Flower Guides—5 min read—20 March 2026

Pet-Friendly Flowers: Safe Choices for Every Home

Many popular flowers are toxic to cats and dogs. Before you order your next bouquet, here's what to avoid — and what's perfectly safe to send.

Bright sunflowers and cheerful daisies — both safe for households with pets

Almost half of UK households have a pet. Yet most people ordering flowers have no idea that some of the most popular varieties — lilies, tulips, daffodils — can cause serious harm to cats and dogs. This isn't a reason to stop sending flowers. It's a reason to know what you're sending.

Flowers to avoid in pet households

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Lilies (all varieties)

Extremely toxic to cats. Even small amounts — including pollen — can cause kidney failure. Never send lilies to a home with cats. This is not overstated.

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Tulips

The bulb is the most toxic part, but all parts of the plant can cause vomiting and lethargy in dogs and cats. Better to avoid in households with pets who chew plants.

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Daffodils & Narcissi

All parts are toxic, causing gastrointestinal distress in both cats and dogs. The bulbs are especially dangerous.

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Hyacinths

Can cause vomiting, diarrhoea, and lethargy. The bulbs contain the highest concentration of toxins.

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Foxglove

Contains digitalis — highly toxic to both pets and humans. Rarely found in commercial bouquets, but worth being aware of.

Flowers that are safe

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Roses

Non-toxic to cats and dogs (though the thorns are an obvious physical hazard). Roses are the safest choice for a romantic or celebratory bouquet in a pet home.

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Sunflowers

Completely safe for both cats and dogs. The ideal cheerful, pet-safe bouquet anchor.

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Gerbera Daisies

Non-toxic and available in a wide range of colours. A great alternative to lilies in any arrangement.

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Snapdragons

Safe for cats and dogs, and add wonderful vertical structure to a mixed arrangement.

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Orchids

Phalaenopsis orchids — the most common variety — are non-toxic to cats and dogs. An elegant, long-lasting safe choice.

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Freesias

Non-toxic and delicately scented. One of the safest options for a fragrant arrangement in a pet household.

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Lisianthus

Safe for pets and a beautiful alternative to roses or peonies. Long-lasting and available in soft purples, pinks, and whites.

What to do if your pet ingests flowers

If you suspect your pet has eaten any part of a flower arrangement, contact your vet immediately — or call the Animal Poison Line on 01202 509000 (UK). Don't wait for symptoms, especially with lilies and cats. Act first, then observe.

Ordering flowers for a pet household

Always mention pets when ordering from a florist — most will happily substitute
Ask specifically about lilies: they're often used as filler and may not be obvious
When in doubt, a rose-only or sunflower bouquet is always safe
For cat households, avoid the entire lily family — this includes peace lilies and calla lilies
Keep all flower water away from pets — it can become toxic as flowers deteriorate

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