22 Flowers Safe For Cats And Dogs: Pet-Friendly Blooms For Your Home
Fresh flowers can brighten up any space, but if you have a cat or a dog, you might be wondering: what flowers are safe for cats and other pets? Many popular flowers can be toxic to cats and dogs, making it essential to choose pet-friendly flowers that won’t cause harm if they decide to nibble on them.
Whether you’re a pet owner who loves floral arrangements or you’re looking for the perfect cat-friendly flowers to give someone with furry companions, this guide will introduce you to 22 flowers safe for cats and dogs. These pet-safe flowers allow you to enjoy the beauty of fresh blooms without worrying about your pet’s health.
1. Roses
A timeless classic, roses are flowers safe for cats and dogs, making them a great addition to pet-friendly homes. While the petals are non-toxic, the stems and leaves can sometimes cause mild digestive discomfort if ingested in large amounts.
Be mindful of the thorns, as they can pose a risk of scratches or injury if your pet tries to nibble or play with them.
2. Sunflowers
Bright and cheerful sunflowers are pet-friendly flowers that bring warmth to any space without harming cats or dogs. They are non-toxic and relatively easy to maintain, making them perfect for pet owners who love bold floral arrangements. However, sunflowers produce a fair amount of pollen, which may cause mild irritation if your pet frequently sniffs or rubs against them.
3. Gerbera Daisies
Gerbera daisies are among the best flowers safe for dogs and cats, known for their vivid colours and cheerful appearance. These blooms add a pop of colour to any floral arrangement without posing any health concerns for pets.
They are also long-lasting and relatively easy to grow, making them a favourite among gardeners and florists alike.
4. Orchids
Exotic and elegant, orchids are among the most beautiful pet-safe flowers available. Many pet owners worry about orchids due to their delicate nature, but the majority of common varieties, such as phalaenopsis orchids, are completely non-toxic to cats and dogs.
These flowers thrive in indoor conditions with indirect light, making them a stunning and safe addition to any home.
5. Snapdragons
These delicate blooms, named for their resemblance to a dragon’s mouth, are completely safe for pets, making them ideal pet-friendly flowers. Snapdragons come in a variety of bright colours, adding a vibrant touch to any floral arrangement. Due to their unique structure and long-lasting nature, they are frequently used in bouquets.
6. Asters
Asters are a wonderful choice if you’re looking for dog-friendly flowers that won’t pose any harm to your furry friends.
These daisy-like flowers bloom in various shades of purple, pink, and white, adding a soft and charming touch to any garden or floral arrangement. Asters thrive in cooler climates and are known for attracting pollinators like bees and butterflies, making them an eco-friendly option as well.
7. African Violets
Looking for indoor plants? African violets are beautiful and completely pet-safe flowers for both cats and dogs.
Their small, velvety blooms come in a range of colours, from deep purple to bright pink, and they thrive in indoor environments with moderate light. Unlike some flowering houseplants, African violets do not pose any risk if a pet takes a small nibble.
8. Zinnias
Zinnias are colourful and cheerful flowers safe for cats, offering a burst of vibrant hues that can brighten up any floral display. They are incredibly easy to grow, making them an excellent choice for beginner gardeners looking for pet-friendly flowers.
Zinnias bloom in a variety of shades, including red, pink, yellow, and orange, and they are known for their ability to thrive even in warm climates.
9. Marigolds
While some marigold varieties can cause mild irritation if ingested in large amounts, most of these flowers are considered pet-friendly and safe to keep at home.
Their bright orange and yellow hues add a cheerful touch to gardens, making them popular for flower beds and potted arrangements. Marigolds are also known for their natural insect-repellent properties, helping to keep pests away from other plants.
10. Petunias
These soft, trumpet-shaped flowers are available in a range of stunning colours, including purple, pink, red, and white. Petunias are non-toxic to both cats and dogs, making them a safe and versatile option for pet owners who enjoy floral arrangements or outdoor landscaping.
They are also relatively easy to grow, thriving in sunny spots and requiring minimal upkeep, which makes them an excellent low-maintenance plant for busy pet owners.
11. Camellias
Camellias are stunning and considered dog-friendly flowers, making them a safe option for households with both cats and dogs. These elegant blooms resemble roses and thrive in cooler seasons, offering a refreshing splash of colour when many other flowers are not in bloom.
12. Celosia
Known for their unique, fluffy appearance, celosia flowers are safe for pets and add a bold, eye-catching touch to any floral display. These vibrant blooms come in striking shades of red, orange, pink, and yellow, making them a standout choice for gardens and arrangements.
Celosia is also highly resistant to drought and heat, making it a resilient and low-maintenance plant for pet owners who want to enjoy beautiful blooms without extensive upkeep.
13. Impatiens
Impatiens are excellent pet-safe flowers that thrive in shaded areas, making them a fantastic option for gardens with limited direct sunlight. These delicate flowers come in a variety of colours, including pink, red, white, and purple, adding a soft yet vibrant aesthetic to any space.
Since impatiens are non-toxic to both cats and dogs, they’re a worry-free choice for pet owners who want to brighten up their garden beds or indoor spaces.
14. Pansies
Pansies are a garden favourite, recognised for their cheerful, multi-coloured petals and cool-weather resilience. They are completely safe for cats and dogs, making them a safe and decorative addition to pet-friendly homes.
These small but eye-catching flowers bloom in shades of purple, yellow, blue, and red, offering a diverse range of colour combinations.
15. Statice
Statice flowers are commonly used in floral arrangements due to their vibrant hues and long-lasting nature. These small, clustered blooms add texture to bouquets and are completely pet-friendly flowers, meaning you won’t have to worry about your furry friends getting sick if they sniff or chew on them.
Statice flowers also retain their beauty even after drying, making them an excellent choice for dried flower arrangements and home decor.
16. Cornflowers
Also known as bachelor’s buttons, cornflowers are known for their striking blue petals and are flowers safe for cats. They are a great addition to wildflower gardens, providing a soft, natural aesthetic that attracts beneficial pollinators like bees and butterflies.
17. Hibiscus
A tropical favourite, hibiscus flowers are known for their large, showy petals and stunning colours. They are completely safe for cats and dogs, making them a great choice for homes with pets that love exploring gardens. However, while the flowers themselves are non-toxic, hibiscus plants can be somewhat fragile and require regular watering and maintenance.
18. Nasturtiums
Nasturtiums are dog-friendly flowers and edible, making them a fantastic dual-purpose plant for pet-friendly households. Their bright, cheerful blooms in shades of red, orange, and yellow add a lively touch to gardens, and their leaves and flowers are sometimes used in salads for their peppery flavour.
19. Valerian
Valerian flowers are entirely safe for pets and even act as a natural attractant for cats, similar to catnip. These delicate pink or white blooms emit a strong, sweet fragrance and are often used in herbal remedies for their calming effects.
While the flowers themselves are harmless, some pet owners prefer to limit their cat’s exposure to valerian roots, as they can cause an excited, hyperactive reaction similar to catnip.
20. Freesias
Freesias are highly regarded for their beautiful fragrance and elegant, trumpet-shaped blooms. These pet-safe flowers are a wonderful choice for floral arrangements, as they come in a variety of pastel and bright shades, including yellow, white, pink, and purple. Their fresh and sweet scent makes them a favourite in perfumes and home fragrances.
21. Jasmine (Non-Toxic Variety)
While some jasmine species can be toxic, the common white jasmine (Jasminum officinale) is completely safe for pets, making it a fantastic cat-friendly flower option. Jasmine is known for its delicate, fragrant blooms and trailing vines, making it a beautiful addition to both indoor and outdoor spaces.
This climbing plant thrives in warm, sunny conditions and adds a romantic, elegant touch to fences, trellises, and balconies.
22. Bee Balm
Bee balm is a pollinator-friendly plant that is also entirely safe for pets. This flowering herb produces vibrant, tubular blooms in shades of red, pink, and purple, attracting bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds. In addition to being a fantastic pet-safe flower, bee balm is sometimes used in herbal teas for its soothing properties.
Conclusion About Flowers Safe For Pets
Now that you know what flowers are safe for cats, you can confidently decorate your home with stunning pet-friendly flowers. Whether you love fresh bouquets or want to create a pet-safe garden, these 22 blooms ensure your furry companions stay safe.
Looking for the perfect floral arrangement that’s safe for your pets? Singapore Florist, the best florist in Singapore, offers stunning cat-friendly flowers and dog-friendly flowers that are both beautiful and safe.
Frequently Asked Questions About Pet Safe Flowers
What Flowers Are Safe For Cats And Dogs?
Some of the best pet-safe flowers include roses, sunflowers, orchids, gerbera daisies, and snapdragons. These are non-toxic and safe for both cats and dogs.
What Flowers Should I Avoid If I Have A Cat?
Lilies, tulips, daffodils, and chrysanthemums are highly toxic to cats and should be avoided in pet-friendly homes.
Can Cats And Dogs Eat Flowers?
Even though some flowers are pet-friendly flowers, it's best to discourage pets from eating them. Ingesting large amounts of any plant material may cause mild stomach upset.
Are All Orchids Safe For Cats?
Yes, most orchids are considered flowers safe for cats, making them a popular choice for pet-friendly homes.
How Can I Keep My Pet From Eating Flowers?
Placing flowers out of reach, using pet deterrent sprays, and providing pet-safe plants (like cat grass) can help prevent pets from chewing on flowers.
What Flowers Are Safe For Dogs But Not Cats?
Some flowers, like baby's breath, are considered dog-friendly flowers but may cause mild irritation in cats. Always check the specific plant safety of your pet.
