In short: roses, sunflowers, gerberas, moth orchids, alstroemeria, snapdragons, celosia and China asters are all non-toxic to cats, according to the ASPCA plant list. So are basil, coriander, dill, sage, thyme and rosemary. Lavender, mint, German chamomile, parsley and lovage are not.
Curiosity can get a cat into trouble, especially when there are lily bouquets in the house. All true lilies are dangerous to cats (see our post on why lilies can be deadly to your cat), and callas are risky too. What fewer people know is which flowers and herbs are safe, and that’s what this post covers.
This guide is about cats, cut flowers and the herbs you might grow at home. For a list that covers dogs as well, see our 15 pet-safe flowers for cats and dogs.
Cat-Friendly Flowers
Here are 8 of the best cat-safe flowers to include in your next bouquet. All are listed as non-toxic to cats by the ASPCA.
China asters
This delicate, daisy-like flower comes in purples, pinks and whites. A hardy autumn-flowering bloom, the China aster is a good alternative to chrysanthemums, which are toxic to cats.
Celosia
These bright, feathery flowers are named after the Greek word for “burned” because they look like flames. They come in reds, oranges, yellows and scarlet.
Snapdragons
These colourful flowers make excellent cut flowers and come in a wide range of colours. They once grew wild around the Mediterranean, and the soft flowers open like a dragon’s mouth when you gently squeeze them.
Gerberas
Gerberas look like large daisies and belong to the same family as sunflowers. They are a hugely popular cut flower and come in nearly every colour of the rainbow.
Moth orchids (Phalaenopsis)
The moth orchid comes in many colours and patterns. It is just as striking as a potted plant as it is nestled in a bouquet. Browse our orchids.
Roses
Roses are not toxic to cats, but some plants with “rose” in their name are, such as the Christmas rose, desert rose and moss rose. Roses also have thorns, so a cat that likes to chew stems may get a scratch or an upset tummy.
Alstroemeria (Peruvian lily)
Alstroemeria may look like a lily, but it isn’t a true lily, and the ASPCA lists it as non-toxic to cats. It has brightly coloured streaks on its petals and can last up to two weeks in a vase.
Sunflowers
If you’re looking for a cheerful arrangement, nothing beats a sunflower bouquet. A single sunflower head can hold up to 2,000 seeds.
We’ve made it easy: our pet-friendly flowers range includes bouquets like the Paw-Friendly Blossom Box and Cat’s Meow, made only with pet-safe flowers.
Cat-Safe Herbs
If you’d rather grow herbs than flowers, these kitchen herbs are listed as non-toxic to cats by the ASPCA:
Basil: a staple in any kitchen and one of the most versatile herbs there is.
Coriander (cilantro): used in many Indian, Thai and Mexican dishes. Love it or hate it, it works wonders with meat and seafood.
Dill: feathery and mild, it goes with everything from eggs and cheese to vegetables and fish.
Sage: a common cooking herb that can be used dried or fresh.
Thyme: great with chicken and common in Italian and French cooking.
Rosemary: very fragrant, and good in marinades, oils and roasts.
Catnip is the favourite herb of cats around the world, and a little is fine. The ASPCA does list it as toxic to cats in large amounts, when it can cause vomiting and diarrhoea, so offer it sparingly.
Herbs and Flowers to Keep Away From Cats
Several herbs often described as “cat-safe” are actually listed as toxic to cats by the ASPCA. Keep these out of reach:
Lavender
Mint (including garden mints)
German chamomile
Parsley
Lovage
Common cut flowers to avoid in a home with cats include all true lilies and daylilies (the most dangerous), chrysanthemums, carnations and hydrangeas, which are all toxic to cats according to the ASPCA. If you’re sending flowers to a cat owner, choose a pet-friendly bouquet or ask the florist to leave lilies out.
Tips for keeping any bouquet cat-safe
Check every stem: one lily in a mixed bouquet is enough to make it unsafe.
Place flowers somewhere your cat can’t reach or knock over, such as a closed room or a high shelf it can’t jump to.
Change the vase water often and keep the vase covered, because cats love to drink from vases.
Pick up fallen petals, leaves and pollen straight away.
Offer a pot of cat grass or catnip so your cat has something safe to nibble.
What to Do If Your Cat Eats a Plant
Take the plant, or a photo of it, and call your vet. If you think your pet has eaten a toxic plant, call your vet or the Animal Poisons Helpline (1300 869 738) straight away. With lilies, don’t wait for symptoms: treat it as an emergency.
Looking for more ideas? See our pet-friendly gifts for every occasion, and our guide on how to support someone who has lost a pet.
Shop our pet-friendly flowers, with same-day delivery when you order before the daily cut-off.