Are you a flower lover and a pet owner? Do you want to know which flowers are safe for your cat or dog, and which ones are harmful? As you may know, some flowers and pets don’t mix well. Some flowers can be very dangerous for your fur baby if they eat even a small amount, causing anything from stomach upset to organ failure.
Before you decide to plant some beautiful flowers or bring them home, you should always check if the flowers are pet-friendly. And if you’re sending flowers to someone who has a pet, we would highly recommend to make sure they’re safe before you order.
Of course, some pets don’t care about flowers or plants at all, and may never touch them. But some pets are curious- they’ll nibble, bite or swallow anything they can reach! They are the ones you need to be extra careful with.
So, we’ve written this article to help you find pet-safe flowers that you can enjoy without worrying about your furry family’s health. Please note, this is not a complete list but some of the most common flowers that you may find in a bouquet or a garden.
Disclaimer: We are not qualified to give veterinary advice. We suggest you check Animal Emergency Service’s toxic flowers and plants list for more information.
13 Pet Friendly Flowers for Cat and Dog Owners:
Ideally you should keep your floral arrangements away from your furry explorers' reach. But what about when your doggo gets the zoomies? Cats are renowned for getting into tight corners and high places. You never know when you might turn around to see your furball munching on your lovely sunflowers, or even to see a whole vase come crashing down! If you have curious kitties or playful dogs in your home, here are pet-safe flowers you can buy:
1. Roses
You can never go wrong with roses when you’re looking for a classic option that is also safe for your pets. Aside from being lovely, they are among the best scented flowers you can get delivered today. They come in a variety of gorgeous colours such as classic red, orange, yellow, pastels and pink.
Roses are always a guaranteed winner when giving a gift of flowers. Roses are commonly included in lists of pet-safe flowers, and you won’t have to worry about fallen petals. Your cat or dog munching on them won’t land you a trip to the vet.
2. Orchids
Did you know that orchids can create a calming environment? For centuries, these these gorgeous flowers have been carefully cultivated, despite being infamous for being difficult to grow. Orchid hybrids and varieties are generally safe for cats and dogs.
One example is the wonderful Phalaenopsis orchid. Also referred to as the “moth orchid,” this stunning flower is long-lasting and generally recommended for beginner gardeners. It’s also a non-toxic plant for pets. You can usually buy orchids as potted plants, which can then live a long life safely in the same vicinity of precious pets.
3. Sunflowers
When you want to brighten someone’s day, get them a bouquet of sunflowers. If the recipient is a fur parent, they’d be delighted to know that there’s nothing toxic about these sunny beauties.
4.Magnolia
Magnolia flowers are also pet-friendly. These flowers grow on shrubs and trees, and they have a stunning star-like shape. They come in different colours, such as pink, white, purple and yellow. They also have a wonderful fragrance that can fill any space.
5. Lisianthus
Lisianthus flowers or prairie gentians are similar to roses. They have delicate, layered petals and a beautiful, soft shape. But they have different meanings. Roses usually mean love and passion, while lisianthus flowers mean gratitude. If you want to thank a pet owner, lisianthus would be a perfect choice, because they are also pet-safe. Lisianthus flowers do not contain any toxins that can harm your pets.
6. Snapdragons
When you’re looking for pet-safe flowers to fill a floral arrangement, snapdragons are a great option. They’re called snapdragons because their individual flower heads mimic the shape of dragon snouts. They add a lovely slender, tall variation to a mixed bunch of blooms.
You can also grow them in patio containers or even use them as accents to your garden boxes, because their flowers are non-toxic to cats and dogs.
7. Veronica
Natively growing in Europe, Veronica flowers are tough ornamental plants that are also non-toxic to pets. Note that there are over 500 varieties under the Veronica genus. However, most of them are safe for animals and humans.
8. Wax flower
You’ll commonly find wax flowers are fillers for floral arrangements. Besides, they are non-toxic to dogs and cats.
9. Asters
Asters are pet-safe flowers that naturally grow throughout the summer season in North America. They are non-toxic to animals and common pollinators. As such, gardeners plant them to attract natural predators like ladybirds and lizards to keep pests at bay. Asters are among the flowers you can grow instead of using pesticides.
10. Freesias
Who wouldn’t love the elegant, orchid-like beauty of freesias? These perennial flowers look great in pots or in gardens. They easily add character to any indoor space.
Freesias can elevate the appearance of any room without causing harm to your fur babies. You’ll love the citrusy scent radiating from the petals. If you don’t have the time to cultivate the plant, you can purchase freesias as cut flowers. They come in various shades of yellow, pink, white, purple, mauve and blue.
12. Zinnias
Even if you have flower-munching fur babies around the yard, you don’t have to worry because zinnias are non-toxic to animals. Besides, their daisy-like appearance and splash of colour make them an interesting addition to your garden.
13. African violet
African violets are lovely indoor plants that are also safe for your pets. They are small, easy to care for, and produce tiny purple or pink flowers all year round.