What Flowers are Safe for Cats | Complete Guide for Pet Owners

Flowers add to life, fragrance, and color to any house. A vase of roses on the table or freshly cut lilies on the counter feels to many of us like a warm welcome. But if you live with a cat, those lovely petals may sometimes be hazardous.

Cats are curious animals. They chew on leaves, swat at petals, and even take sips from the vases with water. Some flowers are safe, but others trigger a minor upset stomach or even a deadly poisoning.

Did you know that individual plants and flowers can be dangerous for your cat? If you’re thinking of adding some foliage to your home decor, it’s important to pick cat-friendly plants and flowers if you share your house with a feline.

So, the big question is, what flowers are safe for cats? In this blog post, we’ll walk through safe flowers, flowers, and toxic plants. How to keep your furry friend safe while still enjoying the beauty of nature indoors.

Why Some Flowers are Bad Around Your Cat

Not all flowers are equal when it comes to cat safety. They are involved due to plant toxins, which are naturally occurring chemicals that protect plants from insects and creatures.

Unfortunately, cats respond negatively even when receiving low levels. How cats get exposed:

• Nibbling on petals or leaves.
• Licking pollen from their fur.
• Consuming water from a vase containing poisonous flowers. 

Even if your cat doesn't like snacking on plants, that does not eliminate the possibility of a mishap with lily pollen or a nibble at the edge of a tulip leaf, which can result in vomiting, drooling, and even kidney failure. It is quite advisable to examine both safe and unsafe lists of flowers and then decorate.

What Flowers are Not Poisonous to Cats

You needn’t eliminate flowers. Many lovely choices won’t harm cats and will cheer up your home without concern. Here are some flowers that don't harm cats :

Roses

Roses classic and elegant blooms are, thankfully, not harmful to feline friends. Roses are safe for your cats. The petals and stems are non-toxic, but watch out for the thorns, which can cause scratches. They can be safely grown or displayed in homes and gardens.

Sunflowers

The common sunflowers are increasingly popular in flowers bouquets, perhaps because the sunflower heads are so large and the color so vibrant.  Bright and statuesque sunflowers aren’t harmful to cats. Rather than threatening the flower arrangements, they illuminate every bouquet.

Orchids 

Did you know that orchids can create a calming environment that is non-toxic to pets and safe to have in the home! Many people have orchids in their homes, and cat owners can rest assured that they are safe. Exotic yet safe, the orchid is an ideal indoor plants. They’re non-toxic to cats and dogs.

Zinnias

Zinnias are sun-loving flowers with beautiful hues of purple, pink, red, yellow, and other varieties of colors. True to the meaning of friendship and goodness, Zinnias are brightly hued and simple to cultivate, and totally safe.

The cats will try to swat at their paws, but nothing bad happens. You don't have to worry because zinnias are non-toxic to animals.

Snapdrgone

Snapdragons are a perfect choice for pet owners, they are safe for pets and non-toxic to cats. With a wide range of colors, heights, and textures, safe for cats and dogs. Provide height and unusual shape to an arrangement.

Marigolds

Marigolds flower may be mild stomach disturbances on ingestion in large quantities, are safe for cats.

African Violets

African Violet  low, compact plants produce thick, dark leaves and gorgeous violet blooms that are safe for pets. A beloved houseplant, non-toxic to cats. They thrive indoors and won’t harm curious paws.

Gerbera Daisies

Gerbera daisies are joyful, attention-grabbing and classic flowers which come in pretty hues of pink, red, white, and yellow.

As opposed to other species of daisies, gerberas are the best flowers to give to people who keep pets since the flowers are non-toxic to pets as well as dogs.

If you're interested to know what flowers cats can be safe around, the listings above are among the safest options that you can trust.

What Flowers Are Toxic to Cats? 

The safe list is comforting information, it can also be useful to know what is toxic. Many of the most popular flowers that occur in bouquets just happen to be the most poisonous to cats. 

• Lilies: Cats are sensitive to one of the most deadly plants. A small dose - licking pollen or swallowing water in a vase-will cause kidney failure. Lilies should never be kept in cat-houses.
• Tulips: Tulipes flower contain toxins which cause salivation, vomiting and diarrhea. The bulbs are extremely poisonous
• Daffodils: It may even lead to severe vomiting, stomach ache and heart disease.
• Chrysanthemums: Have pyrethrins, which can lead to drooling, vomiting and lack of coordination.
• Rhododend and Azalea: Even a small amount of grams will cause vomiting, drooling, and occasionally fatal cardiac disorders.
  

Whenever purchasing flowers in a cat household, be sure to avoid lilies, tulips, daffodils, chrysanthemums, and azaleas.

Houseplants That Are Toxic to Cats 

It isn’t just flower bouquets that are hazardous. A great percentage of ordinary household plants contain poisonous compounds harmful to cats, and cats being cats cannot resist climbing and checking everything out. Toxic houseplants to avoid:

• Peace Lily 
• Pothos 
• Philodendron species
• Aloe Vera
• Dieffenbachia 
• Jade Plant
• Snake Plant

Even though these plants are popular due to their beauty and minimal care needs, they are poisonous to cats if chewed.

What Flowers Can Be Safe for Cats and Dogs?

As a multiple-pet home, you will want flowers that are safe for cats and dogs. Luckily, there are many options:

• Snapdragons
• African Violets
• Marigolds
• Roses
• Orchids
• Sunflowers
• Gerbera Daisies

These are non-toxic across species and perfect selections for households that welcome pet animals.

How to Protect Your Cats Around Flowers & Plants

Be wary even when buying safe flowers, since you can still wear protection. A simple way to protect the home in the presence of cats and flowers: Place flower-vases/pots beyond reach of the cats, though cats are excellent climbers, this is not foolproof.

Put sprays that will deter pets on plants. Exclude poisonous plants altogether from the house. Keep an eye on your cat to note when he or she starts chewing or even licking plants. Think that your pet has been poisoned? Call your vet or an animal poison hotline.

Summary

If you’ve been wondering, what flowers are safe for cats? There are many lovely cat-friendly options. Roses, orchids, sunflowers, zinnias, and gerbera daisies are a few safe choices.

Keep in mind: lilies, tulips, daffodils, and azaleas are quite poisonous and should be kept off-limits. It is possible to transfer the natural beauty inside and avoid any cat harm by investing in the right flowers and plants.