Roses, Lilies, and Curious Cats: The Ultimate Guide to Pet-Friendly Valentine’s Flowers

Valentine’s Day is just around the corner. It’s the season of grand gestures, decadent chocolates, and, of course, stunning bouquets of fresh blooms.

But if your Valentine shares their home with a furry companion, that romantic gesture can sometimes come with a side of stress. As florists, we hear it all the time: "I want to send flowers, but I’m terrified they might make her cat sick."

You are right to be cautious. Our four-legged friends are curious creatures, and unfortunately, some of the most popular market flowers can be dangerous if ingested. But here is the good news: having a pet doesn’t mean you have to banish beauty from the home.

Here is your complete guide to choosing a Valentine’s bouquet that is 100% "Pet-Friendly"—so you can gift with confidence.

Public Enemy No. 1: The Lily

Let’s start with the most critical rule of floristry for pet owners. If you only remember one thing from this guide, let it be this: Lilies (Lilium) are extremely toxic to cats.

While their fragrance is intoxicating and their trumpet shape elegant, Lilies are a definite no-go for feline households. Every part of the plant—the petals, the leaves, the pollen, and even the water in the vase—can cause rapid and severe kidney failure in cats.

At Wild Posy, we take this seriously. If you are ordering for someone who has a cat, we strongly recommend avoiding any arrangements that feature Oriental or Asiatic Lilies.

The Pro Tip: Do you love the structural, statement look of a Lily but need to keep it safe? Opt for our Native Bouquet. Australian Banksias and Proteas offer that same "wow" factor, incredible texture, and longevity, without the high risk associated with true Lilies.

The Good News: The Queen of Flowers is Safe!

It’s the question we get asked most often leading up to February 14th: "Can I send Roses?"

The answer is a resounding YES.

Roses, the undisputed stars of Valentine’s Day, are generally considered non-toxic to cats and dogs. If your pup decides to snack on a fallen petal, they might get a little tummy ache from the fiber, but they won't be poisoned.

The only real "danger" with roses? The thorns.
Our florists carefully strip the stems, but it’s always smart to place the vase out of reach to avoid any scratched noses or knocked-over water.

👉 Shop our Valentine’s Day Collection

Top 3 "Pet-Friendly" Blooms (Beyond the Rose)

Looking to step outside the classic red rose box? Here are our favourite seasonal blooms that are generally safe for homes with pets:

1. Geraldton Wax (Chamelaucium)

A Western Australian classic that we love to use at Wild Posy. These delicate, waxy flowers add beautiful texture and a subtle lemony scent to bouquets. They are robust, long-lasting, and generally safe for curious pets.

2. Orchids (Phalaenopsis/Dendrobium)

A symbol of luxury and modern elegance. Most common orchids are non-toxic to dogs and cats. They make a fantastic, sophisticated alternative to a cut bouquet and are perfect for a Valentine who loves home decor.

3. Sunflowers & Lisianthus

Bright, happy, and safe. Sunflowers are non-toxic and bring instant joy. Similarly, Lisianthus (which looks like a soft, thornless rose) is a safe bet that comes in stunning purples, pinks, and whites.

Chocolates & Pets: The Forbidden Duo

A quick life-saving reminder: our Valentine's gift hampers often include delicious treats from Charlotte Piper or Whistlers.

Chocolate contains theobromine, which dogs and cats cannot metabolize.

• The Wild Posy Advice: If you are having a gourmet hamper delivered, make sure the human recipient knows it’s coming so they don't leave the box unattended on the doorstep or coffee table. It’s better to be safe than sorry!

How to Order a "Pet-Safe" Bouquet at Wild Posy

We want your shopping experience to be stress-free. You don’t need to be a botanist to order from us.

When you place an order on our website for delivery to Secret Harbour, Rockingham, Mandurah, or Baldivis, look for the "Order Notes" box at checkout.

Use it!
Simply write: "Recipient has a cat, please ensure flowers are pet-safe."

Our florists read every single note. We will ensure that any questionable blooms (like Lilies) are swapped out for a safe alternative of equal or greater value. We’ll keep the bouquet stunning, lush, and full of love—just without the worry.

Summary: Give Love, Not Stress

This year, celebrate love in all its forms—including the love we have for our fur babies.

• ✅ YES to: Roses, Orchids, Snapdragons, Lisianthus, Sunflowers, Statice, natives like Waxflower.

• ❌ NO to: Lilies (Lilium), Tulips, Daffodils, Azaleas.

Ready to make someone’s day? Explore our Valentine’s Day collection now. Whether you choose an opulent bouquet, a textured native arrangement, or a classic bunch of roses, we’ll handle the rest with care.