A Complete Guide to Pet-Safe Flowers

Creating a beautiful garden or home filled with flowers doesn’t mean compromising your pet’s safety. Many stunning blooms are completely safe for cats, dogs, and other household pets. This guide will help you choose flowers that let you enjoy both your garden and peace of mind.

Why Pet-Safe Flowers Matter

Pets are naturally curious and may nibble on plants out of boredom, digestive upset, or simple exploration. Many common flowers contain toxins that can cause symptoms ranging from mild stomach upset to serious organ damage. Choosing pet-safe varieties protects your furry friends while still allowing you to enjoy colorful blooms.

Beautiful and Safe Flower Options

Roses (Rosa species)

Safe for: Dogs, cats, rabbits, and other small pets

These classic beauties are completely non-toxic to pets. While the thorns can cause physical injury, the petals, leaves, and stems contain no harmful substances. Roses come in virtually every color and size, making them versatile for any garden or bouquet.

Sunflowers (Helianthus annuus)

Safe for: Dogs, cats, birds, and small mammals

These cheerful giants are entirely pet-safe. Sunflowers are easy to grow, attract pollinators, and their seeds (unsalted and unroasted) can even be a healthy treat for some pets. They make excellent cut flowers and add dramatic height to gardens.

Snapdragons (Antirrhinum majus)

Safe for: Dogs and cats

With their distinctive “dragon mouth” blooms, snapdragons offer vertical interest and come in nearly every color imaginable. They’re cool-season flowers that perform beautifully in spring and fall gardens.

Marigolds (Calendula officinalis)

Safe for: Dogs, cats, and rabbits

Note: Pot marigolds (Calendula) are safe, but common marigolds (Tagetes) can cause mild stomach upset. True calendula marigolds have edible petals used in herbal medicine and are completely safe around pets. They bloom prolifically and deter certain garden pests.

Zinnias (Zinnia elegans)

Safe for: Dogs and cats

These vibrant, easy-to-grow annuals produce abundant blooms in bold colors. Zinnias are excellent for cutting gardens and attract butterflies while posing no threat to curious pets.

Orchids (Orchidaceae family)

Safe for: Dogs, cats, and birds

Most orchid varieties are non-toxic, making these elegant houseplants perfect for pet owners. Phalaenopsis (moth orchids) are particularly popular and safe, with blooms lasting for months.

African Violets (Saintpaulia)

Safe for: Dogs and cats

These compact houseplants bloom reliably indoors with proper care. They come in purple, pink, white, and blue varieties and are ideal for tabletops and shelves where pets might investigate.

Gerbera Daisies (Gerbera jamesonii)

Safe for: Dogs and cats

With their large, colorful blooms resembling cheerful faces, gerbera daisies are perfect for containers or as indoor cut flowers. They’re completely non-toxic and come in vibrant oranges, pinks, reds, and yellows.

Petunias (Petunia × atkinsiana)

Safe for: Dogs and cats

These prolific bloomers are staples in hanging baskets and containers. Petunias flower continuously throughout summer and are entirely safe for pets.

Asters (Aster species)

Safe for: Dogs and cats

These daisy-like flowers bloom in late summer and fall when many other plants are fading. Asters attract butterflies and add purple, pink, or white blooms to your pet-safe garden.

Celosia (Celosia argentea)

Safe for: Dogs, cats, and birds

With their unique plume or cockscomb-shaped flowers, celosias add unusual texture. They come in brilliant reds, oranges, yellows, and pinks and thrive in heat.

Impatiens (Impatiens walleriana)

Safe for: Dogs and cats

Perfect for shady areas, impatiens bloom continuously and require minimal care. They’re ideal for areas where pets like to rest in the shade.

Creating a Pet-Safe Garden

Choose the right location: Plant flowers in areas your pets frequent using only safe varieties. Save any questionable plants for secured areas pets cannot access.

Provide alternatives: Give pets their own patch of cat grass or safe herbs to satisfy their desire to nibble on greenery.

Supervise outdoor time: Even with safe plants, supervise pets to ensure they’re not consuming large quantities of any plant material, which could cause stomach upset.

Use organic practices: Avoid pesticides, herbicides, and fertilizers that could harm pets even on safe plants.

Flowers to Avoid

While this guide focuses on safe options, be aware that these common flowers are toxic to pets:

• Lilies (extremely toxic to cats, even in small amounts)
• Tulips and daffodils (bulbs are most toxic)
• Azaleas and rhododendrons
• Oleander
• Sago palms
• Autumn crocus
• Chrysanthemums
• Dieffenbachia
• Hyacinths
• Amaryllis

When to Seek Veterinary Care

Even with pet-safe flowers, monitor your pets for unusual behavior. Contact your veterinarian if you notice:

• Excessive drooling or pawing at the mouth
• Vomiting or diarrhea
• Lethargy or weakness
• Loss of appetite
• Difficulty breathing

Keep your veterinarian’s number and the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (888-426-4435) easily accessible.

You don’t have to sacrifice beauty for safety. Countless gorgeous flowers pose no threat to your pets, allowing you to create stunning gardens and floral arrangements with confidence. By choosing pet-safe varieties and practicing basic precautions, both your flowers and your furry friends can flourish together.