With spring nearly upon us and Mother’s Day coming up, many people give or bring cut flowers into their homes at this time of year.

Worryingly, many people aren’t aware of the potentially harmful effects some flowers can have on cats, so it is essential to be aware that some common flowers can be toxic or even deadly. Let's spread the word to protect our beloved felines. 

Most supermarket flowers don’t come with a warning label about the risks to cats or other pets, so we have compiled a list of the most toxic cut flowers so you can keep your kitty safe.

TOXIC:

Lilies 

Lilies, particularly species such as Easter lilies, Tiger lilies and Asiatic lilies are highly toxic to cats. 

If your cat ingests any part of the lily plant, including leaves, petals, pollen, or drinks water from the vase, it can lead to severe kidney failure. While your cat may naturally avoid them, the pollen can end up on their fur or paws, which can be fatal if they lick it off. 

It is essential to seek immediate veterinary care if you suspect your cat has ingested any part of a lily. It is crucial to avoid bringing them into your home or growing them in your garden, as the risks are too high. If someone gives you lilies, politely decline them or give them to someone without cats. 

CAUTION ADVISED:

Cats tend to have a pretty good instincts about which flowers are unsafe to consume but accidents can happen so caution is advised with the following flowers. Most of these have toxic bulbs but the flowers and stems could cause a negative reaction. 

Daffodils 

Daffodils are everywhere at this time of year, but they are another flower that can unfortunately be dangerous to your cat.

The bulbs contain toxic alkaloids that can be fatal if eaten. The stems and flowers also contain the poisonous substance called lycorine which can cause a wide range of illnesses if consumed, such as stomach upset or more serious reactions. 

Tulips 

Similar to daffodils, tulips contain toxic alkaloids and lacto, which are harmful if ingested by your kitty. The whole plant is poisonous, but particularly the bulbs, where these compounds are concentrated. Tulips are also part of the lily family which can be fatal to cats. 

Hyacinths and Irises

Spring flowering hyacinths and Irises can also be harmful if chewed or consumed, so they should be avoided.

What are the signs of poisoning in my cat?

While it is unpleasant to think about your beloved kitty getting unwell, it is important to know the signs to help them in an emergency. 

Some reactions may include: vomiting, diarrhoea, excessive drooling, foaming at the mouth, abdominal pain, loss of appetite, lethargy, tremors and collapse. 

If you suspect that your cat has ingested anything toxic it is essential to seek immediate veterinary care.

SAFE:

Which cut flowers are safe to have in my home? 

Panic not! You can still have flowers in your home as a cat owner, you just need to be aware of the ones that are safe for your curious kitty. Some common cut flowers that are cat-safe are:

Roses, Sunflowers, Stocks, Snapdragons, Freesias, Limonium, Muscari (grape hyacinth) Some types of orchids such as Dendrobium, Phalaenopsis or Oncidium

For a full list of cut flowers that are safe/not safe for your kitty, then please check out this detailed list from our friends at Cats Protection