Pet-Friendly Flowers: Beautiful Bouquets That Are Safer for Cats and Dogs
If you share your home with a curious cat or a nosey dog, you already know: nothing is off-limits. Countertops, coffee tables, window sills—if there’s something new there, a paw or a whiskered face is going to investigate.
That’s adorable… until you remember that many popular flowers are toxic to pets.
The good news? You don’t have to choose between a gorgeous bouquet and your pet’s safety. With the right knowledge—and a florist who takes pet safety seriously—you can send or display flowers that are both beautiful and thoughtfully designed for homes with cats and dogs.
At Kremp Florist, we’ve created a dedicated option just for this: our Pet Friendly Flower Bouquet, designed with blooms that are widely regarded as non-toxic to cats and dogs when ingested in small amounts. We’ll walk you through the logic behind it, plus how to choose safer stems, what to avoid, and how to display any bouquet more safely around pets.
Important note: No flower or plant can ever be considered 100% “risk-free.” Even non-toxic plants can cause stomach upset if chewed or eaten in quantity. When in doubt, always check the ASPCA toxic and non-toxic plant lists and contact your veterinarian or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center for emergencies.
Why Pet-Safe Flowers Matter
Many pet parents are surprised to learn that some of the most common bouquet flowers—especially lilies and spring bulbs—can cause serious, even life-threatening reactions in cats and dogs. True lilies (Lilium and Hemerocallis species) are especially dangerous for cats; even a small amount of pollen or water from the vase can cause acute kidney failure.
Other favorites, like tulips, daffodils, hyacinths, azaleas, and hydrangeas, are also on toxic lists for pets and can cause vomiting, lethargy, or worse if eaten.
Yet, flowers remain one of the most popular gifts for:
Birthdays
Get well occasions
Sympathy and memorials
Holidays and anniversaries
If you’re sending flowers to a pet parent, it’s thoughtful—and increasingly expected—to choose a bouquet that avoids the most problematic plants.
That’s where pet-friendly arrangements come in: designs created with blooms that are widely recognized as non-toxic to cats and dogs, based on reputable sources like the ASPCA and veterinary guidance.
What “Pet-Friendly” Really Means (And What It Doesn’t)
“Pet-friendly” doesn’t mean “my cat can eat the entire bouquet like a salad bar.”
What it does mean:
The flowers and greenery used are not known to be highly toxic to cats and dogs.
If a pet does sneak a nibble, the risk of severe poisoning is much lower than if the bouquet contained lilies, toxic bulbs, or other high-risk plants.
The arrangement is designed with pet households in mind, avoiding common dangerous species.
What it doesn’t guarantee:
That your pet won’t get a mild stomach upset from chewing plant material.
That every single variety is listed as non-toxic on every database (there can be minor disagreements between sources).
That you can ignore good placement—bouquets should still be kept out of easy reach.
Think of “pet-friendly” as harm-reduction for floral gifting: smarter flower choices, less risk, more peace of mind.
Top Pet-Friendly Flowers for Arrangements
There are many flowers that:
Look fantastic in bouquets
Offer good vase life
Are widely regarded as non-toxic to cats and dogs
Here are some of the MVPs you’ll see in pet-friendly designs like our Pet Friendly Flower Bouquet
1. Roses
Classic, romantic, and versatile.
Why we love them: Available in virtually every color; work in modern or traditional designs.
Pet angle: Rose petals are considered non-toxic to pets. The biggest hazard is thorns, which we can remove when we know the bouquet is going into a pet household.
You’ll find many rose-based designs in our Roses Collection.
2. Gerbera Daisies (Gerbera)
Bright, bold, and happy.
Why we love them: They bring instant cheer and pop in mixed bouquets.
Pet angle: Listed among non-toxic flowers for cats and dogs; a popular “safe” choice for pet households.
You’ll often see Gerberas used in our Best-Selling Flowers designs.
3. Orchids
Elegant and long-lasting.
Why we love them: They look high-end and sophisticated, perfect for gifts and décor.
Pet angle: Many common phalaenopsis orchids are considered non-toxic to pets, making them a stylish yet safer option indoors.
4. Sunflowers
Sunny, rustic, and dramatic.
Why we love them: Great for late summer, fall, or rustic themes and photo-friendly arrangements.
Pet angle: Generally considered non-toxic to cats and dogs; seeds can be a choking hazard if eaten in large quantities, so it’s best to keep finished bouquets out of direct nibble range.
5. Zinnias & Snapdragons
Colorful, textured, and bouquet-friendly.
Why we love them: Fabulous for height, texture, and variety in mixed arrangements.
Pet angle: Frequently listed among pet-safe flowers and ideal for adding movement and interest in pet-friendly designs.
6. Statice, Limonium, and Other Safe Fillers
Soft filler that brings it all together.
Why we love them: Fillers like statice add softness and detail without overpowering focal blooms.
Pet angle: Many are listed as non-toxic, making them good supporting players in safer bouquets.
Quick Reference Chart: Common Pet-Friendly Bouquet Flowers
You can easily turn this into a simple bar chart or icon grid in your blog theme:
| Flower | Cat-Safe?* | Dog-Safe?* | Great for Bouquets? | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Roses | Yes | Yes | Excellent | Remove thorns in pet homes |
| Gerbera Daisy | Yes | Yes | Excellent | Bright, bold colors |
| Orchids | Yes | Yes | Excellent | Check specific variety |
| Sunflowers | Yes | Yes | Very good | Watch for seed snacking |
| Snapdragons | Yes | Yes | Very good | Adds height and texture |
| Zinnias | Yes | Yes | Very good | Great for mixed arrangements |
| Statice/Limonium | Yes | Yes | Very good | Common bouquet filler |
*“Yes” here means listed as non-toxic on major plant toxicity databases. That does not mean a pet can eat unlimited quantities without any GI upset. Always discourage chewing and contact your vet if you’re concerned.
Flowers and Greenery to Avoid Around Pets
Now for the “absolutely not” side of the chart. These flowers and plants are frequently used in arrangements but are not appropriate for pet-focused homes, especially if the pets are explorers or chewers.
High-Risk Flowers and Plants
True Lilies (all Lilium & Hemerocallis species) – Extremely toxic to cats. Even tiny exposures can trigger kidney failure. These should be completely avoided in cat households.
Tulips, Daffodils, Hyacinths, Narcissus (bulb plants) – Toxic to both cats and dogs; bulbs are especially dangerous.
Chrysanthemums (mums) – Often used in fall designs, but can cause GI upset and drooling.
Certain holiday plants:
-Holly & Mistletoe – Can cause vomiting and other symptoms.
-Poinsettia – Less dangerous than its reputation but still irritating; best avoided if a pet is very prone to chewing.
Quick “Avoid” Chart for Pet Households
| Plant/Flower Group | Why It’s a Problem |
|---|---|
| Lilies (Easter, Asiatic, Daylilies, etc.) | Extremely toxic to cats; kidney failure risk |
| Tulips / Daffodils / Hyacinths | Bulbs and plant parts are toxic; GI and other symptoms |
| Chrysanthemums (mums) | Can cause GI upset and hypersalivation |
| Holly / Mistletoe | Berries and leaves can cause vomiting, distress |
| Poinsettia | Sap can irritate mouth and GI tract |
| Azalea / Rhododendron | Serious toxicity risk if ingested |
Again, always cross-check with the ASPCA plant lists and your veterinarian for up-to-date information.
How Kremp Florist Designs a Pet-Friendly Bouquet
Our Pet Friendly Flower Bouquet was designed especially for homes with cats and dogs in mind.
What We Focus On:
Non-toxic blooms where possible – Roses, Gerbera daisies, orchids, snapdragons, and similar flowers that appear on multiple “pet-safe” lists.
Thoughtful variety – A mix of focal blooms, supporting flowers, and fillers that still create a lush, gift-worthy bouquet.
Design options:
-Wrapped Bouquet – Perfect for recipients who already have a favorite vase.
-Vase Arrangement – Ready-to-enjoy design delivered in a glass vase, ideal for offices, homes, or sympathy settings.
If you’re ordering for a pet-loving household and want extra peace of mind, you can:
Add a note in the “special instructions” field requesting a pet-friendly substitution focus.
Ask us to avoid lilies, bulb flowers, and other high-risk plants completely.
For other occasions that might still involve pets, you can also browse:
Best-Selling Flowers – Many designs can be tailored with pet-friendly substitutions.
Roses – A timeless but safer choice when thorns are removed.
Sympathy Flowers – When sending flowers to someone who’s grieving and has pets at home, a pet-friendly design is an extra thoughtful touch.
How to Order a Pet-Safe Bouquet (Step-by-Step)
When you’re ready to send flowers to a pet owner, here’s how to make sure you get the right thing:
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Choose a pet-friendly option
Start with our Pet Friendly Flower Bouquet or another bloom-forward design you like (roses, mixed bouquets, best-sellers). -
Add a clear note for the designer
In your order notes, write something like:“Recipient has cats/dogs—please use pet-friendly flowers only and avoid lilies, bulb flowers, and other toxic plants.”
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Select the right size
Pet-friendly doesn’t mean small! You can still choose from multiple sizes depending on the occasion and your budget. -
Ask for dethorned roses (optional)
Especially helpful for playful puppies or very curious cats. -
Give display guidance if needed
When gifting in person, you can mention:“These are designed to be pet-friendly, but it’s still best to keep them up where your pets can’t chew them.”
Where to Place Flowers in a Home with Pets
Even non-toxic flowers can cause trouble if a pet knocks over a vase or eats an entire bloom. To minimize risk:
Choose elevated surfaces – Mantels, tall dressers, wall-mounted shelves.
Avoid “launch pads” – Don’t put bouquets near cat trees, window ledges, or favorite jumping spots.
Keep away from food and water bowls – You don’t want petals or foliage dropping into a pet’s dish.
Consider closed-door rooms – For especially determined chewers, place the bouquet in a room that can be closed off when unsupervised.
If your pet does eat part of a bouquet:
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Identify what was eaten if possible.
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Check the ASPCA toxic and non-toxic plant lists.
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Call your veterinarian or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center for advice, especially if you see vomiting, lethargy, drooling, or behavior changes.
When Pet-Friendly Flowers Are Especially Important
There are a few occasions where choosing a safer bouquet really stands out:
New pet adoption – Celebrate with flowers that won’t put a brand-new family member at risk.
Get well soon – Many people send flowers to cheer up a sick friend or family member; if they’re home with pets, a toxic bouquet adds unintended stress.
Sympathy and loss – If someone has lost a loved one (human or animal), a pet-friendly arrangement prevents the heartbreaking scenario of a grieving person dealing with a pet emergency on top of everything else.
Holidays and gatherings – When more people are visiting and doors are opening/closing, pets may be extra stressed and more likely to explore. Safer bouquets reduce at least one source of worry.
FAQ: Pet-Friendly Flowers & Bouquets
1. Are any flowers 100% safe for pets?
No plant can ever be considered 100% risk-free. Even non-toxic blooms can cause mild stomach upset if eaten. “Pet-friendly” simply means not known to be highly toxic and far safer than lilies or bulb plants. Always discourage chewing and contact a vet if you’re concerned.
2. Are roses safe for cats and dogs?
Rose petals are considered non-toxic for cats and dogs and are often recommended as a safer option. The main concern is mechanical injury from thorns, which is why we can remove them for pet households.
3. Can I have lilies if I keep them out of reach?
For cat owners, the safest approach is simply no lilies at all. Cats are agile, and pollen can travel on fur or surfaces, so “out of reach” might not be enough. We strongly recommend lily-free designs in any home with cats.
4. Are greenery and fillers always safe?
Not always. Some greens and fillers can be problematic even when the focal flowers are safe. When we create a pet-friendly bouquet, we consider every component—not just the main blooms. Always alert your florist when pet safety is a concern.
5. What should I tell my florist when ordering?
Say something like:
“The recipient has cats/dogs—please design this as a pet-friendly bouquet and avoid lilies, tulips, daffodils, hyacinths, and any plants listed as toxic to pets.”
If you’re ordering online from Kremp, you can simply choose our Pet Friendly Flower Bouquet and add a note if you’d like extra precautions.
Infographic Idea: “Pet-Friendly Bouquet Cheat Sheet”
For an eye-catching visual you can embed mid-post or repurpose on social media, consider an infographic with:
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Title: “Pet-Friendly Flowers vs. Flowers to Avoid”
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Left column:
-Illustrated icons of roses, orchids, Gerbera daisies, snapdragons, sunflowers, zinnias
Label: “Generally Non-Toxic (Still Keep Out of Reach)” -
Right column:
Icons of lilies, tulips, daffodils, hyacinths, holly, poinsettia
Label: “Toxic for Pets – Avoid in Pet Homes” -
Bottom strip: "When in doubt, check ASPCA plant lists and call your vet.”
This kind of infographic helps the post stand out against competitors by making the information instantly scannable and shareable.
The Bottom Line: Beautiful Flowers, Safer for Pets
You don’t have to skip flowers just because you share your life with pets—or because the person you’re sending to has a cat perched in every window.
By:
Choosing non-toxic blooms where possible
Avoiding high-risk plants like lilies and bulb flowers
Working with a florist who understands pet safety
Placing bouquets thoughtfully out of reach
…you can enjoy fresh flowers with a lot more peace of mind.
When you want to send something beautiful and considerate to a pet-loving friend (or to your own home), start with our Pet Friendly Flower Bouquet. And for other occasions, remember you can always ask us to adapt designs from our Best-Selling Flowers, Roses, or Sympathy Collection with pet-friendly flowers in mind.
Beautiful blooms and happy paws can absolutely go together. 🐾💐
