Bringing flowers into your home can brighten any space and lift your mood. But if you have furry friends at home, you may wonder if specific blooms are safe for cats and dogs. While many flowers are harmless, some common varieties can cause irritation or toxicity if ingested by pets.

At Bloomen in Toronto, we want flowers to bring joy without worry. So, we've put together this guide to pet-safe floral options for cat and dog owners. We'll cover which flowers to avoid and the best non-toxic blooms to brighten your home without endangering your furry companions.

Toxic Flowers to Avoid Around Cats and Dogs

First, let's go over some common floral varieties that can be harmful for cats and dogs if eaten. These include:

• Lilies - All parts of lilies are extremely toxic to cats if ingested. Even small amounts can cause kidney failure.
• Tulips - The bulb of tulips contains toxins that can irritate the mouth and esophagus. Keep pets away from chewing on any bulbs.
• Daffodils - These cheerful spring blooms contain calcium oxalates and alkaloids that are poisonous to cats and dogs if ingested.
• Chrysanthemums - Both garden chrysanthemums and florist chrysanthemums can cause skin irritation, drooling, vomiting or diarrhea in pets.
• Azaleas - The entire azalea plant contains toxins that can cause vomiting, diarrhea and heart problems if eaten.

It's best to avoid having these flowers in your home altogether if you have curious pets. Place them out of paw's reach or opt for pet-friendly alternatives.

Safest Flower Options for Cats and Dogs

Luckily, many beautiful blooms are completely non-toxic for cats and dogs. Here are the top safest picks:

Roses

Classic rose bouquets are a safe bet for homes with pets. Roses do not contain any compounds toxic to dogs or cats. Just be sure to remove the thorns to avoid any skin punctures on curious noses and paws.

Sunflowers

These bright, cheery blooms are another safe option. The sunflower plant and flowers do not contain any toxic elements.

Orchids

While the ASPCA lists orchids as non-toxic to dogs and cats, they can sometimes cause minor stomach upset if ingested. It's best to be cautious and keep these out of reach from nibbling mouths.

Asters

Available in a range of bold colors, asters contain no toxins and are completely pet-friendly. They also last a long time in floral arrangements.

Snapdragons

The common snapdragon is non-toxic for dog and cat owners wanting an extra pop of color. As a hardy bloom, snapdragons can last up to five days in a vase.

Marigolds

With their festive color and scent, marigolds are a safe bouquet choice around pets. All parts of the plant are pet-friendly.

Lavender

The soothing scent of lavender is not only calming for humans but safe for dogs and cats as well. It's non-toxic if nibbled or brushed against.

Baby's Breath

Filler flowers like baby's breath are neutral options that pair well with any main bloom. Their wispy, airy texture is completely harmless to pets.

Carnations

Carnations are another neutral flower considered non-toxic for cats and dogs. Mini carnations can make a fun, budget-friendly bouquet.

Pet-Safe Flower Arrangements from Bloomen

At Bloomen, our flower arrangements are hand-crafted using only the freshest blooms. We avoid any flowers toxic to animals and proudly serve cat and dog owners. Our flowers are also eco-friendly, sustainably sourced and carefully handled to ensure longevity.