No matter the reason, giving someone flowers is a beautiful and stylish way to demonstrate your love. You can make a bouquet that fits the tastes of friends, family, or romantic partners by choosing from hundreds of different types.
When curating the picture-perfect arrangement, the last thing you might consider is a pets health. But, flowers can pose problems for our furry friends, particularly cats if they eat them.
The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA) says that many flowers and plants that are safe for people are actually dangerous for cats. So, before you buy flowers for your next big occasion, heres a rundown on some cat-friendly alternatives.
As a cat owner, you want to liven up your living space with beautiful plants and flowers. But many popular blooms like lilies are toxic to cats if ingested So what flowers can you decorate with that are both pet-safe and gorgeous?
In this article we’ll explore 21 different cat-friendly flower varieties that are non-toxic for feline friends. For each flower, we’ll include a picture so you can see the lovely blooms along with growing tips.
So read on to discover plenty of purr-fect blossoms to safely add cheer and color to your cat habitat!
An Overview of Cat-Safe Flowers
While cats don’t intentionally eat flowers, they may nibble or ingest some while exploring their environment. Certain flowers contain toxins that can cause illness in cats if consumed.
Symptoms like vomiting, diarrhea, and lethargy can occur. In severe cases, even death is possible with highly poisonous flowers.
That’s why it’s crucial to choose non-toxic flowers around cats. Here are some top pet-safe picks:
- Sunflowers
- Roses
- Marigolds
- Orchids
- Daisies
- Petunias
- Zinnias
- Lavender
- Snapdragons
- Pansies
Let’s explore these and more in detail, with pictures so you recognize safe blooms for your feline friend!
Pictures of Cat-Safe Flowers
1. Sunflowers
The bright yellow sunflower is iconic for its cheer and positivity. These big blooms with dark centers are safe for cats and make stunning floral displays.
![Sunflowers]
Grow sunflowers in full sun. They can reach up to 12 feet tall! Choose dwarf varieties like ‘Sunbelievable Brown’ for containers.
2. Roses
Nothing says classic beauty like a rose. Multiple colors exist beyond traditional red. All are non-toxic and kitty-approved!
![Pink roses]
Give roses at least 6 hours of direct sun daily and well-drained soil. Prune often for the most prolific blooms.
3. Marigolds
Marigolds are easy to grow, drought-tolerant, and available in sunny yellow, orange, and red shades. Their pungent scent drives away pests while attracting pollinators.
![Marigolds]
For maximum flowers, plant marigolds in full sun and fertile, well-drained soil. Deadhead spent blooms.
4. Orchids
Exotic orchid blooms add elegance with their delicate shape and markings. The popular Phalaenopsis or moth orchid does well indoors and is safe for cats.
![Orchids]
Orchids thrive in bright, indirect light. Let the soil approach dryness between waterings. Mist leaves often for humidity.
5. Daisies
Nothing evokes joy like a field of cheerful daisies! Simple white petals surround a golden center. Daisies are non-toxic and safe for felines.
![Daisies]
Grow daisies in moist, well-drained soil in full sun to part shade. Deadhead for more flowers.
6. Petunias
Petunias are a warm-weather favorite for containers and gardens. Varieties in purple, pink, red, yellow, and white brighten up patio pots. All are cat-friendly!
![Petunias]
Give petunias at least 6 hours of sun daily with fertile, well-drained soil. Pinch off spent blooms to encourage new flowers.
7. Zinnias
Bold and vivid zinnia flowers liven up any space. Colors range from soft pastels to dazzling neon hues. These rugged, pet-safe blooms attract butterflies.
![Zinnias]
Zinnias thrive in full sun and moderately fertile soil. Water when the top inch dries out. Remove faded blooms promptly.
8. Lavender
Fragrant lavender blossoms on wispy stems delight the senses! Their calming scent and hue also repel pests while proving non-toxic for cats.
![Lavender]
Grow lavender in full sun with well-drained soil. Trim off flowers as they fade to promote reblooming.
9. Snapdragons
Whimsical snapdragons reveal their toothy “dragon faces” when gently squeezed. These fragrant spikes come in white, pink, red, yellow, orange, and more, all kitty-safe.
![Snapdragons]
Site snapdragons in full sun. Pinch off spent blooms to encourage new flowers. They thrive in cool weather.
10. Pansies
Cheerful pansy faces provide pops of color even in cool weather. Markings and patterns create “eyes” on the petals, ranging from purple and yellow to white and violet.
![Pansies]
Grow pansies in partial sun with moist, rich soil. They handle light frosts but thrive when temperatures are cool, not hot.
11. Asters
Starry, daisy-like aster flowers resemble mini fireworks with their colorful bursts of tiny petals. These perennials bloom in late summer and fall and are feline-approved.
![Asters]
Asters grow 1-4 feet tall in full sun to part shade. Pinch off spent blooms to prolong flowering. Divide crowded clumps in spring.
12. Bush Morning Glory
This tropical vine is covered in lush foliage and 2-inch trumpet-shaped blooms. It’s safe for cats and available in white, pink, purple, or blue flower shades.
![Bush morning glory]
Site bush morning glory in partial sun. Keep the soil moist and use a trellis for support. It enjoys humidity.
13. Gerbera Daisies
Bright, happy gerbera daisy flowers have layers of pointed petals in eye-catching colors. Mini varieties are perfect for pots. All types are non-toxic for kitties.
![Gerbera daisies]
Grow gerbera daisies in fertile soil with good drainage. Give them at least 6 hours of sun daily. Remove spent blooms promptly.
14. Daylilies
Daylilies produce a prolific display of flowers continuously over the season. Colors include classic orange, yellow, pink, red, purple, and bicolor blooms.
![Daylilies]
Plant daylilies in full sun to partial shade. Divide crowded clumps every few years. Deadhead individual spent blooms.
15. Gardenia
The intoxicating fragrance of gardenia blossoms is heavenly. Glossy, creamy white blooms and deep green leaves shine on this tropical shrub.
![Gardenia]
Gardenias need bright light but not direct sun. Provide acidic, humus-rich soil and high humidity. Shelter from winter wind.
16. Cosmos
Feathery cosmos flowers resemble fireworks with their frilly, delicate petals in pink, white, orange, red, and yellow. Easy to grow, cosmos reseed readily.
![Cosmos]
For best blooms, grow cosmos in full sun with average to poor soil. Pinch back young plants to promote bushiness. Deadhead spent flowers.
17. Begonia
Both fibrous and tuberous begonias produce abundant flowers in shades of pink, red, white, orange, or yellow, some with contrasting centers.
![Begonias]
Site begonias in partial shade to full sun. Keep the soil moist but not soggy wet. Pinch back leggy stems to encourage fullness.
18. Viola
Often called pansies, violas produce 3-inch blooms in spring and fall, going dormant in summer heat. Markings create “faces” in shades of purple, yellow, red, white, and blue.
![Viola]
Grow violas in partial sun with rich, moist soil. Water when the top inch dries out. Remove spent blossoms for more flowers.
19. Freesia
Delicate, funnel-shaped freesia blooms emit a light, sweet fragrance. These spring bulbs produce flowers in white, pink, red, yellow, lavender, or orange.
![Freesia]
Plant freesia bulbs in fall in loose, fertile soil in full sun to part shade. Water thoroughly in growth and bloom stage.
20. Carnation
Carnations are long-lasting cut flowers with ruffled petals. They bloom in whites, pinks, reds, purples, and even green. Miniature types are great for containers.
![Carnations]
For the best growth, provide carnations with well-drained but moist soil and full sun. Use flower supports for top-heavy blooms.
21. Canna Lily
Tropical canna lilies shoot up tall stalks of foliage and spectacular flowers. Blooms come in red, orange, yellow, pink, and bicolor shades.
![Canna lily]
Grow canna lilies in full sun with rich, moist soil. Mulch to retain moisture. Lift rhizomes and overwinter indoors where not hardy.
Safely Decorating Your Cat Haven
As you can see, there are plenty of cat-safe flowers to choose from to brighten up your home and outdoor spaces when you share your life with cats.
Use this guide with pictures to help you identify and select non-toxic blossoms your cats will leave alone, so you can craft gorgeous, pet-friendly flower displays.
Remember to keep all plants out of reach of curious kitties, and supervise any interactions. It’s better to be safe than sorry! With planning, you can have stunning flowers and healthy, happy cats.
What flowers are poisonous to cats?
Similar to humans, cats can also have allergies to plants causing irritation to the skin, mouth and stomach, PetMD reports. In some cases, they can lead to more drastic impacts, such as kidney or heart damage.
There are countless flowers categorized as poisonous to cats. The best way to determine whether or not something is safe for your pet is to consult the ASPCAs toxic and non-toxic plant list.
Here are some common flowers that are toxic to cats:
Toxin concentration levels vary depending on the type and part of the flower, PetMD reports. Its safe to assume any plant labeled as “toxic” is off-limits for decoration.
Are roses toxic to cats?
Ingesting any flower could lead to a mild upset stomach, but roses are not considered extremely toxic for cats, according to the ASPCA.
The main concern is a roses thorns. If a cat were to eat or chew a roses stem, it could cause injuries to the mouth or paws, the ASPCA reports. Floral stems can also get stuck in a cats throat, causing a gastrointestinal obstruction.