Our cats and dogs are certified members of the family and can sometimes be as precious as our own kids. We see them as tiny toddlers that are curious about almost anything under the sun. Show
A shoe, a ball, a pillow, a yarn, a butterfly, humans (in front of them or on the screen) – you name it and they’ll definitely have a go at it. This includes flowers. They’ll jump on it, scratch, attack, lick, nibble or worse swallow the whole thing! Because our tail-wagging babies are a priority, most pet parents just forget about their love for flowers. But here comes the good news! Not all flowers and plants are harmful. You can enjoy having stunning flower arrangements with your furry friend roaming around at home. Check out this list of non-toxic, dog-friendly and cat-friendly flowers that won’t be harmful to your pet, according to the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals. RosesThere are over 100 species of this woody perennial shrubs of Rosacea family, all of which are recognized as generally harmless chemically to common pets, such as dogs, cats, and horses. But don’t be deceived, as not all plants or flowers with roses attached to their names are as innocent. Here are some examples of rose plants that may be dangerous to your furry friends when they’re ingested due to their potential toxicity risks.
The thorns of typical long-stemmed roses may be a red flag because it can cause scratches and wounds should your curious cat pounce on them. Gerbera DaisyGerbera daisy is a colorful pet-friendly flower that pet parents can adore all day guilt-free. Blooming in the most vibrant shades of pink, red, yellow, and white, gerbera daisies are uber-popular and represent happiness, cheerfulness, and purity. Nonetheless, because flowers or any plant for that matter isn’t a usual part of your paw baby’s everyday diet, it would be wise if you keep your gerbera daisy flower arrangements out of its reach. OrchidsAre orchids poisonous to pets? No. In fact, orchids are perhaps one of the most inoffensive to have around the house without worrying even if your dog or cat decides to have a bite. The ASPCA and other animal protection groups agree that members of the Orchidaceae family are pet-friendly and safe. This includes the following orchid species:
Dust orchid leaves with cinnamon powder or cayenne pepper. Your cat hates this smell and will, therefore, leave your precious orchid plant alone in peace. SunflowerWith big, bright, and sunny yellow blooms, sunflowers (Helianthus spp.) can make anyone’s day beautiful and 10 times better in a snap. Even better news, there is nothing poisonous about these sun-loving beauties. This goes for both animals and humans. Sunflowers can be eaten or taken medicinally or recreationally without adverse effects. Its leaves and petals are frequently used as tinctures for loosening up phlegm and coughing. Sunflower seeds, as you well know, are not just tasty snacks but excellent sources of beneficial minerals, such as manganese, selenium, phosphorus, magnesium, vitamin B6, folate, and niacin. PetuniaPetunias are striking flowering plants native to South America. They bloom vibrant flowers in all colors imaginable, except true blue and grow wildly particularly during summer months. They are listed under ASPCA’s non-toxic flowers for pets. There are four major types of petunia:
CelosiaCelosia is a little genus of edible flowering plants from the Amaranth family. Its name is derived from an ancient Greek word which means burning because of its flowers that resemble a flaming bush. Celosia is a flowering annual that come in the loveliest shades of orange, pink, purple, red, white, and yellow with leaves of equally stunning colors, ranging from blue, chartreuse green, purple, gold, and burgundy. Some celosia varieties bloom in the summer while some favor fall or autumn season. As experienced flower gardeners would tell you, there are three groups of celosia:
ZinniaAnother good-looking and pet-friendly member of the daisy family, zinnia are considered safe for your cats and dogs. These flowers, which can pass as an identical twin of daisies and dahlias, are amazingly prolific bloomers, especially during summertime. Zinnia comes in a wide array of colors, including purple, lilac, red, multi-colored, except true blue. Popular zinnia varieties worth checking out are:
AsterAsters are perennials and pet-friendly flowers anyone would love to have. With their charming daisy-like flowers that come in eye-catching fall-inspired tints of pink, blue, and white, they’re also a delight to have in the garden because they attract birds, butterflies, and bees. Some handsome aster varieties are:
Symphyotrichum, Ionactis, Eurybia, and Doellingeria are other types of asters that go by different names. MarigoldsThese gorgeous annual flowering plants usher in a happy dose of sunshine with petals in different shades of gold, copper, and orange. They have an uncanny resemblance to daisies and carnations. Also called the Herb of the Sun, marigolds are offered to ancient gods and goddesses during Indian traditions like Durga Puja. In Mexico, the golden flowers are offered to loved ones during Dia de Los Muertos. Marigolds have 56 species divided into two genera, Tagetes and Calendula. Some of our favorite marigold varieties are:
The beauty of marigolds is that they also act as natural insect repellents against mosquitoes and other nasty bugs while being completely non-toxic to cats and dogs. LiliesThe ASPCA has classified Lilium species as non-toxic to only dogs and horses. Unfortunately, they are deemed super deadly to cats. Lilies may pose a risk of severe kidney failure or even death to our feline friends should they consume two or three petals or leaves or even water from a vase. The Pet Poison Hotline says there are benign and dangerous kinds of lilies, which of course, all pet guardians should know about. Beware of these types of lilies or true lilies as they can put your pets in dire medical situations.
Lethargy, vomiting, drooling, dehydration, uncontrollable urination or thirst, and seizures are tell-tale signs of toxic exposure in pets. WARNING ON LILIES (H2)To err on the side of caution, we recommend steering clear from all types of lilies if you have curious pets at home. Poisonous Flowers You Should Keep Away From Your PetsIn addition to the ones mentioned above, here’s a brief list of flowers that you should avoid at all costs, either as a flowering plant or part of a floral arrangement, if you have a dog or cat at home.
Common Symptoms of Plant Poisoning in Cats and DogsThere’s a whole gamut of signs to watch out for when it comes to poisoning in pets. The symptoms can vary depending on the type of plant, flower, or specific variety, and severity of the exposure. Did your pet just nibbled a bit of the leaf or swallowed the whole flower? Pets who have ingested toxic plants or flowers can suffer from mild to severe gastrointestinal issues, seizures, and neurologic problems, heart poisoning, kidney poisoning, or liver poisoning. Some early poisoning symptoms in pets usually include:
Normally, cats and dogs could have sudden bouts of vomiting and diarrhea when they eat something that doesn’t agree with their stomach. It should resolve on its own in a few days. However, if you see your pet experiencing at least a couple other symptoms for more than 24 hours, regardless if you have flowers or plants around the house, we suggest taking him/her to your veterinarian. Chances are, they could have been exposed to other equally dangerous toxic materials, such as:
How to Protect Your Pets From Plant PoisoningNaturally, the first logical recommendation we’d give you is to stick with the list of pet-friendly flowers we gave you. But of course, erring on the side of caution, it’s always advisable to be extra careful. After all, broken pots of ruined orchid plants plus a pooping pet isn’t a pretty sight to come home to. More tips for flower-loving pet parents:
Edits in the ArticleAfter we published the article, we have received an overwhelming response and support from plant and pet parents alike. We want to let you know that we received your comments and appreciate each and every one of them. We updated this article to take out some sections and plants that have varying opinions, depending on the source. We love how a lot of you have been inspired to get more indoor plants to spruce up your spaces after reading this article. However, we urge you to not stop here. Read further and explore more resources. We also encourage you to always check with your resident veterinarian before purchasing houseplants or flowers to bring inside your home. Sources: Pet Poison Helpline American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals What plants are cat and dog safe?21 Plants That Are Safe for Cats and Dogs. Rattlesnake Plant. ... . Spider Plant. ... . Parlor Palm. ... . Calathea Orbifolia. ... . Ponytail Palm. ... . (Certain) Succulents. ... . African Violet. ... . Bird's Nest Fern.. What flowers are safe for a cat to eat?Flowers That Are Safe for Cats. Alstroemeria.. Asters.. Freesia.. Gerber Daisies.. Liatris.. Lisianthus.. Orchid.. Roses.. What flower is safe for dogs?Rose petals, violets, sunflower petals, pansies, snapdragons, and some marigolds can all be eaten raw, by dogs and people. A word of caution: it's essential to make sure your flowers aren't treated with insecticides, fungicides, or weed-killers, as those are poisons that can cause you and your dog serious harm.
What flowers are unsafe around cats?Never give cat owners any of these plants or flowers. Cyclamen.. Daffodils.. Foxglove.. Gladioli.. Hyancinth.. Tulips.. Lilies.. |