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Vet reveals 12 flowers safe for cats and 12 that aren't, including one that can be deadly

By Katrina Warren|

Fresh flowers brighten any home, but unfortunately, they don't usually come with advice about whether they are safe to have around pets.

Cats, especially young ones, are playful and curious and often nibble on flowers or their leaves if available.

Still, some flowers are toxic to cats and can cause issues ranging from gastrointestinal upset to kidney failure which can cause death.

Watch the video above.

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Cat sitting with owner while he pots up a dahila
This dahlia is safe for a cat to look at but not eat. (Getty Images/iStockphoto)

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It has been pleasing to see some florists adding 'pet-friendly floral arrangements' to their product list, and I would love to see more florists doing this จC the last thing anyone wants to do is buy a bunch of flowers for themselves or a friend and accidentally make their cat sick.

Safe Flowers for Cats:

  1. Roses

  2. Sunflowers

  3. Snapdragons

  4. African violets

  5. Calendula

  6. Orchids

  7. Bottle brush

  8. Lisianthus

  9. Jasmine

  10. Freesias

  11. Gerberas

  12. Stock

While these flowers are considered 'safe', ingesting large amounts could cause your cat to be sick. If they have consumed flowers and are showing behaviour changes, vomiting, diarrhoea, drooling or other signs of being unwell, it is best to head straight to your vet.

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Toxic flowers for cats:

Lilies are by far the most dangerous for cats จC they can be fatal. All parts of the plant are toxic; ingesting even a tiny amount can be life-threatening. A cat may brush past a flower, get pollen on their coat, and then lick it off.

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Cat looking at a bunch of lilies
Lilies are so toxic to cats you shouldn't let a scene like this unfold in your home. (Getty Images/iStockphoto)

1. Lilies?

2.Tulips

3. Chrysanthemums

4. Azaleas

5. Carnations

6. Daffodils

7. Bird of paradise

8. Iris

9. Poppies

10. Hyacinth

11. Dahlia

12. Peonies

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Some cats love to play with and chew flowers, but unfortunately, they don't read the safety manual first.?

Symptoms from ingesting the above flowers can range from mild to severe and, in the case of lilies, can result in death.?

If you own a cat, it is best to keep lilies out of the house and avoid other toxic flowers or place them well out of reach, understanding cats can climb!

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