Curious Paws, Happy Petals: Choosing Flowers for Homes with Pets
- Catherine O'Sullivan
- 5 days ago
- 6 min read
Flowers bring joy, colour and fragrance but for pet parents not all blooms are created equal. At The Curious Rabbit Flower Shop, we’ve rounded up a list of pet-friendly flowers as well as a list of blooms to avoid, so you can fill your home or a loved ones with beautiful fresh flowers without worrying about curious paws and noses.
Pet-Safety Tip
The flowers in this list are generally considered safe for pets, but the list is not exhaustive.
Every pet is unique, some may have individual allergies or sensitivities.
Even “safe” blooms can cause a tummy upset if nibbled too much.
Other things to consider: floral dyes, flowers treated with pesticides or herbicides and flower food (that sometimes comes with the bouquet).
Keeping flowers out of reach of curious paws and noses is always the best option.
Be aware, fallen petals, leaves & stems can still be toxic if eaten, clean up fallen plant material regularly.
Watch your pets around new bouquets, they’re naturally curious!
If anything seems off, or you’re unsure, give your veterinarian a call.
Pet Friendly Flowers for Homes & Gifting
Roses
Timeless and elegant, roses come in every colour of the rainbow, bringing a touch of classic beauty to any room. They’re one of the most pet-friendly blooms, so you can enjoy their fragrance and grace without worry. Simply remove the thorns to keep curious paws safe and let these lovely blooms enchant your space.
Sunflowers
Known as “happy flowers,” sunflowers bring sunshine wherever they bloom. Bright, cheerful, and full of personality, they make the perfect gift for any occasion and the best part is they’re safe for both dogs and cats. Their towering, golden faces are sure to lift spirits without any worry for your curious companions.
Gerberas
Gerberas are bright, cheerful bursts of colour that instantly lift any space and are gentle for pets. Perfect for any occasion, these happy blooms are easy to love but don't confuse them with other daisy varieties that are not pet safe! Their delicate, pretty petals can be tempting for curious paws, so it's best to keep them out of reach while still enjoying their playful charm.
Orchids
Orchids are elegant, exotic, and perfectly safe for pets, making them a graceful addition to any home. Available as stunning potted plants or cut blooms, they can happily share your space with curious cats and dogs. Just a small note of caution, orchids that have been dyed blue are not pet-friendly, so it’s best to admire those from a distance. As with all flowers, keeping orchids out of reach of your pets ensures both beauty and safety.
Lisianthus
Lisianthus blooms are delicate, soft, and beautifully shaped, perfect for showing someone special how much you care. They’re also pet-friendly, making them a thoughtful choice for homes with furry companions. Because of their gentle petals, it’s best to keep them out of reach, so both your loved ones and your pets can enjoy their beauty safely.
Snapdragons
Snapdragons are a delightful addition to any bouquet, with their unique, playful shapes and vibrant colours. Pet-friendly and full of personality, they’re perfect for brightening your home or gifting to someone special for any occasion. Their quirky charm adds a touch of whimsy wherever they bloom.
Stock
Stock flowers are fragrant, full, and soft, carrying a message of deep affection, love, and devotion, making them a perfect choice for gifting. Pet-friendly and charming, they add both elegance and warmth to any bouquet, bringing joy to both your home and your furry companions.
Wax Flower
Wax flowers are tiny bursts of charm, often used to fill out bouquets with their delicate sprays and subtle fragrance. Generally considered non-toxic to dogs and cats, they’re a pet-friendly choice that adds texture and a soft, whimsical touch to any arrangement.
Magnolia
Magnolias are known for their large, showy blooms and timeless beauty. While their flowers and foliage are considered safe for dogs and cats, they bring elegance and a gentle charm to any home, making them a lovely, pet-friendly addition to your décor or bouquet.
FLOWERS TO KEEP OUT OF PAW'S REACH
While flowers bring beauty and joy to our homes, not all blooms are safe for pets. Some of our favourites can be harmful if nibbled on by curious cats or dogs. This list highlights the flowers that are best avoided, helping you keep your home colourful and fragrant without putting your furry friends at risk.
Please note, this list is not exhaustive, and every pet is unique. For further information or if you have any concerns about your pet, it’s always best to contact your veterinarian.
Lilies – Handle With Care!
Lilies are stunning to look at, but they’re one of the most toxic flowers for pets, especially cats. Every part of the plant, including the flowers, seeds, and sap, can be harmful if ingested. While they may be beautiful, it’s safest to avoid them entirely in homes with curious furry friends.
Poppies – Keep Out of Paw’s Reach
Poppies are delicate and striking, but all parts of these blooms are toxic to animals. While they may look lovely in gardens or bouquets, it’s safest to avoid them entirely in homes with curious furry friends.
Carnations – Beautiful but Risky
Carnations are a popular favourite, with ruffled petals and charming fragrance, but they aren’t the best choice for homes with pets. Certain varieties can be toxic if ingested, so it’s safer to opt for pet-friendly alternatives.
Chrysanthemums (Mums) – Keep Curious Paws Away
Chrysanthemums, often called mums, are cheerful and full of charm but they’re highly toxic to pets. While they brighten gardens and bouquets, it’s safest to avoid these flowers when pets are in the house.
Daffodils – Beautiful but Hazardous
Daffodils are bright, cheerful, and gorgeous, but unfortunately, they’re toxic to animals. While they bring springtime cheer, it’s safest to admire these blooms from afar and choose a pet-friendly alternative for your home or garden.
Other Favorites to Avoid.
Other favourites that are considered toxic and not pet-friendly include but are not limited to:
Hyacinths
Irises
Dahlias
Hydrangeas
Tulips
Peonies
Lavender
Azaleas
Many Australian natives, including eucalyptus, flannel flowers, wattle, and kangaroo paws
While these flowers may be beautiful, it’s safest to admire them from a distance and choose pet-safe alternatives for your home or garden.
Spotting the Signs: Is Your Pet Feeling Off?
Even the most careful pet parents can’t watch their furry friends every second. If your pet gets curious about a plant or flower, it’s important to know what to watch for. Here are some common signs of poisoning:
Vomiting or diarrhea – a sudden upset stomach can be a warning sign.
Excessive drooling – more than the usual happy-lap slobber.
Loss of appetite – refusing food or treats they normally love.
Lethargy or weakness – unusual tiredness or reluctance to move.
Tremors or seizures – shaking, twitching, or uncontrolled movements.
Difficulty breathing – rapid or laboured breathing.
Changes in behaviour – unusual hiding, agitation, or confusion.
Friendly Reminder: If you notice any of these signs or suspect your pet has ingested a toxic plant, contact your veterinarian immediately. Quick action can make all the difference.
Friendly Blooms – Pet-Safe Bouquets
At The Curious Rabbit Flower Shop, we understand that pets are part of the family. That’s why we offer a special pet-friendly bouquet option called Friendly Blooms. But that’s not all, all of our bouquets and vase arrangements can be adapted to be pet-safe.
Just give us a call, and we’ll help you choose a beautiful arrangement that’s safe for your furry friends, so you can enjoy flowers without any worry. Because everyone deserves a home full of blooms and a home where pets are safe and happy.
To order your pet friendly flowers or explore our range of flowers that can be adapted, head on over to our shop to order.
A Gentle Reminder
This blog is for informational purposes only and is not veterinary advice. Every pet is unique, so for the most up-to-date guidance on which flowers are safe for your furry friends, always contact your veterinarian.
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