15 Flowers That Are Safe for Cats (Non-Toxic & -Poisonous)

Cats are naturally curious creatures and love to explore their environment. To ensure pet safety, you must be very selective when choosing decorative items to place in the house or gifting flowers to a cat owner. I understand that the struggle of wanting to surround yourself with beautiful blooms while ensuring your feline friend’s safety is real.

When designing a bouquet for your friend or a family member who is a cat parent, you must select only cat-friendly flowers. This article shares a list of 15 stunning flower plants that are both cat-friendly and add a touch of charm to your home or bouquet. Whether you’re looking to add a splash of color to your indoor spaces or enhance your outdoor garden, these cat-friendly flowers will allow you to enjoy a lush, blooming environment without any worries.

Wait, before we jump to the list let’s explore how some plants pose serious health threats to cats. Understanding the reasons and symptoms behind the hazards of certain plants for cats is crucial for ensuring their care and safety.

Understanding Plant Safety for Cats

Why plant safety is even important for cats? It is natural for cats to be curious, and their explorations often lead them to nibble on plants. While this might seem harmless, many common household and garden plants and flowers can be toxic to cats, resulting in severe health issues or even fatal consequences. Knowing which plants or flowers are safe helps prevent poisoning, ensures the well-being of your pets, and provides peace of mind.

Flowers often have strong scents that can be appealing to cats. Some flowers might also have a taste that cats find intriguing, driving them to lick. Not all flowers are safe for cats. To ensure furry friends remain safe from harm, you must keep yourself informed. Some flowers can cause mild stomach upset in cats, and some can even be fatal. Symptoms of plant poisoning in cats include:

• Diarrhea
• Vomiting
• Loss of appetite
• Lethargy

You should contact your veterinarian immediately if you find your cat unwell after licking or swallowing a flower or other plant material.

What Flowers Are Safe for Cats: 15 Cat-Safe Flowers

Creating a pet-friendly environment doesn’t mean you have to compromise on beauty or variety. By making informed choices, you can create a beautiful, vibrant environment that’s also a sanctuary for your beloved cats. Being a pet lover and a passionate gardener, I will help you select blooms that are safe for your curious feline friends, whether you plan to place them in your home or give them as gifts. Here is a list of 15 popular cat-friendly flowers for you:

#1 Daisies

Daisies, with their classic charm and pleasant appearance, are a beloved choice for gardens and floral arrangements. Good news for pet owners: daisies, including varieties like Shasta Daisies and Gerbera Daisies, are generally considered non-toxic to cats and other pets. Daisies may wilt or develop yellowing leaves if they are overwatered. Provide daisies with 1 to 2 inches of water at the plant’s base per week during the growing season and reduce watering to every other week in the winter.

#2 Orchids

Orchids are safe for cats and other pets. Their elegant and exotic blooms make them a wonderful addition to your home decor, allowing you to enjoy their beauty without worrying about your cat’s safety. The right balance of light, water, and humidity is key to growing orchid orchids. Orchids grow best in bright, indirect light, so place them near an east or west-facing window where they can receive plenty of filtered sunlight.

#3 Bird’s Nest Ferns

Bird’s Nest Ferns are an excellent choice for households with pets or children. Non-toxic to cats, dogs, and humans, these lush, attractive ferns can thrive indoors, adding a touch of greenery without any safety concerns. It is important to maintain consistent moisture levels while avoiding overwatering when planting Bird’s Nest Ferns. These ferns thrive in humid environments, so misting them regularly or placing them on a pebble tray filled with water can help create the humidity they prefer.

#4 Sunflowers

Sunflower sunflowers are safe for cats and other pets. Their bright, cheerful blooms will add a touch of sunshine to your home without posing any risk to your feline friends. If you want a more colorful option for bouquets, consider cosmos. These belong to the same family as Sunflowers. Their big and impressive blooms are a wonderful addition to any floral arrangement. They are also safe for pets, allowing you to appreciate your flowers without a trouble.

#5 Freesias

Non-toxic to cats, these fragrant blooms are perfect for bouquets and arrangements. A great choice when gifting flowers to cat and pet owners. Freesias are prized for their graceful, trumpet-shaped blooms and sweet, citrus-like fragrances that can brighten up any garden or indoor space. Freesias thrive in full sun to partial shade, so choose a location in your garden that receives at least six hours of sunlight daily. Additionally, make sure the soil is well drained to prevent waterlogging, as Freesias prefers slightly dry conditions when they are dormant.

#6 Snapdragons

Safe for cats, these colorful flowers are a great addition to your garden or floral displays. Known for their vibrant colors and unique, dragon-shaped blooms, these flowers are non-toxic to cats, making them a safe and attractive choice for pet owners. Snapdragons are visually appealing and relatively easy to grow, thriving in garden beds and containers. Snapdragons do the best in fertile, well-draining soil located in a sunny spot, although they can also tolerate partial shade too.

#7 African Violet

Safe for cats and other pets, these vibrant flowers are a great choice for indoor gardening. They have thick, dark leaves and beautiful violet blooms. African violets are also low maintenance and bloom throughout the year in addition to being non-toxic to cats. Ideally, African violets need 10+ hours of bright, filtered light per day. Don’t expose them to direct sunlight; they will scorch. Instead of watering from the top, which can lead to water on the leaves and potentially cause rot, place the pot in a shallow dish of water and allow the soil to soak up moisture from the bottom.

#8 Lisianthus

Lisianthus, also known as Eustoma, is a stunning flower that is safe for cats, making it a wonderful addition to pet-friendly homes and bouquets. These elegant blooms are known for their rose-like appearance and come in multiple colors, including white, pink, purple, and blue. Lisianthus flowers are non-toxic to cats, dogs, and other pets, allowing you to enjoy their beauty without any safety concerns. Lisianthus plant blooms for an extended period and can withstand heat and drought, although it does not survive in humid conditions. Lisianthus grows best in full sun to partial shade and requires well-drained, neutral to alkaline soil.

#9 Bromeliad

These exotic plants feature vibrant, colorful flowers and a variety of leaf shapes and patterns, making them an eye-catching addition to any space. Safe for cats bromeliads allow pet owners to enjoy their unique beauty without worrying about potential hazards. Easy to care for and adaptable to different environments, bromeliads thrive with minimal maintenance, making them an ideal choice. Bromeliads need ample air flow, so I recommend placing them in an area with windows and indirect sunlight.

#10 Christmas Cactus

Christmas Cactus is safe for cats and pets. Unlike many other holiday plants, Christmas Cactus is non-toxic to cats, dogs, and other pets, making it a pet-safe flower for festive decorating. Its bright, tubular flowers and ease of maintenance make it a popular choice for homes with animals. Even though these plants are cat friendly, still it’s always better to discourage pets from chewing on any plant. During the blooming period, ensure that the soil remains consistently moist and regularly mist the plant. For optimal lighting, position the cactus in an east-facing window to receive moderate light and some direct sunlight.

#11 Spider Plant

Spider Plant (Chlorophytum comosum) is not only a popular choice for its air-purifying qualities but also for its safety around cats. This resilient and attractive houseplant features long, arching leaves that resemble spider legs, hence its name. You can hang them from a hanging basket or keep them indoors. Not only are Spider Plants safe for cats, but they’re also relatively low-maintenance and easy to care for. They thrive in a variety of light conditions, from bright indirect light to low light, and require moderate watering.

#12 Gerbera Daisy

These cheerful blooms, known for their bright and diverse colors, are non-toxic to cats, making them a perfect addition to pet-friendly bouquets or home decor. Whether planted in garden beds or used as decorative indoor plants, Gerbera Daisies add color and joy without posing any risk to your curious cats. Plant Gerbera daisies in soil that contains sufficient organic matter and is slightly acidic. After planting, water the Gerbera daisies consistently. Well-grown plants need approximately 1 inch of water per week, with additional watering during hot, dry conditions.

#13 Gloxinia

Gloxinia, with its lush, velvety blooms and striking colors, is a beautiful and cat-safe choice for your home or garden. These non-toxic flowers are safe for cats, dogs, and other pets, allowing you to cherish their vibrant beauty without worry. Gloxinias thrive in temperatures ranging from 65 to 75 degrees Fahrenheit. Keep the potting soil consistently moist. With proper care, these plants can produce blooms for multiple weeks.

#14 Parlor Palm

The parlor palm (Chamaedorea elegans) is a favored selection among pet owners due to its impressive height and pet-friendly nature. Similarly, the Kentia palm, which can grow as tall as 40 feet, is also a suitable choice for those looking for a lofty plant that is safe for pets as well. Parlor palms grow well in bright, indirect light but can also tolerate some shade. It’s important to avoid direct sunlight as it can cause the leaves to scorch, and keep the plant away from draughts. Maintaining a warm room, ideally around 18°-24°C, with a minimum of 10°C, is essential for the optimal growth of parlor palms.

#15 Roses

These traditional blooms are beautiful and also non-toxic to cats. They can be grown or displayed in homes and gardens without posing a risk to feline friends. While consuming rose plants may lead to upset tummy, and the thorns can cause skin irritation, they are generally safe for cats. Train pets to avoid chewing on any plant is always the best approach. Remember to provide plenty of sunlight to your roses, as they thrive on direct sunlight. It’s also important to avoid intense competition from other plants by ensuring that your roses are not too close to other plants, as this can lead to competition for moisture and sunlight.

Plants and Flowers to Avoid as a Cat Parent

Many varieties of plants can be dangerous and unsafe for pets. As a cat parent, it’s essential to be aware of plants and flowers that are not feline-friendly. When cats eat non-cat-friendly plants or chew on plant material from cut flowers, it can lead to a range of health issues. Even ingesting a small amount can cause mild stomach upset, including vomiting and diarrhea.

In more severe cases, toxic plants can lead to more serious health complications requiring immediate veterinary attention. To save you from the trouble here I’ve listed some toxic and poisonous flowers for cats – which you should avoid at all costs as a cat owner. It’s best not to have them at home or keep them out of reach for your cat.

Toxic Plants and Flowers for Cats

1. Lilies: All varieties from the lily family are extremely toxic, even a small amount can cause lily toxicity and kidney failure in cats.
2. Tulips: Bulbs are particularly toxic and can cause severe stomach upset, drooling, and loss of appetite.
3. Daffodils: Whole daffodil plant material is toxic, and can lead to vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, and even heart problems.
4. Sago Palm: All plant parts are toxic, particularly the seeds, leading to vomiting, diarrhea, liver failure, and potentially death.
5. Foxglove: It is highly toxic to cats, as well as to dogs and humans. Ingesting any part of the Foxglove plant can lead to severe symptoms, including vomiting, diarrhea, drooling, and heart arrhythmias. It contains cardiac glycosides that can cause heart failure and death.
6. Aloe Vera: contains saponins and anthraquinones, which are toxic to cats if ingested. Symptoms of Aloe Vera poisoning in cats can include vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy, and changes in urine color.
7. English Ivy: It contains toxins such as saponins and polyacetylene compounds, which can cause severe reactions if ingested by cats. Symptoms of English Ivy poisoning in cats include vomiting, abdominal pain, drooling, and diarrhea.
8. Oleander: All parts of the oleander plant are highly toxic to cats and can cause severe digestive and cardiac issues.
9. Azaleas and Rhododendrons: These flowering plants contain toxins that can cause vomiting, diarrhea, and in severe cases, coma and death in cats.

Choose cat-friendly plants recommended in this blog to prioritize the safety and well-being of your beloved feline companions. Steer clear of toxic or poisonous plants to ensure the health of your cats and other pets. With many non-toxic flower options available, you can effortlessly beautify your home or gift a cat-friendly bouquet without any worries. To further enhance the aesthetics of your garden while keeping it free from unwanted pests, explore my blog post on “12 Wasp & Yellow Jacket Repellent Plants To Grow” for valuable tips and insights.

Tips for Cat-Safe Flowers and Houseplants

When selecting flowers and houseplants for your home as a cat owner, it’s important to prioritize the safety of your feline companion. Here are some tips for choosing cat-safe flowers and houseplants:

• Before bringing new flowers or houseplants into your home, research which ones are safe for cats. Look for non-toxic and non-poisonous options to ensure your cat’s well-being.
• If you have plants that could be harmful to your cats, make sure to place them in areas that are inaccessible to your pets. Consider hanging plants or placing them on high shelves or in a room your cat can’t access unsupervised.
• To satisfy your cat’s curiosity and chewing needs, offer safe alternatives such as cat grass or catnip.
• If you notice any signs of curiosity or attempts to nibble on leaves, relocate the plants to a safer spot. It’s crucial to monitor your cats’ behavior around plants and seek veterinary advice if you notice any signs of poisoning.

Always keep an eye on your cat around plants and flowers to prevent ingestion, even when you have only non-toxic flowers for cats. Because if ingested in large amounts even some feline-friendly flowers can cause health issues.

Frequently Asked Questions

What to Do if Your Cat Eats a Toxic Plant?

If your cat eats a toxic plant, it’s crucial to act quickly and effectively to ensure their safety. First, safely remove your cat from the vicinity of the plant to prevent further ingestion, and identify the plant involved. Observe your cat for any immediate symptoms such as vomiting, diarrhea, drooling, difficulty breathing, lethargy, or seizures. Immediately contact your veterinarian and inform them about the situation. Do not attempt to induce vomiting or give your cat any home remedies unless specifically instructed by a veterinarian.

Where Can I Get Popular Cat-Friendly Flowers?

Cat-friendly flowers are easier to find now than ever, with plenty of options available in-store and online. Major retailers like Home Depot and Lowe’s offer a wide range of plants, including many that are safe for pets. Look for labels indicating pet safety or ask knowledgeable staff for recommendations. Local independent nurseries can also be a great resource, often providing personalized advice on the best cat-safe plants. Online retailers such as Amazon, Etsy, The Sill, and Bloomscape offer extensive selections of pet-friendly plants.

Is Fresh-Cut Flower Food Harmful to Cats?

Fresh-cut flower food, often included with bouquets, can be harmful to cats. These flower food packets typically contain a mix of sugars, citric acid, and bleach or other antibacterial agents to keep the flowers fresh. While the sugar and citric acid might not be particularly harmful, the bleach and other preservatives can be toxic if ingested by cats. Therefore, if you have cats, it’s best to avoid using the flower food packets altogether use alternative techniques to keep flowers fresh.

What Herbs Are Toxic and Safe for Cats?

Toxic herbs for cats include garlic, chives, and oregano, which can cause gastrointestinal upset and more severe issues like red blood cell damage. Marijuana is also highly toxic, leading to symptoms like vomiting, lethargy, and coordination problems. Conversely, safe herbs for cats include catnip, parsley, basil, and thyme, which are non-toxic and can offer various health benefits.

Can Cats Be Around Cut Flowers Safely?

When cutting flowers, it’s essential to be cautious and mindful of the types of flowers you bring into your home. Some flowers can be toxic to cats, so it’s important to choose cat-friendly blooms when displaying cut flowers in your home. Opt for non-toxic flowers such as roses, sunflowers, and snapdragons, and ensure that the arrangements are placed in areas where your cat cannot access them to prevent any potential issues.

Conclusion

In conclusion, you can cultivate a secure and delightful environment for your beloved feline companions by opting for cat-safe flowers and plants. The 15 stunning flowers highlighted in this guide not only add charm to your home and garden but also ensure the safety of your curious cats. With careful selection and placement of non-toxic and non-poisonous blooms, you can create a lush and pet-friendly space that both you and your cat will love.

To keep your cat safe, always prioritize their safety and well-being by choosing pet-safe flowers and plants. Stay informed about the potential risks associated with toxic flowers and take necessary precautions to prevent any mishaps. I hope you found this blog post helpful. I’d love to hear how you’ve created a pet-friendly garden or home with beautiful, non-toxic flowers. Share your experiences to help others keep their furry friends safe.