Article: Flowers and Pet Safety: What to Check Before Bringing Flowers Home

Flowers and Pet Safety: What to Check Before Bringing Flowers Home

Important flower and plant safety considerations for homes with cats and dogs, including the urgent risk lilies pose to cats.

A white phalaenopsis orchid plant in a ceramic pot — A phalaenopsis orchid plant. Check every plant, flower and foliage choice for the particular pets at home.

Tell us about the pets at home

When choosing flowers or a plant, mention whether the home has cats, dogs or other animals. Common names can be confusing, so plant identification matters. No bouquet should be treated as something a pet can safely chew or drink from.

True lilies and daylilies are an emergency risk for cats

Lilium and Hemerocallis species can cause life-threatening kidney injury in cats. Every part of the plant, including pollen, and the vase water can be dangerous. Keep these flowers out of homes with cats. If exposure is suspected, contact a veterinarian or emergency veterinary hospital immediately; do not wait for symptoms.

Other plants also need care

Tulips, hyacinths, daffodils, chrysanthemums, cyclamen, amaryllis, azaleas, oleander and sago palms are examples of plants that can pose risks to pets. This is not a complete list, and the risk varies by plant, animal and exposure. Ask for a plant to be identified rather than judging its safety by appearance.

Choose with the individual pet in mind

Ask the florist and your veterinarian about suitable alternatives for your household. Even plants generally described as non-toxic can cause problems if a pet chews them, and a mixed arrangement may contain foliage or other materials that need separate consideration.

Display and clean up thoughtfully

Do not rely on a high shelf to protect a curious cat. Keep pets away from arrangements, fallen petals, leaves and vase water. Tell anyone bringing flowers into the home about the household’s restrictions.

If you suspect an exposure

Contact your veterinarian promptly. If possible, provide a photograph or the plant’s label, the approximate time and what the pet may have contacted or swallowed. Do not induce vomiting or try a home treatment unless a veterinarian directs you to.