Pet-Friendly Flowers for Your Home: Safe Blooms for Your Furry Friends19 August 2025There’s nothing lovelier than a bunch of fresh flowers on the table, except perhaps your dog’s wagging tail or your cat’s soft purring nearby. But if you’ve got pets at home, picking flowers isn’t just about looks. It’s about safety, too Many popular flowers can be toxic to cats and dogs, causing anything from a mild stomach upset to something far more serious. So if you’re a pet owner who loves blooms, it pays to know what’s safe and what’s not. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the best pet-friendly flowers for UK homes and help you choose gorgeous, non-toxic arrangements that keep both your home and your pets happy. Ready to shop? Explore our latest floral collections or get in touch for help creating a pet-safe bouquet. Why Flower Safety Matters for Pet Owner What Makes a Flower Toxic to Pets? Top 10 Pet-Friendly Flowers for UK Homes Popular Flowers That Are Toxic to Pets Tips for Keeping Pets Away from Flowers Why Flower Safety Matters for Pet Owners We all know how curious pets can be. Cats love batting petals or chewing leaves, while dogs might try to eat anything that looks remotely edible. Unfortunately, some flowers can be dangerous, or even fatal to pets. Even small amounts of certain plants can lead to: Vomiting or diarrhoea Lethargy or drooling Kidney failure (especially in cats) Neurological issues That’s why it’s so important to choose non-toxic flowers if your furry friends are prone to exploring. What Makes a Flower Toxic to Pets? It varies by species, but toxic flowers often contain compounds like: Alkaloids (found in lilies and daffodils) Saponins (in tulips and hyacinths) Glycosides (in foxglove and oleander) Even the water in a vase of toxic flowers can become dangerous if your pet drinks it. The good news? There are plenty of safe, pet-friendly flowers to brighten your home without the worry. Top Pet-Friendly Flowers for UK Homes Looking to brighten your home without worrying about your furry friends? Here’s our guide to pet-safe flowers in the UK that are non-toxic to cats and dogs. These blooms will keep your living space stylish, safe, and full of colour. 1. Roses A timeless favourite, roses are both classic and pet-friendly. The petals are safe for cats and dogs, though it’s best to trim away or cover the thorns to prevent scratches. Available in countless colours, roses symbolise love, friendship, and joy. Best for: Romantic bouquets, anniversaries, and special occasions Pet tip: Choose thornless varieties or carefully de-thorn stems before arranging. 2. Gerbera Daisies Bright and cheerful, gerberas are completely safe for pets and bring instant happiness to any room. Their bold colours and large flower heads make them a focal point in modern arrangements. Best for: Everyday centrepieces and summer displays Care tip: Place in cool water and change it regularly to extend their life. 3. Orchids (Phalaenopsis & more) Exotic, elegant, and surprisingly low-maintenance, most orchids (especially Phalaenopsis) are non-toxic to cats and dogs. Their long-lasting blooms can brighten up a space for weeks. Best for: Minimalist homes for elegant indoor styling Pet tip: Keep pots stable on higher shelves to avoid curious paws knocking them over. 4. Sunflowers Nothing says summer like a sunflower. These golden giants are safe for both cats and dogs, adding warmth and rustic charm to kitchens and living rooms. Best for: Seasonal bouquets and rustic displays Care tip: Remove pollen-heavy heads once they fade to avoid messy yellow dust. 5. Snapdragons With their quirky dragon-shaped blooms, snapdragons are fun, vibrant, and safe for pets. They’re also great companion flowers, pairing beautifully with gerberas, asters, and freesias. Best for: Mixed garden-style bunches Care tip: Pinch off faded blooms to encourage more flowering. 6. Asters Delicate and charming, asters in shades of purple, pink, and white are non-toxic and give a soft meadow-like look to arrangements. They’re often associated with love, patience, and elegance. Best for: Casual bouquets for late-summer gifting Pet tip: Keep water fresh to prevent foliage from wilting too quickly. 7. Marigolds (Tagetes) Unlike calendula (which can be mildly irritating), Tagetes marigolds are safe for pets and bring vibrant yellows and oranges into play. They’re especially popular for autumnal styling. Best for: Seasonal borders, rustic pots, and autumn bouquets Care tip: Pair with sunflowers and asters for a true harvest feel. 8. Camellias Lush, layered petals make camellias a beautiful, pet-friendly choice. Their soft pinks, whites, and reds give a vintage, romantic feel, especially in winter months when other flowers are scarce. Best for: Winter styling and vintage-inspired bouquets Pet tip: Best displayed indoors in cool rooms away from direct heat. 9. Freesias Sweetly scented and elegant, freesias are safe for cats and dogs and perfect for thoughtful gifts. Their fragrance makes them a favourite for spring arrangements and wedding bouquets. Best for: Scented bouquets perfect for spring gifting Care tip: Arrange in clean, narrow vases to support their slender stems. 10. Waxflowers Often used as fillers in bouquets, waxflowers are safe for pets and add a lovely rustic texture to arrangements. With tiny blossoms and a surprisingly long vase life, they’re both practical and pretty. Best for: Wildflower-style arrangements for rustic displays Pet tip: Trim stems diagonally to help them absorb water better. If you’re searching for pet-safe flowers, these options are a safe bet for homes with cats or dogs. Always remember that while these blooms are considered non-toxic, curious pets may still experience mild stomach upset if they chew large quantities – so display arrangements out of reach when possible. Popular Flowers That Are Toxic to Pets While many beautiful blooms are safe, some of the most popular flowers in UK homes and gardens are toxic to cats and dogs. Even small amounts can cause harm – sometimes serious, even life-threatening. If you share your home with pets, it’s best to avoid the following: Lilies (all varieties) Lilies are the number one danger to cats. Just brushing against the pollen, drinking lily vase water, or nibbling a single petal can cause acute kidney failure. Dogs are less sensitive but can still suffer vomiting and diarrhoea if they ingest parts of the plant. Symptoms: Lethargy, loss of appetite, vomiting, kidney damage in cats Pet-safe swap: Roses or orchids for elegant displays Tulips Much-loved in spring bouquets, tulips contain glycosides that irritate pets’ mouths and stomachs. The highest concentration is in the bulb, but even flowers and leaves can trigger reactions. Symptoms: Drooling, vomiting, diarrhoea, loss of coordination Pet-safe swap: Gerbera daisies for cheerful, spring colours Daffodils (Narcissus) A symbol of spring, but sadly very toxic to cats and dogs. The bulbs are especially poisonous, but the flowers and leaves can also cause illness. Symptoms: Severe vomiting, drooling, abdominal pain, irregular heartbeat in severe cases Pet-safe swap: Sunflowers or freesias for a bright, sunny look Hyacinths These fragrant spring favourites can cause serious digestive issues for pets if chewed. Again, the bulbs are most dangerous, but all parts should be avoided. Symptoms: Intense drooling, vomiting, diarrhoea, tremors Pet-safe swap: Camellias or waxflowers for soft colour and fragrance Chrysanthemums A florist staple, chrysanthemums are mildly toxic but still best avoided. The flowers contain pyrethrins that can upset a pet’s stomach and make them drool excessively. Symptoms: Drooling, vomiting, diarrhoea, skin irritation Pet-safe swap: Asters or snapdragons for vibrant autumn hues Ivy (often used as filler) Ivy isn’t technically a flower, but it’s often tucked into bouquets and arrangements as greenery. Unfortunately, it’s toxic to both cats and dogs, causing skin irritation and stomach upset. Symptoms: Drooling, vomiting, diarrhoea, abdominal pain Pet-safe swap: Eucalyptus (used sparingly) or waxflower for safe filler greenery Even if your pet doesn’t normally chew on plants, accidents happen. Cats may brush against pollen or sip from vases, while curious puppies might nibble on leaves. If you suspect your pet has eaten a toxic flower, contact your vet immediately Tips for Keeping Pets Away from Flowers Even safe flowers can cause a mess if your dog knocks over a vase or your cat decides to bat petals at 3am. Here’s how to keep your arrangements safe and sound: Use pet-proof containers: Heavy-bottomed vases that won’t tip easily Display out of reach: High shelves or hanging arrangements are ideal Avoid strong scents: Cats are especially sensitive to fragrance Keep an eye on curious pets: Especially new additions to the household Use deterrents: A light mist of citrus spray (safe for plants) can discourage nibbling Remember, “safe” doesn’t mean edible, it’s still best to discourage chewing altogether. Key Takeaways for Pet-Friendly Flowers Many common flowers are toxic to pets, but there are plenty of non-toxic, pet-safe options too. Great pet-friendly flowers include: roses, gerbera daisies, orchids, sunflowers, snapdragons, asters, freesias and camellias. Always double-check varieties before adding new flowers to your home or garden. Avoid lilies, tulips, daffodils, and chrysanthemums, as they’re harmful to dogs and cats. Keep arrangements out of reach and monitor curious pets to avoid accidents. Frequently Asked Questions What flowers are safe for cats and dogs? Safe options include: Roses Gerbera daisies Orchids Sunflowers Snapdragons Asters Camellias Freesias Waxflowers These are non-toxic and unlikely to cause issues if your pet happens to get a little too curious. Are lilies safe for pets? No, lilies are highly toxic to cats and can cause kidney failure, even in small amounts. They’re also harmful to dogs. It’s best to avoid them completely if you have pets. Can I have fresh flowers with pets? Absolutely! You just need to choose flowers that are non-toxic and be mindful of where you place them. With the right selections and a few safety precautions, flowers and furry friends can co-exist happily. Fill Your Home with Pet-Friendly Flowers with Julie’s Flowers Your home should be a space where both you and your pets can thrive, and that includes your flower arrangements. With a bit of knowledge and careful planning, you can enjoy all the colour and joy of fresh blooms without putting your furry friends at risk. At Julie’s Flowers, we’re always happy to help you pick out beautiful, pet-friendly bouquets that make your home feel warm, welcoming and safe. Contact us for custom arrangements or allergy-aware recommendations. Send a thoughtful, animal-safe gift today with Julies Flowers, with same day delivery on orders placed before 2pm across Newcastle and Sunderland. Related Articles Flower Meanings: The Language of Flowers Which Flowers Symbolise Friendship? Best Flowers for a Vibrant Summer Garden