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Are Roses Poisonous or Toxic to Cats? Rose Safety Tips

February 8, 2019 By Johnny Salib 6 Comments

beau-blanket-cute-big-eyes-cat-kitten

Hey Pet Parents & Pet Lovers,

Whether it’s for Valentine’s Day, your anniversary or even for a regular date night, roses can be a romantic gift. Just because these flowers are popular, doesn’t mean that they are a safe gift for every household. It’s important to understand which plants are considered safe, especially if you live in a pet-friendly household.

While it’s true that cats are obligate carnivores, it doesn’t mean that they don’t like to chow down on some greens every so often. Actually, our cat Beau loves to eat things like cat grass.

Cats will eat greens and plants for a number of reasons, including boredom, hunger or even to clear their stomachs. As much as cats enjoy nibbling on these greens, greens are not the nicest on their stomachs. That being said, let’s jump into more about roses!

SHORT ANSWER

While Roses are classified as non-toxic to cats, dogs as well as horses by the ASPCA (American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals). While this is true, there are some extra things you want to think about for safety.

ROSES ARE SHARP AND CAN CUT YOUR CAT

If you are thinking about gifting roses to a cat parent or the receiver of some roses, always make sure to check for thorns immediately. You may not think that your cat is going to be interested in the flower, but it’s best not to risk it.

Rose thorns have been known to cut both paws and mouths of cats and while cut can heal over time, they can become problematic dependant on how many and how deep.

ROSES WILL CAUSE STOMACH PROBLEMS

We covered the reason why cats fart a few weeks ago, but did you know that roses can actually be a cause of gastrointestinal issues? Not only are cats unable to digest the roses, but the thorns can also harm their stomachs and if they eat too much they may be the victim of a bowel obstruction, which can be fatal. 

SIGNS THAT YOUR CAT HAS EATEN A ROSE

PAWING AT THE MOUTH

VOMITING

DIARRHEA

DROOLING

INAPPETENCE

ABDOMINAL PAIN OR DISCOMFORT

LETHARGY

AFTERCARE AND THERAPY ADVICE

1. Begin by assessing the mouth and paws for signs of trauma, cuts or irritation.

2. If cuts seem minimal and only appear on paws use antiseptic wipes to clean cuts or scrapes.

3. If cuts appear on the mouth or deep cuts appear on paws it is recommended that you take your cat to the vet for an immediate examination.

4. Vets may want to do a thorough examination and dependant on the severity of the symptoms may even put your cat under sedation.

5. Medications can include anti-vomiting medications, pain medications and antibiotics.

6. It’s very common for cats to heal successfully with care.

OKAY, NON-TOXIC, BUT HOW MUCH CAN MY CAT EAT BEFORE IT’S A PROBLEM?

It will be different for each cat, but, typically it takes as little as two leaves before a cat gets sick and needs a vet’s attention. Again, if your cat takes a nibble, you should be fine, but even eating that amount of 

ARE THERE ANY FLOWERS WITH THE NAME “ROSE” THAT ARE TOXIC?

There are a number of flowers with the name “Rose” that are toxic.

The following are images of the most common flowers that are called “roses” and whether or not they are toxic. In general, it is better to practice extra safety by making sure that all of these plants are out of reach of your cat (whether toxic or non-toxic), however, this should give you a better idea of what’s an immediate emergency and what isn’t.

File:Small Red Rose.JPGSTANDARD ROSE

Other Names: N/A
Toxic/Non-Toxic: Non-Toxic

File:Helleborus niger Kaiser.jpg

HELLEBORUS NIGER

Other Names: Eastern Rose, Lenten Rose, Christmas Rose
Toxic/Non-Toxic: Toxic

File:Adenium-obesum-001.jpgADENIUM OBESUM

Other Names: Desert Rose, Impala Lily, Kudu Lily, Desert Azalea and Sabi Star
Toxic/Non-Toxic: Toxic

Image result for PORTULACA OLERACEAPORTULACA OLERACEA

Other Names: Moss Rose, Rock Moss, Purslane,  Pigweed, Pusley, Portulaca
Toxic/Non-Toxic: Toxic

File:Primula vulgaris-2.JPGPRIMULA VULGARIS

Other Names: Primrose
Toxic/Non-Toxic: Toxic

File:Common Hibiscus (Hibiscus syriacus).jpg

HIBISCUS SYRIACUS

Other Names: Rose of China, Alethea, Rose of Sharon
Toxic/Non-Toxic: Toxic

File:Rosebay Willowherb flower - geograph.org.uk - 1392213.jpgROSEBAY

Other Names: Rhododendron, Azalea and Great Laurel
Toxic/Non: Toxic: Highly Toxic (Especially the leaves)

 

ARE THESE ALL OF THE ROSES I SHOULD BE WORRIED ABOUT?

No, they are not. Unfortunately, there are over 150 different types of roses and listing them and finding images for them would prove to be unnecessary. This is especially due to how uncommon some of these types are. Again, it’s probably better to err on the side of caution.

CONCLUSION

Although not toxic, Roses shouldn’t be the first choice of snack for your little one. It’s best to keep these beautiful flowers away from your cats, even if it means telling your friends not to bring them over or letting them know you need to keep them outside. The flowers, not your friends! šŸ˜‰ 

So, did this article help you out? Did you learn anything new? Let me know in the comments below!

Other foods you might be curious if cats can or can’t eat:

Nuts/Legumes: Peanuts | Cashews | Pecans
Fruits/Vegetables: Olives | Watermelon  | Bananas
Treats/Liquids: Ice Cream | Almond Milk | Coffee | Soy Milk
Misc. Plants: Roses

Filed Under: Cat Care, Cats, Pet Care

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About Johnny Salib

Johnny is a twenty-something-year-old pet blogger and the proud pet parent of two cats and a chinchilla. He also writes music directly aimed to help keep cats chilled out and stress free.

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. mommakatandherbearcat says

    February 8, 2019 at 7:47 pm

    My family and friends know to just not send flowers or plants anymore. When I moved in over 10 years ago, I got an Azalea plant as a house-warming gift. I was so busy unpacking, I just put it in the window and forgot about it. Until the next day I woke up and found a mound of dirt – and no trace of the plant. It wasn’t until a couple weeks later that I found out they’re toxic to cats. Now I make sure to check before leaving anything (food, plant, ANYTHING) unattended. Thankfully Bear never got sick because of my ignorance.

    Reply
    • Johnny Salib says

      February 9, 2019 at 10:20 am

      Oh my gosh! That’s so terrifying! I’m so glad your cats are okay though <3 and how could Bear ever get sick of you šŸ˜‰

      Reply
  2. Eastside Cats says

    February 8, 2019 at 1:24 pm

    I didn’t know about roses and cats!

    Reply
    • Johnny Salib says

      February 8, 2019 at 4:59 pm

      Glad to have been able to teach you something about Roses šŸ˜€

      Reply
  3. Crystal says

    February 8, 2019 at 11:20 am

    I didn’t this about the roses. Thanks. We don’t buy roses usually, To expensive.

    Reply
    • Johnny Salib says

      February 8, 2019 at 4:59 pm

      I completely feel you. Our house is rose-free!

      Reply

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