Flowers Safe for Cats and Dogs (And What to Avoid)

If you share your home with a cat or dog, you've probably wondered whether that beautiful bouquet on your counter is safe. It's a smart thing to think about — some of the most popular flowers are surprisingly toxic to pets, while others are completely harmless. Here's what you need to know.

Flowers That Are Safe for Cats and Dogs

These flowers are generally considered non-toxic to both cats and dogs:

Roses — The classic, and good news: they're safe for pets. The thorns are a minor hazard, but the flowers themselves won't harm your cat or dog.

Sunflowers — Safe for both cats and dogs. Cheerful, pet-friendly, and a great choice for households with curious animals.

Snapdragons — Non-toxic and beautiful. A great choice for a colorful pet-safe arrangement.

Orchids — Generally safe, though consuming large quantities may cause mild stomach upset. Most pets will leave them alone.

Celosia — Non-toxic and dramatic-looking. Holds up well too.

Lisianthus — A lovely, rose-like flower that's safe for pets and holds beautifully in arrangements.

Gerbera daisies — Safe for cats and dogs, and one of the longest-lasting cut flowers you can buy.

Wax flowers — Small, delicate, and pet-safe. Often used as filler in arrangements.

Statice — The papery purple filler flower often seen in arrangements is non-toxic.

Freesia — Fragrant and beautiful, and non-toxic to pets.

Flowers to Avoid If You Have Cats or Dogs

These are common florist flowers that are toxic and should be kept out of reach — or avoided entirely — in pet households:

Lilies (all varieties) — Extremely toxic to cats. Even small amounts can cause acute kidney failure. Easter lilies, tiger lilies, Asiatic lilies — all of them. If you have cats, avoid lilies entirely. They are also toxic to dogs, though typically less severely.

Tulips — The bulb is the most toxic part, but the flower and stem can also cause stomach upset, drooling, and lethargy in both cats and dogs.

Daffodils — Toxic to both cats and dogs. Can cause vomiting, diarrhea, and in severe cases, more serious symptoms.

Hyacinths — Toxic, particularly the bulbs. Keep out of reach.

Iris — Toxic to both cats and dogs.

Peonies — Mildly toxic to cats and dogs. May cause vomiting and diarrhea.

Hydrangeas — Toxic to both cats and dogs. Contain a compound that can cause lethargy and digestive upset.

Amaryllis — Toxic, and commonly sold around the holidays. Keep away from pets.

Baby's breath — Mildly toxic to cats and dogs. Commonly used as filler, so worth noting.

What to Do If Your Pet Eats a Flower

If your pet gets into a flower arrangement — especially if it contained lilies or any of the flowers listed above — contact your vet or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (888-426-4435) immediately. Don't wait for symptoms to appear with lilies in particular.

Ordering a Pet-Safe Bouquet

When you order from us, just let us know you have cats or dogs at home and we'll build an arrangement that's beautiful and safe. We're happy to substitute out any potentially toxic flowers and use one of the many gorgeous pet-friendly options instead.

Give us a call at 978-531-0047 or stop by 49 Warren Street in Peabody. We want your home to be beautiful and safe for every member of the family.