While many plants and flowers can be toxic to cats, roses are thankfully not one of them. These pet safe flowers are harmless to your curious feline, whether they’re in a bouquet or growing in your garden. For more information on harmful plants, check out What Flowers Are Poisonous to Cats?.

Are roses toxic to cats? Well there are around 150 natural species of roses (genus Rosa, family Rosaceae), and even more when you include cultivated varieties. Fortunately, none of these are toxic to cats if licked or ingested.

However, as we’ll explore, the thorny stems of rose plants can pose risks to cats if chewed or rubbed against.

Additionally, cats with a habit of chewing, licking, or eating greenery should be closely monitored around any plants or flowers. In the case of roses, the primary concern isn’t the plant itself but the potential presence of harmful chemicals or fertilizers on the plant or in the plant food.

Roses and their flowers are usually safe for cats and are classified as non-toxic by the American Society for Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA), making them a safe choice for a cat to be around. However, if your cat decides to chew on a rose bush or rub against the thorny stem, it may develop mild irritation or injury, especially if the cat has sensitive skin. The big danger to cats comes not from the roses themselves but from chemicals, pesticides or fertilizers used on roses or in a rose garden. If a cat ingests or comes into contact with these toxic substances, it can get sick. To protect your pet, make sure the roses are safe, and when your cat is playing with the rose plant, supervise it.

While roses are considered non-toxic to cats, ingesting any part of the plant, including rose petals, can still cause mild symptoms like vomiting or diarrhoea as cats are carnivores and not equipped to digest plant material. However, rose thorns can be a risk if chewed or swallowed and could cause injury. If your cat has access to a rose garden or rose bush, make sure it hasn’t been treated with pesticides because these can be toxic to cats. For a pet safe home, always watch your cat around plants and make sure the environment is cat-friendly. If your cat shows persistent lethargy or symptoms longer than 24 to 48 hours, it is advised that you contact your veterinarian.

Roses are known for their iconic beauty, often adorned with sharp thorns along their stems. While it’s possible to request thorn free bouquets, cultivating roses entirely without thorns remains impossible.

For cats, these thorns can pose significant risks. If a cat licks, chews, or ingests a thorn, it may injure its mouth or digestive tract. Additionally, thorns can harm a cat’s eyes or skin if they rub against the plant, a common behavior for cats exploring or marking their territory. This curiosity can lead to scratches or punctures from the sharp edges.

Small wounds from thorns can easily go unnoticed beneath a cat's dense fur. If untreated, these minor injuries could develop into abscesses or infections, potentially resulting in painful lumps or swelling. Cats also use their sensitive paws to explore, leaving them vulnerable to cuts or abrasions from thorns, which may cause discomfort or limping.

Chewing or swallowing thorns poses even greater risks, as they can damage the delicate lining of the mouth and digestive tract, sometimes leading to internal injuries or bleeding. If your cat chews or ingests any thorns, it’s crucial to contact your veterinarian promptly for a thorough check up to ensure no harm has occurred.

Most rose flowers are generally safe if your cat eats a small amount. However, sharp thorns can cause injuries, and pesticides or preservatives on roses may upset your cat’s stomach. Be cautious of plants like the Desert Rose, Lenten Rose, or Christmas Rose, as these are toxic to cats and dogs. If your cat chews on a rose or shows signs like lethargy, vomiting, or seizures, contact a vet. Always consider using cat friendly plants in your garden or house to keep your cat safe.

Roses themselves are non toxic to cats, making them generally safe if your cat chews on the flower or bush. However, toxicity can arise if pesticides, flower food, or other chemicals were used on the plant. If you're concerned about toxicity, contact your veterinarian or the Pet Poison Helpline immediately. Cats may occasionally vomit after eating rose petals, but if vomiting persists or if rose thorns were ingested, a vet visit is recommended to rule out complications.

For minor injuries from rose thorns, clean the wound with a pet safe antimicrobial wipe or cat-safe cleanser. If the damage is severe or shows signs of infection, seek veterinary care promptly to ensure proper treatment.

Some plants with "rose" in their name are not true roses but belong to other plant families and are toxic to cats. These include:

Always keep these plants out of reach of cats to ensure their safety, and consult a vet if ingestion occurs.