Flowers safe for cats (with pictures)

We’re grateful for the love and care of mothers every single day. And during these challenging times, we may not be able to reach out and embrace our moms, but there are various ways to say thank you for all that they do. One of the most popular gifts to send on Mother’s Day is a beautiful bouquet of flowers! 

If your mother is also pet parent, you should be mindful when choosing your Mother’s Day arrangement. Not all flowers are safe for our pets, but do not fear, the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (APCC) has put together a handy list of pet-safe flowers you can use to make sure you’re keeping your furry friends safe, healthy and out of harm’s way. 

Flowers safe for cats (with pictures)

Roses (Rosa sp.), like any flower, can cause mild stomach upset but aren’t incredibly toxic to pets. However, watch out for thorns! These may potentially cause trauma to the mouth and to the paws. If your pet has been chewing on the stem of a rose and is showing signs of increased drooling or pawing at the mouth, check their mouth for signs of trauma. If they refuse to eat, a veterinary visit could be in order. Ingesting large amounts of the stem material of flowers can put them at risk for a foreign body obstruction.

Gerbera Daisies (Gebera jamesonii) are also called the African daisy, Veldt daisy and the Barberton daisy. As with any plant material there could be a concern for vomiting or gastrointestinal discomfort when ingested, but see your veterinarian if symptoms increase or appear to be more than mild.

Sunflowers (Helianthus sp.) are a sure way to brighten Mom’s day, and who does not love a flower with such a cheerful disposition? These are another delightful flower that will not be likely to cause more than mild GI signs if the plant material is ingested. All parts of the sunflower are edible for humans and are often used in salads, but our pets may not enjoy these items as much as we do.

Orchids (Cymbidum, Dendrobium, Oncidium and Phalaenopsis sp.) are another safe flower to have around our pets. With this delicate flower, it’s the plant that needs protection from the pets! Again, like any of the “safe” plants, ingesting orchids could cause mild GI upset if more than a bite or two is ingested. Keep these out of reach from your pet so that their beauty can be fully enjoyed. 

Snapdragons (Antirrhinum majus) are a lovely flower that may be used as a garnish on a plate. These flowers, while edible, do not have much taste and may be a bit bitter. Cats and dogs may hypersalivate from the bitter taste. Give them something tasty to erase the flavor and everything should be fine. 

Freesias (Freesia corymbosa) are often used as filler flowers in many bouquets to add a bit of charm. As with other flowers on this list, they are non-toxic aside from the potential upset stomach if ingested by our pets.

Limonium (Limonium sp.) and Statice (Limonium leptostachyum) are safe filler flowers that could be used in your Mother’s Day bouquet too. These will spruce up any arrangement that you give your mother and are unlikely to cause any severe issues if ingested by your pet.

Madagascar Jasmine (Stephanotis sp.) has star-shaped white flowers and is a pretty houseplant as well as a lovely addition to bouquets. Again, this flower could cause mild GI signs, but should not pose any other risk to your furry friends.

Stock (Matthiola incana) is often used as a cut flower in bouquets and as an aromatic plant. These flowers are a symbol of joy, success and happiness as well as beauty. What could be a better message for your Mother’s Day bouquet?

Waxflower (Etlingera cevuga) is another flower often used as a filler to spice up a floral arrangement. Again, these flowers could cause mild stomach upset in pets but do not pose any serious risks to the health of your companion.

Lisianthus (Eustoma grandiflora) are flowers prized for their rose like blooms and are another non-toxic plant that will add to a bouquet. These blooms are often used due to their long-lasting vase life and can live for two weeks in a bouquet. These flowers are sure to be appreciated as any part of a Mother’s Day gift!

We understand curious noses and paws might be interested in Mother’s Day bouquets with either safe or toxic flowers. It’s best to keep your bouquets and arrangements up out of paws’ reach for everyone to enjoy! 

If you believe your pet has ingested anything toxic or seems to be having an adverse reaction to something, please contact your veterinarian or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at (888) 426-4435 immediately.

When it comes to toxic and poisonous plants, not all pets experience the same effects from unauthorized nibbling. For example, while a day lily may not affect a dog, a curious cat can suffer from vomiting, kidney failure, or even death after ingesting the common garden plant. There are many beautiful ornamentals that are non-toxic to both dogs and cats, so fill your landscape and home without worries when you choose these safe plants.

  • 01 of 15

    Zinnia

    Flowers safe for cats (with pictures)
    Flowers safe for cats (with pictures)

    Erika Parfenova / Getty Images

    Add zinnias to your no-nonsense list of hard-performing annual flowers, and rest easy knowing that they aren't toxic to your pets, either. If you've only experienced the mildew-prone old-fashioned varieties of zinnia, try the 'Zahara' series, which offers months of disease-free color on compact plants. Giving zinnias a full day of sunshine and adequate spacing also reduces mildew outbreaks.

  • 02 of 15

    African Violet

    Flowers safe for cats (with pictures)
    Flowers safe for cats (with pictures)

    The Spruce / Letícia Almeida

    The African violet has been a favorite houseplant for generations, and new cultivars will give you a reason to rediscover the merits of this plant. Ruffled flowers and picotee blossoms appear on plants that appreciate the same temperatures we do. The fuzzy leaves don't produce any harmful substances known to harm cats or dogs.

  • 03 of 15

    Areca Palm

    Flowers safe for cats (with pictures)
    Flowers safe for cats (with pictures)

    The Spruce 

    If the fancy fronds of the areca palm tempt your cat to swat and bite, you won't need to worry about digestive upset ruining your pet's evening. Also known as the butterfly palm, this houseplant is native to Madagascar and thrives in warm temperatures and high humidity. However, they don't require much water or light, and the areca palm does an excellent job of purifying the air, making it healthier for both you and your pet.

  • 04 of 15

    Bachelor's Button

    Flowers safe for cats (with pictures)
    Flowers safe for cats (with pictures)

    Blanca Sanchez / Getty Images

    You can grow pet-friendly bouquets with the lovely blue blooms of the bachelor's button, an easy annual for the sunny garden. Start seeds indoors six to eight weeks before last frost, or sow them directly in average soil; it takes about 80 days to get from seed to bloom. Leave the spent blooms in place for volunteers, and to nourish gold finches, which love the oil-rich seeds.

    Continue to 5 of 15 below.

  • 05 of 15

    Camellia

    Flowers safe for cats (with pictures)
    Flowers safe for cats (with pictures)

    Deanna Kelly / Getty Images

    The winter and very early spring blooms of the camellia help it fill a niche in the landscape when little else is happening. The rich dark green glossy leaves are handsome when camellias are out of bloom, but the prolific rose-like flowers are a stunning centerpiece when they appear beginning in October or November. Both leaves and flowers are non-toxic to cats and dogs.

    Camellias live for decades, so choose their planting site carefully. They like a sheltered spot with afternoon shade, good garden loam, and moderate moisture.

  • 06 of 15

    Marigold

    Flowers safe for cats (with pictures)
    Flowers safe for cats (with pictures)

    The Spruce / Autumn Wood

    The fragrance of the marigold is best described as pungent, and even acts as an insect deterrent in the garden. If the funky scent appeals to your cat or dog, a taste test won't cause any harm. Marigolds are easy to grow from seed, love long days full of hot sunshine, and like the same kind of rich soil and moisture that your vegetable garden appreciates.

  • 07 of 15

    Snapdragon

    Flowers safe for cats (with pictures)
    Flowers safe for cats (with pictures)

    aimintang / Getty Images

    Snapdragons add a welcome burst of color to the early spring and late fall garden, as they are frost tolerant plants that thrive in cooler weather. Plants produce many flowering spikes in a rainbow of colors in rich soil and full sun. The plant parts and flowers are not harmful to cats or dogs, so fill your flowerbeds and vase with the bountiful blooms of these annuals.

  • 08 of 15

    Grape Hyacinth

    Flowers safe for cats (with pictures)
    Flowers safe for cats (with pictures)

    Ellen van Bodegom / Getty Images

    Unlike that popular spring bulb the tulip, which can cause diarrhea and vomiting in cats and dogs, grape hyacinths are safe to plant around pets, even when your curious dog wants to dig up and explore that which you just buried at planting time. Plant your grape hyacinths in the fall, about three inches under the soil. Plant them between summer flowering perennials, which will hide the enduring grassy foliage.

    Continue to 9 of 15 below.

  • 09 of 15

    Haworthia

    Flowers safe for cats (with pictures)
    Flowers safe for cats (with pictures)

    The Spruce / Candace Madonna 

    Jump on the succulent bandwagon with the personality-filled haworthia houseplant. The striped, spiky foliage is the subject of many faux succulent arrangements, but the real plant is safe for pets and easy to grow in a sunny windowsill. Plant haworthia in a sandy cactus mix, and water once every seven to ten days.

  • 10 of 15

    Rose of Sharon

    Flowers safe for cats (with pictures)
    Flowers safe for cats (with pictures)

    Denise Erickson / Getty Images

    Rose of Sharon plants are prolific bloomers that thrive in a wide range of tough conditions like drought, humidity, triple digit temperatures, and frigid winters. The vigorous bushes produce hibiscus-like flowers in shades of pink, blue, or white, and may attract hummingbirds. Also known as althea, the rose of Sharon is non-toxic to cats and dogs.

  • 11 of 15

    Ice Plant

    Flowers safe for cats (with pictures)
    Flowers safe for cats (with pictures)

    Wildfried Wirth / Getty Images

    Gardeners who live in areas with sharply draining soil will appreciate the merits of the ice plant, with attractive succulent leaves and daisy-like magenta flowers. Add ice plant to crevices in rock walls, or plant them along garden paths. Given full sun, the ice plant will produce its non-toxic blooms from spring until frost.

  • 12 of 15

    Nasturtium

    Flowers safe for cats (with pictures)
    Flowers safe for cats (with pictures)

    The Spruce / Lacey Johnson 

    When dealing with persistent plant eating pets, sometimes the best solution is to choose a plant that was meant to be eaten. The spicy, peppery leaves and flowers of nasturtiums won't appeal to most pets, but if they do care to sample, they will get a bonus boost of vitamins A and C. Nasturtiums grow best in full sun, average soil, and the mild temperatures of spring and early summer.

    Continue to 13 of 15 below.

  • 13 of 15

    Peruvian Lily

    Flowers safe for cats (with pictures)
    Flowers safe for cats (with pictures)

    Nik Taylor / Getty Images

    For households with cats, many lily species are problematic to grow. However, the Peruvian lily is a non-toxic choice for both cats and dogs. You may recognize this flower as a frequent bloom in professional flower arrangements, as it is both long-lasting and brilliant in color. Peruvian lilies are hardy to zone 7 if you mulch them with shredded leaves.

  • 14 of 15

    Coreopsis

    Flowers safe for cats (with pictures)
    Flowers safe for cats (with pictures)

    The Spruce / Adrienne Legault 

    Coreopsis rocketed to the top of the perennial favorites list with the introduction of the sterile, long-blooming 'Moonbeam' variety in the early 1990s, and new cultivars continue to captivate gardeners. Besides its advantage of non-toxic flowers and foliage, the coreopsis blooms its heart out in poor, dry soils, with few to no insect problems.

  • 15 of 15

    Venus Flytrap

    Flowers safe for cats (with pictures)
    Flowers safe for cats (with pictures)

    Sebastian Kopp / Getty Images

    When a plant behaves as a sentient being, it's difficult for even the most well-mannered cat or dog to restrain itself from a cautious lick or nibble. Fortunately, insects are the only ones that are harmed by the non-toxic Venus flytrap. Grow this curiosity in a mixture of peat moss and sand. Keep the soil moist, and give it bright, filtered light. Follow the pro tip of watering with distilled water, and perhaps your Venus flytrap will enable you to put your fly swatter away.

Related Topics

  • Gardening Basics

Article Sources

The Spruce uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read our editorial process to learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.

  1. Lovely Lilies and Curious Cats: A Dangerous Combination. United States Food and Drug Administration.

  2. Kulkarni, K. and Zambare, M. The Impact Study of Houseplants in Purification of Environment Using Wireless Sensor Network. Wireless Sensor Network, vol. 10, pp. 59-69, 2018. doi:10.4236/wsn.2018.103003

    What flowers can I have in my house with a cat?

    Flowers That Are Safe for Cats.
    Alstroemeria..
    Asters..
    Freesia..
    Gerber Daisies..
    Liatris..
    Lisianthus..
    Orchid..
    Roses..

    Which outdoor flowers are safe for cats?

    Morning Glory..
    Nasturtium..
    Old Fashioned Garden Mix..
    Pansy..
    Passion Flower..
    Petunia..
    Poppy..
    Portulaca..

    What are cats favorite flowers?

    Felines enjoy attractive edible flowers such as zinnias, marigolds and Johnny-jump-ups, as well as catnip, cat thyme, oat grass, rosemary and bean sprouts. Although catnip has a reputation as a cat favorite, you might want to try some on your cat before you plant it, because not all cats like it.

    Is it safe to have flowers around cats?

    Roses (Rosa sp.), like any flower, can cause mild stomach upset but aren't incredibly toxic to pets. However, watch out for thorns! These may potentially cause trauma to the mouth and to the paws.