Flowers toxic to cats and dogs: how to choose a pet-safe bouquet

Some of the most popular flowers are toxic to cats and dogs. The most important one to know: lilies are extremely dangerous for cats, even in tiny amounts (pollen, a leaf or the vase water). If the person you are sending flowers to has a pet, avoid lilies entirely and choose flowers generally considered safer, such as roses, sunflowers or gerberas, and still keep the bouquet out of reach.

Important: this article is general information, not veterinary advice. Toxicity lists vary between sources, and every animal reacts differently. If you have any doubt, ask your vet. If you think your pet has eaten a toxic plant, contact a vet or an emergency veterinary clinic immediately.

Lilies and cats: the number one danger

True lilies (Lilium, such as Easter lilies, Asiatic lilies, Oriental lilies, tiger lilies) and daylilies (Hemerocallis) are widely described by veterinarians as extremely toxic to cats:

• All parts of the plant are considered dangerous: petals, leaves, stems, pollen.
• The vase water can also be toxic.
• Tiny amounts may be enough: a cat that brushes past and licks pollen off its fur can be affected.
• The main risk is acute kidney injury, which can be fatal without fast treatment.

Lilies are less dangerous for dogs, though they can still cause stomach upset. But because lilies are so common in mixed bouquets and sympathy arrangements, they are the first thing to check if the recipient has a cat.

If you receive a bouquet with lilies and you have a cat: remove the lilies immediately, wrap them and put them in an outside bin, wipe up any pollen, and change the vase water. If your cat may have touched or eaten any part, call your vet straight away.

Other flowers often listed as toxic

The following flowers are commonly listed as toxic to cats and/or dogs. Severity varies, from mild stomach upset to more serious effects:

This list is not exhaustive. Many popular plants in Swiss gardens, such as foxglove and autumn crocus, are also toxic. Always check with your vet if you are unsure.

Flowers generally considered safer

These flowers are usually listed as non-toxic to cats and dogs. “Safer” does not mean “edible”: eating any plant can upset a pet’s stomach, and thorns can hurt.

• Roses (watch the thorns)
• Sunflowers
• Gerberas (gerbera daisies)
• Snapdragons
• Orchids (Phalaenopsis)
• Freesias
• Stocks (Matthiola)
• Asters (often listed as non-toxic)
• Zinnias
• Waxflower

A cheerful bouquet of roses, sunflowers and gerberas is a good starting point for a pet-friendly gift. See our guides to rose meanings and sending roses in Switzerland.

How to send a pet-safe bouquet

1. Ask yourself if the recipient has a cat or dog. If you are not sure, avoid lilies anyway: they are risky for cats and messy for everyone.
2. Choose a design whose flowers you can see or that are listed on the product page, and avoid lilies and lily of the valley.
3. Mention it when ordering: in the order notes, or by contacting the florist, ask them to avoid lilies. Not every florist can change a design, so check before ordering.
4. Add a short note on the card if you like: “Pet-friendly flowers, no lilies!”
5. Remind the recipient to keep the vase out of reach, and to dispose of fallen leaves and petals.

What about seasonal bouquets?

A florist’s seasonal bouquet changes from week to week, so you cannot always know the exact flowers in advance. If the recipient has a cat, it is worth contacting the florist before ordering, or choosing a design whose flowers are clearly shown. Our guide to seasonal flowers in Switzerland helps you anticipate what may be in a bouquet each month.

Ordering with KANEL

KANEL composes its bouquets by hand on the day of delivery and delivers across Switzerland the next day (order before 4pm, Tuesday to Saturday, CHF 14.90). Its bouquets are named designs (for example Malika, Melody, Sienna, Selma, Stella) shown with photos, which helps you see what you are choosing. If the recipient has a cat, check the photo and description, and contact KANEL before ordering if you want to be sure no lilies are included. Seasonal bouquets start at CHF 74.90, the timeless collection at CHF 64.90 (prices checked October 2026). Read our KANEL review.

Sympathy and get-well flowers: extra care

Lilies are very common in funeral and sympathy flowers. If you send a condolence bouquet to a family home with a cat, choose white roses or other lily-free white flowers. See our funeral flowers guide. The same goes for flowers sent home after a hospital stay; see our get-well-soon guide.

If your pet eats a flower

• Stay calm and act quickly. Remove any plant material from your pet’s mouth if it is safe to do so.
• Call your vet or an emergency veterinary clinic right away, even if your pet seems fine. With lilies and cats, symptoms may appear later, and early treatment matters.
• Identify the plant: take a photo or bring a piece of it with you.
• Do not induce vomiting unless a vet tells you to.

Save your vet’s number and the nearest emergency veterinary clinic in your phone, especially if you have just moved to Switzerland.

Other pet tips for flower lovers

• Vase water: keep it clean, and out of reach; cats love to drink from vases.
• Flower food sachets: keep them away from pets.
• Fallen petals and leaves: pick them up regularly.
• Plants on balconies and in gardens: check what you plant if your pets go outside.

For more tips on caring for a bouquet (safely), see how to make flowers last longer.

Our advice: if the recipient has a cat, no lilies, ever. Choose a bouquet of roses, sunflowers or gerberas, check the flowers before ordering from KANEL or another florist, and keep it out of reach. For more help choosing a florist, see our guide to the best flower delivery in Switzerland.