what houseplant do I want?

[Jax]

As above really, Id like something for the bottom of the stairs, Id like something that grows upright and not too bushy and something of a fairly compact nature. Id love a bamboo plant but not sure how well that would do inside and in a pot.

[Jeanied]

I think you need something that is safe when little kitty chews it. Here is a link to the toxic ones
CatStuff: Plants Toxic to Cats

[Jax]

hmmm thats a long list, thanks for the info

[Jeanied]

Here's a list of the safe ones!
CatStuff: Plants that are Okay for Cats

[Two_Sheds]

how much natural light will the plant get?

[Jax]

TS, it will get lots of light as its next to the living room window

[Jax]

Thanks jeanied, Im working my way through the list to work out what they look like lol. Not very good with names

[Jeanied]

There is an indoor bamboo that's safe - and aspidistra is ok too.
Bamboo House Plant - A Guide to Growing Bamboo Indoors

[di]

My word I can't believe how long that list of 'toxic to cats' is!
Although Mother in Laws Tongue is on the list we had one when we had a cat and he never nibbled on it...would it really chew on a houseplant?Maybe I was just lucky but neither cat I've had have ever nibbled my houseplants.
I have a Mother inlaws Tongue on the stairs...as it just grows upright it doesn't get in the way or knocked.

[Jax]

I dont know if she will chew on it but shes a kitten and you never know. Id rather not risk it, better safe than sorry.

[Two_Sheds]

My parrot takes a bite out of any houseplant she can reach (as did my young nephew, who chewed up a swiss cheese leaf once). She's still here.

Lots of things are poisonous, to pets and children and us, you just need to apply some common sense. You probably shouldn't have lilies around the cats though.

[coreopsis]

Jax,have a look at umbrella grass.Grows quickly(only upright),needs plenty of light and water.Decorative too,cats were fine with the plant(plant was far worse with them).