly to cats, Friendly to Dogs
  • Water: Low
  • Mature Size: 10 ft. long
  • Light: Full sun, partial shade

The Rainbow Bush, which is among the easiest plants to take care of, will definitely rock your space with its vibrant colors and unique variegated leaves. It's safe for cats. You can have peace of mind knowing that your furry friend can enjoy the plant's pet-friendly nature. The Rainbow Bush is often used for bonsai or maintained in a container, and this striking plant grows up to 10 ft. long. The Rainbow Bush is also a low-maintenance houseplant, making it a great choice for readers or buyers looking for an easy-to-care-for plant. Learn more...

 

20

Boston Fern (Nephrolepis exaltata)

keypoints:

  • Toxicity: Friendly to cats, Friendly to Dogs
  • Water: Low
  • Mature Size: 3 ft. wide
  • Light: Partial shade

The Boston ferns, also known as sword ferns, also low-maintenance houseplants with shaggy fronds that may attract cats and dogs. They have non-toxic foliage that shoots straight up from the center and arches as the frond grows longer. They prefer humidity and bright, indirect light, making them suitable for brightening guest rooms or bathrooms.

21

Cast iron plant (Aspidistra elatior)

keypoints:

  • Toxicity: Friendly to cats, Friendly to Dogs
  • Water: Low
  • Mature Size: 2 ft. tall
  • Light: Partial shade

The cast iron plant is an easy-care plant suitable for beginners, with big oval leaves that can tolerate shade and brighten indoor spaces. It's safe for cats and dogs, making it a great choice for pet owners. Its resilience and ability to thrive in low light conditions make it a great choice for indoor plants.

22

Chinese money plant (Pilea peperomioides)

keypoints:

  • Toxicity: Friendly to cats, Friendly to Dogs
  • Water: Low
  • Mature Size: 12 in. tall, 12 in. wide
  • Light: Partial shade

This vibrant green Chinese money plant is suitable for homes with cats or dogs, providing a safe option for bright, indirect light. It can survive moderate-to-low-light conditions. Watering is infrequent but deep, as the soil should dry out between sessions. The disc-like leaves of the plant indicate if watering has been neglected, as they will droop.

23

Hens and Chicks(Sempervivum tectorum)

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keypoints:

  • Toxicity: Friendly to cats, Friendly to Dogs
  • Water: Low
  • Mature Size: 36 in. tall, 12 in. wide
  • Light: Full sun, partial shade

The Hens and Chicks are not only stunning but also safe for cats, so you don't have to worry about your furry friend. The Sempervivum varieties, including the Sempervivum tectorum, are known for their unique rosette-shaped leaves. They will definitely rock your space with their charm and add a touch of natural beauty. Plus, they are low maintenance, making them a great choice for readers or buyers seeking an easy-to-care-for houseplant. Learn more...

24

Mosaic Plant (Fittonia albivenis)

keypoints:

  • Toxicity: Friendly to cats, Friendly to Dogs
  • Water: Low
  • Mature Size: 6 in. tall, 18 in. wide
  • Light: Full sun, partial shade

The Fittonia albivenis, also known as the nerve plant or mosaic plant, is a rainforest native with beautiful white or pink-veined leaves. It's non-toxic to cats and dogs and thrives in low light with moderate watering. However, it needs a very humid environment, making a bathroom a good indoor location.

25

Friendship Plant (Pilea involucrata)

keypoints:

  • Toxicity: Friendly to cats, Friendly to Dogs
  • Water: Low
  • Mature Size: 12 in. tall, 12 in. wide
  • Light: Partial sun

The friendship plant, which is a trailing plant with fragile stems that thrives in high humidity, is ideal for terrariums. It's a pet-friendly plant with a unique appearance and low maintenance requirements, making it a great choice for adding greenery to any room. However, it's important to keep it out of direct sunlight to prevent leaf burn.

26

Prayer Plant (Maranta leuconeura)

keypoints:

  • Toxicity: Friendly to cats, Friendly to Dogs
  • Water: Low
  • Mature Size: 15 in. tall, 15 in. wide
  • Light: Partial sun, partial shade

The prayer plant folds its leaves each evening, resembling hands folded in prayer. It's non-toxic for pets and popular for houseplants due to its tropical foliage. It adapts well to bright, indirect light and moderate-to-low light conditions. However, it doesn't tolerate dry conditions, so watering it when the top layer of soil is dry is crucial to prevent problems. The plant prefers bright, indirect light.

27

Areca Palm (Dypsis lutescens)

keypoints:

  • Toxicity: Friendly to cats, Friendly to Dogs
  • Water: Low
  • Mature Size: 8 ft. tall
  • Light: Full sun, partial sun

The Dypsis lutescens, also known as the butterfly palm, is a tropical indoor plant that is safe for cats and dogs. It requires bright light and should be placed in a south- or west-facing window. A well-draining pot is essential, and the soil should dry out between waterings. The areca palm is sensitive to fluoride in water, so it should be watered with distilled water or collected rainwater.

These cat-friendly indoor plants are not only beautiful but also safe for your furry cats. Now, let's move on to learning how to care for these cat friendly plants and provide them with a proper environment for optimal growth. By following these care instructions, you'll be able to create a pet-friendly indoor garden that will bring joy and beauty to your home.

Essential Tips for Caring for Houseplants with Feline Friends

If you have pets and want to plant care at home, here are a few pointers to help you create a safe environment for your cats.

Non-Toxic Plants: Our top 27 options have been carefully selected for their quality and safety, ensuring a happy and healthy experience for your kitty. It is therefore best to select houseplants that are both low-maintenance and cat-friendly.

Remove dead leaves or flowers: It's important to regularly remove any dead leaves or flowers from your plants. Not only does this help keep your plants looking tidy, but it also reduces the risk of your pets accidentally ingesting any potentially harmful plant parts.


Give Your Indoor Plants Enough Sunlight: Indoor plants need 12-16 hours of light daily, so place them in a well-lit room with indirect sunlight. If natural light is limited, use grow light. Rotate the plant occasionally to promote even growth and prevent leaning towards the light source.

Avoid stagnant water: When watering your pet-friendly houseplants, be mindful of any excess water that may accumulate in the pots. Stagnant water or excess moist soil can become a breeding ground for bacteria and pose a risk to both your plants and pets. Make sure to empty any excess water from the saucers or trays to prevent puddles.

Keep fertilizers and chemicals away: It's best to avoid using fertilizers or chemicals near your pets.

These substances can be harmful if ingested or if they come into contact with your pets' skin.

Opt for pet-friendly alternatives or natural fertilizers to ensure the well-being of your furry friends.

Try and Avoid Plants That Die if you Forget to water them for a week 

We carefully selected all the plants above because they are easy to care for and you can easily forget to water any of them for a week or two and they will still be fine.

The succulent varieties available on our page are even more resilient and can go a month or more without water. These cat friendly plants have thick, fleshy leaves and stems that store water, allowing them to survive in dry environments. 

Creative Display Ideas: Integrating Cat-Safe Houseplants into Your Home

Integrating pet-safe houseplants into your home can be a fun and creative way to enhance your space. Here are a few display ideas to get you started:

Vertical Gardens: You can create a stunning living wall by hanging cat-safe plants like the Ponytail Palm or the Boston Fern in different-sized pots. These plants are not only safe for your furry friend but also add a touch of lush greenery to your space.

Window Shelves: Install shelves near your cat's favorite window and place cat-safe plants like the Sweat Heart Hoya or the Parlor Palm on them. These plants thrive in bright, indirect light and will provide a lovely view for both you and your feline friend.

Hanging Baskets: Hang decorative baskets from the ceiling or hooks and fill them with cat-safe plants such as the Variegated String of Hearts or Christmas cactus. These plants will dangle gracefully and add a playful touch to your home while keeping them out of your cat's reach.

Terrariums: Create enchanting mini ecosystems in glass containers or terrariums with cat-safe plants like the Peperomia. These compact plants thrive in terrarium environments and will bring a touch of natural beauty to any tabletop or shelf.

Remember, it's important to research each plant's specific care requirements and ensure they are safe for your cat. With these creative display ideas, you can have a beautiful and cat-friendly indoor garden.

Where Can You Buy Pet-Friendly Plants?

When it comes to buying pet friendly houseplants, unless you have a local nursery that specializes in cactus and succulents; then you may have a hard time finding pet safe houseplants near you. Planet Desert is your easiest and best option if you're looking to buy affordable houseplants online and have them conveniently shipped right to your door! 

Here at Planet Desert, we have a large selection of cat-friendly indoor houseplants in stock and we guarantee they will arrive happy and healthy.

Final Thoughts

Overall, all the above cat-safe houseplants are easy to care for. These plants not only add a touch of greenery to your home but also provide a safe environment for your furry friend. Remember to consider your cat's behavior and choose plants that are non-toxic to them. With a little love and care, these indoor plants that are safe for cats will thrive in your home and bring joy to both you and your feline companion.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Is Aloe Vera OK for cats?

    No, Aloe Vera can be toxic to cats if ingested. It's best to keep Aloe vera plants out of your cat's reach to ensure their safety. There are plenty of other cat-safe houseplants to choose from.

  • Why are certain house plants toxic to cats but not to other animals?

    Yes, some succulents are toxic to cats, but above in our article, we have carefully selected 27 succulents that are safe for cats. However, certain house plants like Sago Palm and Lily plants can be toxic to cats but not to other animals due to the specific compounds and chemicals present in those plants. Cats are particularly sensitive to alkaloids and glycosides in common house plants, which can harm their digestive and nervous systems. Different animals have different metabolic processes, so research is crucial to ensuring plant safety around cats.  

  • Are succulents poisonous for cats?

    Yes and No, many varieties are succulents are safe for cats, but some can be toxic to cats if ingested. It's important to be cautious when choosing succulents for your home if you have curious feline friends. Some common toxic plants include Euphorbia species (such as Euphorbia tirucalli), Snake plants, Kalanchoe species, and certain types of Jade plants (Crassula species). It's always a good idea to research the specific succulent you're interested in and consult with a veterinarian to ensure the safety of your cats.

  • What to do if you suspect your cat consumed something toxic?
    1. Stay calm: It's important to remain calm and focused during this situation.
    2. Remove the source: If you can identify the toxic substance, try to remove it from your cat's reach to prevent further ingestion.
    3. Contact a veterinarian: Call your veterinarian immediately and explain the situation. They will be able to provide guidance based on the specific toxin and your cat's symptoms.
    4. Watch for symptoms: Keep a close eye on your cat for any signs of distress, such as vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy, or difficulty breathing. Take note of any changes in behavior or appearance.
    5. Follow veterinarian's advice: Your veterinarian may instruct you to induce vomiting or provide other first aid measures. Follow their instructions carefully.
    6. Remember, it's always better to be safe than sorry when it comes to your cat's health. If you suspect toxicity, don't hesitate to seek professional help.

3 comments


  • S

    I agree with the above comment. Many are toxic to pets.


  • Jack

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  • Vanessa

    I don’t know where you got your information from but nearly all of these plants are TOXIC to pets!

    Plants listed that are TOXIC TO PETS:
    snake plant
    Warneck dracaena
    Weeping fig tree
    Rubber tree
    Fiddle leaf fig
    Peace lily
    Philodendron
    Pothos
    Sansevieria


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