Nipped in the bud - A guide to safe, seasonal blooms for pets
As the seasons change and spring gifts a burst of colour to our homes and gardens, a vase of fresh flowers can instantly brighten any room. However, for pet owners—especially those with curious cats—it’s important to make responsible, informed choices.
Spring has sprung! Mother’s Day and Easter are just around the corner. It’s one of the busiest times of year for giving and receiving beautiful spring bouquets but unfortunately, the dangers they pose to our pets are widely unknown.
Flowers and house plants can be dangerous, sometimes highly toxic to our furry friends. So, how can we fully enjoy the beauty of fresh blooms without compromising the health of our pets? The first step is to choose pet-friendly flowers. You’re in luck because I can help you with that. The second step is to display them responsibly. That’s up to you!
In my experience, mischievous felines are responsible for most floral disasters at home. My cats take an enthusiastic interest in flowers—an obsession that has drastically reduced my vase collection over the years!
Cats are inquisitive and agile. Inside our homes, they can reach places that dogs just can’t access. Their natural curiosity leads them to explore, when harmful plants can be ingested.
This seasonal guide focuses on cats, categorising common, cut flowers and the foliage we find in many bouquets. Read on to learn what you should keep out of harm’s way and confidently choose blooms that won’t harm your kitties. From safe, non-toxic options to those that require extra caution, I’ve also included photo galleries with each category to help identify what’s safe… and what’s not.
Safe flowers and foliage
While it's important to be mindful of the plants we bring into our homes, many flowers and shrubs are perfectly safe for pets. The following plants pose no significant toxic risk, meaning they won't cause harm if your curious feline decides to nibble or play with them. Just keep an eye on your vases!
However, even safe plants can lead to mild gastrointestinal issues such as upset stomach, vomiting, or diarrhoea if consumed in large quantities. So, if you’ve got a chewer, it's always a good idea to keep a close eye on your pet. Moderation is key but watch for symptoms such as vomiting or nausea, diarrhoea, decreased appetite, slight lethargy or discomfort.
If you notice any digestive upset or unusual behaviour, remove all access to the plant and monitor your pet’s health closely. If symptoms persist, a visit to the vet is recommended.
Safe flowers
Astilbe (False goatsbeard)
Non-toxic to cats. This ornamental plant is a beautiful addition to gardens and bouquets, offering feathery, plume-like flowers.
Camellia
Safe for cats. Camellias are elegant and known for their beautiful, delicate blooms. However, ingestion in large amounts might cause mild gastrointestinal upset, although they are non-toxic.
Celosia (Cockscomb)
Non-toxic to cats. These colourful flowers come in unique shapes, often resembling a rooster's comb, and are safe around pets.
Cymbidium orchid
Orchids are a fantastic choice for homes with cats, and Cymbidiums are no exception. Just ensure the cat doesn't chew on the flower stems.
Dendrobium orchid
These orchids are also safe for cats. They are beautiful and non-toxic, but like other plants, ingestion in large quantities could cause mild digestive upset.
Freesia
These are safe for cats. Known for their fragrant, colourful flowers, freesia plants are a wonderful addition to a pet-friendly bouquet or in the garden.
Gerbera
Gerbera daisies are non-toxic to cats and are known for their bright, cheery blooms.
Leucospermum (Pincushion protea)
Safe for cats. These flowers are unique and beautiful, often used in floral arrangements.
Lisianthus (Eustoma)
Non-toxic to cats. Known for their lovely rose-like appearance, Lisianthus flowers are safe around pets.
Limonium (Statice, Caspia, Sea lavender)
Safe for cats. These are beautiful flowers often used in dried arrangements and bouquets.
Bells of Ireland (Moluccella)
Non-toxic to cats. These striking green flowers add texture and visual interest and are safe for pets.
Muscari (Grape hyacinth)
Safe for cats. These small, vibrant flowers are typically safe, although ingestion in large amounts can cause minor gastrointestinal upset.
Oncidium orchid (Golden shower orchid)
Safe for cats. These orchids are a beautiful and pet-friendly option.
Phalaenopsis orchid (Moth orchid)
Non-toxic to cats. This is one of the most common and popular types of orchids, and it's safe for cats, though they may be tempted to bat at the flowers.
Rose
Roses are non-toxic to cats. However, be cautious of thorns, as they can cause injury, and some chemicals used for rose care may be harmful.
Snapdragon (Antirrhinum)
Non-toxic to cats. These bright, tubular flowers are beautiful additions to gardens and are safe for pets.
Stock (Matthiola)
Safe for cats. Known for their pleasant fragrance and colourful blooms, Stock plants are safe for pets.
Sunflower (Helianthus)
Safe for cats. These tall, cheerful flowers are non-toxic and pose no significant risk to cats.
Trachelium caeruleum (Throatwort)
Non-toxic to cats. This plant offers beautiful, star-shaped purple flowers and is safe around pets.
Vanda Orchid
Like other orchids, Vanda orchids are beautiful and non-toxic to cats.
Veronica (Speedwell)
Safe for cats. These plants produce spikes of blue or purple flowers and are safe for pets.
Waxflower (Chamelaucium uncinatum)
Non-toxic to cats. Known for its small, waxy flowers, it's safe for cats, though larger ingestion could cause mild discomfort.
Zinnia elegans
Non-toxic to cats. These colourful flowers are beautiful in gardens and bouquets, and safe for cats.
Safe foliage
Boston fern (Sword fern, Nephrolepis exaltata)
Non-toxic to cats. Ferns like the Boston fern are safe and commonly used as houseplant. Also frequently used in floral bouquets.
Olive (Olea europaea)
The olive tree and branches are safe for cats, but the pits can pose a choking hazard if ingested, and they might cause mild digestive upset if consumed.
Pittosporum
Safe for cats. Known for its fragrant flowers and shiny green leaves, Pittosporum is safe around pets.
Pussy willow (Salix caprea)
Non-toxic to cats. While cats might enjoy batting at the fluffy catkins, the plant poses no significant risk. However, the plant’s buds might cause some mild stomach upset if ingested in large quantities.
Rosemary
Safe for cats. This fragrant herb is safe for pets, though too much may cause mild gastrointestinal upset and animals with neurological disorders should be closely monitored.
Caution advised
These plants are not as hazardous as toxic plants. They can still cause discomfort or illness to your pet if consumed in larger amounts. The main risks typically involve mild to moderate gastrointestinal upset or skin irritation.
Watch for the symptoms such as vomiting or drooling, diarrhoea or gastrointestinal discomfort, contact skin irritation or redness, mild lethargy or loss of appetite.
While the risks are generally not life-threatening, some plants can still cause discomfort or serious health issues in your pet. Limit your cat's exposure to these plants to reduce the risk of ingestion. If your cat shows any signs of distress after interacting with these plants, remove the plant and observe for any further symptoms. Trust your gut and take your pet to the vet if you have any concerns. Taking swift action can make all the difference to your pet’s recovery.
Flowers requiring caution
Achillea (Yarrow, Milfoil, Carpenter’s weed)
A flowering plant used in gardens and bouquets, can cause gastrointestinal upset, liver damage, and neurological symptoms in cats if ingested.
Allium (Ornamental onion, Garlic, Lily leek)
While ornamental Allium flowers are less toxic than garlic and onions, ingestion of any part of these plants (especially bulbs) can cause severe gastrointestinal issues, lethargy, and anemia in cats.
Alstroemeria (Peruvian lily, Lily of Incas)
Known for its bright, colourful flowers, this plant is toxic to cats, causing gastrointestinal upset and mild symptoms such as drooling and vomiting.
Amaryllis (Hippeastrum)
This popular flowering bulb can cause vomiting, diarrhoea, and potentially life-threatening symptoms if ingested by cats. Keep out of reach.
Ammi (Queen Anne’s lace, Bullwort, common Bishop’s weed)
This plant can cause dermatitis (skin irritation) in cats if touched and may cause gastrointestinal upset if eaten.
Anemone (Windflower)
Some varieties can cause skin irritation and gastrointestinal symptoms in cats, such as drooling, vomiting, and diarrhoea.
Anthurium (Flamingo flower)
Known for its glossy, red, pink or white spathes, this plant is toxic to pets and can cause mouth irritation, drooling, vomiting, and difficulty swallowing.
Bird of Paradise (Strelitzia, Crane flower)
A beautiful tropical plant, but ingestion can cause mild gastrointestinal symptoms like vomiting and diarrhoea.
Broom (Cytisus)
Known for its yellow, pea-like flowers, Broom can cause digestive upset, lethargy, and even central nervous system issues in cats if consumed.
Bupleurum (Bupleurum rotundifolium, Griffithii, Hare’s ear)
A herbaceous plant that can cause gastrointestinal issues and liver toxicity in cats when ingested.
Calla lily (Zantedeschia, Trumpet lily, Arum)
A very popular ornamental plant, but it contains compounds that can cause significant irritation to the mouth, throat, and digestive system in cats.
Carnation (Dianthus, Clove pink)
Carnations can cause mild stomach upset in cats, leading to vomiting and diarrhoea if ingested in large amounts.
Cestrum (Solanales, Jessamine)
This flowering shrub is highly toxic to cats, causing vomiting, diarrhoea, lethargy, and, in severe cases, liver failure.
Clematis
While beautiful, Clematis is toxic to cats and can cause gastrointestinal symptoms, along with potential cardiac and neurological effects.
Craspedia (Billy buttons)
Known for its bright yellow, spherical flowers, it can cause minor gastrointestinal irritation in cats if consumed.
Daffodil (Narcissus)
Contains lycorine, a toxin that can cause vomiting, diarrhoea, and more severe symptoms like arrhythmias and convulsions in cats.
Dahlia
Dahlia flowers and tubers can cause mild gastrointestinal upset, including vomiting and diarrhoea, in cats.
Euphorbia (Spurge)
Euphorbia plants contain a milky sap that can cause severe irritation to the mouth, eyes, and skin, along with gastrointestinal distress if ingested.
Gladiolus
Gladiolus plants contain toxins that can cause vomiting, diarrhoea, and drooling in cats, especially if ingested in significant quantities.
Gloriosa (Glory lily, Flame lily)
This striking plant is highly toxic to cats, causing gastrointestinal symptoms, liver and kidney damage, and even death if ingested.
Goldenrod (Solidago)
Although not as toxic as some others, ingestion of Goldenrod can cause mild gastrointestinal upset and allergic reactions in cats.
Gypsophila (Baby’s breath)
While typically non-lethal, ingestion of this plant can cause minor gastrointestinal issues, including vomiting and diarrhoea in cats.
Heather (Calluna vulgaris)
Heather can cause vomiting, diarrhoea, and lethargy if ingested by cats, though it is less toxic than other plants in this list.
Hyacinth
Known for its fragrant flowers, hyacinths can cause vomiting, drooling, and gastrointestinal upset in cats if consumed.
Hydrangea
Contains cyanogenic glycosides, which can cause vomiting, diarrhoea, and lethargy if ingested by cats.
Iris (Flag, Snake lily)
Certain varieties of iris can cause vomiting, diarrhoea, and abdominal pain if ingested by cats.
Lavender (Lavandula)
Though not highly toxic, ingestion of lavender by cats can lead to gastrointestinal upset, vomiting, and lethargy.
Peony (Paeonia lactiflora)
Peonies can cause mild gastrointestinal symptoms, such as vomiting and diarrhoea, if eaten by cats.
Physalis alkekengi (Winter cherry, Chinese lantern)
The fruit is mildly toxic to cats, causing gastrointestinal upset, vomiting, and diarrhoea if ingested.
Poppy (Papaver)
Poppies contain alkaloids that can cause sedation, lethargy, and respiratory issues in cats. In severe cases, it can lead to coma or death.
Ranunculus (Persian buttercup)
This colourful flower can cause mild gastrointestinal irritation, including vomiting and diarrhoea, in cats if ingested.
Scilla (Squill)
Scilla plants, particularly their bulbs, can cause vomiting, diarrhoea, and heart problems in cats if consumed.
September flower (Aster, Michelmas daisy)
This attractive bloom can cause vomiting, diarrhoea, and gastrointestinal upset in cats if ingested.
Sweet William (Dianthus barbatus)
Mildly toxic, Sweet William can cause gastrointestinal upset, leading to vomiting and diarrhoea in cats.
Tagetes (African marigold)
Ingestion of African marigold flowers can cause gastrointestinal issues like vomiting, diarrhoea, and drooling in cats.
Tanacetum (Tansy)
Tansy can cause gastrointestinal distress and liver damage in cats if ingested in larger amounts.
Tulip (Tulipa)
Tulips are highly toxic to cats, particularly the bulbs, causing vomiting, drooling, diarrhoea, and in severe cases, arrhythmias and respiratory distress.
Foliage requiring caution
Asparagus fern (Asparagus setaceus)
While not as toxic as some others, this plant can cause mild gastrointestinal upset if ingested by cats.
Eucalyptus
Eucalyptus leaves can cause vomiting, drooling, and gastrointestinal upset in cats. Ingesting larger quantities can lead to more severe symptoms.
Salal (Gaultheria shallon)
The berries and foliage of salal can cause vomiting, diarrhoea, and lethargy in cats if consumed.
Holly (Ilex)
Holly berries are mildly toxic to cats and can cause gastrointestinal upset such as vomiting and diarrhoea if ingested.
Hypericum (St John’s wort)
Can cause gastrointestinal issues, lethargy, and skin sensitivity in cats if ingested.
Ivy (Hedera helix)
Ivy contains saponins and can cause vomiting, diarrhoea, and gastrointestinal distress if eaten by cats.
Privet (Ligustrum)
Ingestion can cause gastrointestinal upset in cats, leading to vomiting, diarrhoea, and drooling.
Ruscus (Ruscus aculeatus and Ruscus hypophyllum)
A popular ornamental shrub, Ruscus can cause mild gastrointestinal upset, including vomiting and diarrhoea, in cats if ingested.
Toxic flowers and foliage
Some flowers and plants pose a significant risk to cats and dogs. Toxic compounds and constituents can cause severe illness or be life-threatening if ingested. While some plants only cause mild irritation, others can lead to vomiting, diarrhoea, organ failure, or neurological symptoms.
Cats are particularly vulnerable because of their grooming habits—if they brush against pollen or plant sap and then lick their fur, they can ingest harmful toxins. Even a small nibble of certain plants can have grave consequences.
If you have any flowers or foliage listed below in your home or garden, ensure they are entirely out of reach—or better yet, avoid them altogether. Lilies are especially dangerous to cats. Be mindful of bouquets or house plants received as gifts and check floral arrangements before bringing them inside.
If your pet has ingested a toxic plant, contact your vet immediately. Symptoms may include excessive drooling, vomiting, diarrhoea, lethargy, difficulty breathing, tremors, or seizures. Quick action can make all the difference in protecting your pet’s health and potentially save their life.
Toxic flowers
Asiatic lily (Lilium x asiatica)
Beautiful, trumpet-shaped flowers with vibrant colours. Highly toxic to cats, causing kidney failure even with small amounts of ingestion.
Chrysanthemum
Chrysanthemums can cause gastrointestinal upset, drooling, and skin irritation in cats if ingested. Also moderately toxic to dogs.
Delphinium (Larkspur)
Known for its tall spikes of colourful flowers, Larkspur can cause severe neurological symptoms and respiratory distress in cats if ingested. Also highly toxic to dogs.
Easter lily (Lilium longiflorum)
Popular around Easter, these white lilies are especially toxic to cats and can cause severe kidney failure if ingested.
Japanese show lily (Lilium hybridum)
A hybrid lily that can cause kidney damage if ingested by cats, with symptoms including vomiting, loss of appetite, and lethargy.
Lily of the valley (Convallaria)
Known for its sweet fragrance and bell-shaped white flowers, this plant is toxic to cats, causing heart arrhythmias, vomiting, and diarrhoea. Also highly toxic to dogs.
Madonna lily (Lilium candidum)
An ornamental lily that is toxic to cats, particularly affecting the kidneys if ingested.
Oriental lily (Stargazer lily, Lilium orientalis)
A popular lily variety with large, pink, fragrant blooms. Highly toxic to cats, causing kidney failure with even small amounts consumed.
Roselily
A hybrid lily known for its double-flowered blooms. Like other lilies, it is toxic to cats and can cause kidney failure.
Royal lily (Lilium regale)
A fragrant lily with trumpet-shaped flowers, toxic to cats, causing severe kidney damage when consumed.
Rubrum lily (Lilium rubrum)
A red-striped lily that is toxic to cats. Ingestion can lead to kidney failure, vomiting, and lethargy.
Senecio (Daisy bush, Brachyglottis greyi)
This shrub with yellow, daisy-like flowers is toxic to cats, potentially causing liver damage and neurological issues when ingested. Also highly toxic to dogs.
Star of Bethlehem (Ornithogalum)
Known for its star-shaped white flowers, this plant can cause digestive upset and heart problems if ingested by cats. Also highly toxic to dogs.
Sweet pea (Lathyrus)
These colourful climbing flowers are toxic to cats. If ingested, tremors, weakness, and paralysis are neurological symptoms to watch for. Also moderately toxic to dogs.
Tiger lily (Lilium lancifolium, Tigrinum)
This bright orange lily is toxic to cats and can lead to kidney failure, vomiting, and lethargy after ingestion.
Conclusion
Our pets rely on us to make their world happy, healthy and safe. So indulge your floral fantasies during the flowering season. But choose wisely and display carefully. With a little knowledge and care, we can enjoy the beauty of nature and continue to protect our best friends.
Have you ever discovered a flower in your home or garden that wasn’t pet-friendly? What changes have you made to create a safer space for your animals? Share your experiences in the comments—I’d love to hear from you!
