Which flowers are safe for pets? This question should always be in the front of your mind whenever you’re buying flowers, either for yourself or for someone with pets.
We know how easy it is to forget about pet-friendly flowers when you’re caught up in the excitement of buying beautiful blooms, so here’s a guide to help you choose flowers that are not only beautiful but are safe for cats and dogs to be around.
Which flowers are safe for pets?
Not all flowers that are poisonous to dogs are poisonous to cats, and vice versa. But when it comes to non-poisonous flowers that both cats and dogs are safe to be around, these include roses, orchids, sunflowers, freesias, snapdragons, stocks, germini, waxflowers, statice, limonium, veronica, and lisianthus.
16 Flowers Safe for Dogs & Cats
| Roses | Petunias |
| Stocks | Sunflowers |
| Snapdragons | Zinnias |
| Orchids | Gerbera Daisies |
| Pittosporum | Statice |
| Marigolds | Freesias |
| Pansies | Lisianthus |
| Waxflowers | Phlox |
| Astilbe | Cornflowers |
| Greenbell | Veronica |
Which flowers are poisonous to dogs and cats?
Flowers that are poisonous to cats and dogs include alstroemeria, amaryllis, asparagus fern, azalea, calla lilies, carnations, chrysanthemums, clematis, daffodils, delphiniums, gypsophila, hyacinths, hydrangeas, iris, lilies, peonies and tulips.
We’ll have a look at a few of the more popular flowers in greater detail below and explain the adverse effects these flowers can have on cats and dogs.
Amaryllis
Amaryllis is a striking bloom that’s a popular gift at Christmas. They’re easy to grow and easy to look after but unfortunately, if you’re given one for a gift, you should pass it on if you’ve got pets (although, obviously not to anyone else with pets!)
Is Amaryllis safe for dogs?
No, amaryllis isn’t safe for dogs.
If your dog gets hold of an amaryllis, they may show the following symptoms: vomiting, diarrhoea, decreased appetite, abdominal pain, lethargy and tremors. You can blame a toxin known as lycorine for this reaction and it’s found in every part of an amaryllis, including the stem, leaves and petals.
Is Amaryllis safe for cats?
No, amaryllis isn’t safe for cats.
The effects of a cat eating an amaryllis is the same as it is for dogs.
Calla Lilies
Although not considered true lilies, calla lilies are an exotic-looking, classy and elegant bloom but if your cat or dog eats them, it could mean a trip to the vet.
Are calla lilies safe for dogs?
No, calla lilies aren’t safe for dogs.
If a dog eats a calla lily, the symptoms will depend on how much of it your dog has eaten, but look out for vomiting, swelling of the tongue, lips and mouth, difficulty breathing, difficulty swallowing, pawing at the face, pacing, foaming at the mouth, drooling and oral pain.
Are calla lilies safe for cats?
No, calla lilies aren’t safe for cats.
Although calla lilies aren’t lethal to cats, they can cause symptoms such as drooling or foaming at the mouth, pawing at the mouth and vomiting.
Carnations
Carnations are one of the world’s bestselling flowers and for good reason. They’re beautiful, durable and actually last longer once they’re cut.
Are carnations safe for dogs?
No, carnations aren’t safe for dogs.
Carnations may be popular with the human population but if a dog decides to have a carnation-based snack, this can cause skin irritation and diarrhoea.
Are carnations safe for cats?
No, carnations aren’t safe for cats.
Although carnations are only mildly toxic to cats, they’re still not nice for them and can cause adverse reactions such as vomiting and diarrhoea.
Daffodils
Everyone loves a daffodil. These bright blooms are a sign of spring and a welcome signal that warmer weather is on its way.
Are daffodils safe for dogs?
No, daffodils aren’t safe for dogs.
Daffodils are so poisonous to dogs, they can have a reaction to them purely from drinking the water out of a vase containing daffodils. A dog that’s eaten any part of a daffodil may end up vomiting, sleepy, wobbly and may even also have fits.
Are daffodils safe for cats?
No, daffodils aren’t safe for cats.
The whole of a daffodil can cause an adverse reaction in cats, from a mild bout of vomiting or diarrhoea to more serious reactions such as abnormal heart rhythms and difficulty breathing.
Hyacinths
These fragrant blooms originally came in shades of pale blue or violet, but are now available in a whole spectrum of colours including lilac, pink, white and cream.
Are hyacinths safe for dogs?
No, hyacinths aren’t safe for dogs.
All parts of a hyacinth is toxic for dogs and can cause vomiting, diarrhoea and drooling.
Are hyacinths safe for cats?
No, hyacinths aren’t safe for cats.
Cats who come into contact with hyacinths may suffer from skin irritation, itching or redness. That’s not all though because hyacinths are so toxic to cats, just inhalation of hyacinths can cause nasal irritation, breathing difficulties, wheezing and coughing. In more serious cases, the toxins in hyacinths can even cause kidney damage.
Lilies
Lilies are so beautiful it’s no wonder they’re one of the most popular choices of flower to have in your home, garden or as part of a bouquet.
Are lilies safe for dogs?
No, lilies aren’t safe for dogs.
Although most lilies aren’t lethal to dogs, if your dog eats any part of a lily, they’re likely to show signs of gastrointestinal upset such as vomiting, diarrhoea, and abdominal pain.
Are lilies safe for cats?
No, lilies aren’t safe for cats.
While most lilies aren’t lethal to dogs, the same certainly can’t be said for cats. If a cat even licks a lily or pollen that’s got onto its fur, it can cause fatal kidney damage. All parts of a lily are toxic to cats, including the leaves, flowers and pollen. If you suspect your cat has come into contact with a lily, make sure to speak to a vet immediately.
Tulips
Just like daffodils, everyone loves a tulip and its welcome signal of spring. The tulip’s elegant looks and vibrant colours make it a firm favourite for a bouquet.
Are tulips safe for dogs?
No, tulips aren’t safe for dogs.
If a dog eats a tulip, they may experience drooling, sickness and diarrhoea, and in rare cases, more serious symptoms such as heart problems and difficulty breathing may occur.
Are tulips safe for cats?
No, tulips aren’t safe for cats.
No matter which part or how much of a tulip a cat eats, they may experience vomiting, diarrhoea and depression. Large amounts of tulip eaten by a cat can even result in liver disease.
Pet-friendly flowers
As you can see, some of the most common and popular flowers are poisonous to cats and dogs, so make sure to check which flowers are safe for pets next time you buy your blooms.
You may think your cat or dog isn’t interested in eating flowers but it’s always better to be safe than sorry and we’re sure you don’t want any harm to come to your pets.
