If you have a cat that occasionally explores the outdoors, or a garden with rose bushings, “Is roses toxic to cats?”
Many plants and flowers are toxic to cats, but fortunately, rose flowers are not a threat to your curious cat. Roses are pet-safe flowers, whether they are part of a bouquet or in your home garden.
Key takeout
- Roses are not toxic to cats, but rose stems and their leaves can harm cats.
- Cats who have the habit of chewing, licking, and eating green and plant ingredients should be monitored very carefully around plants and flowers.
- If your cat eats rose bushes or some of the flowers, toxicity is a concern if flower foods and pesticides are involved.
Are roses safe for cats?
There are approximately 150 natural species of roses (genus) Rosarosaceae family) and if you count the variations grown, more. Thankfully, none of these are toxic to cats when licked or consumed.
However, as we argue, the spiny stems of rose plants can be potentially harmful to cats if ingested or rubbed.
Also, cats who have the habit of chewing, licking, and eating green and plant ingredients should be monitored very carefully around plants and flowers ( Pet-safe plants). With roses, it’s not the flowers or plants themselves that worry about them. Chemicals and fertilizers that can be found in plants or found in plant foods that are toxic to plant foods.
Rose leaves and rose petals
The sweet scent of roses may attract your cat’s interest, but your cat will discover that this flower is not as good as it smells.
Cats who have the habit of chewing, licking, and eating green and plant ingredients should be monitored very carefully around plants and flowers.
And while petals, stems and leaves do not contain toxins that cause problems only in cats, plant materials ingested by cats can cause stomach upset. Vomiting, diarrhea, or decreased appetite. This is because cats are carnivorous animals and their digestive systems are not used to treating plant materials.
If symptoms develop, they must be short-lived and vomit often contains some of the flowers. If symptoms last longer than 24-48 hours, contact your veterinarian to discuss the next steps.
Rose and Thorns
The roses are decorated with thorny thorns along the stem. You can request a rooted bouquet, but it is impossible to grow a spinless rose.
These thorns pose a threat to cats and can damage the mouth and digestive tract if licked, chewed or ingested. If a cat thorns it can put its eyes and skin at risk. Cats tend to rub their face and body against objects to explore and mark territory, putting them at risk of cuts and scuffs from their sharp thorns.
Thorns can leave small scratches and cuts, and can be unaware under the cat’s thick fur. If left untreated, the wound can turn into an abscess or infection, which can manifest as a mass or lump.
Our cat friends, with their curious nature, use their feet to hold what they want to investigate and ingest, and put their feet at risk of damage from the thorns Masu. Sensitive foot pads can experience pain and la bullets, even from small scuffs from the thorns.
Cats who have the habit of chewing, licking, and eating green and plant ingredients should be monitored very carefully around plants and flowers.
Intake and chewing thorns can also harm the mouth and digestive lining, which can lead to internal bleeding depending on how much is consumed. If a thorn is bitten or consumed, contact your veterinarian and visit immediately to avoid injury.
Pesticides and Flower Foods
Beyond potential injuries, the main risk associated with cat roses lies in pesticides and flower foods that may accompany them. These are very toxic to cats. Flower food is often found in small packet bouquets. Pesticides may be applied to outdoor rose beds to aid in garden maintenance.
If you have a landscape gardener, tell them about pesticide use in your lawn or garden and check for your pet’s presence. Please contact us for pesticide pet-safe options or guidelines on keeping your pet away from the area.
Water in flower vases and stagnant water around the garden are also toxic. Cats should not drink water from flower vases or outdoor puddles.
Cats’ pesticide poisoning can be a cause.
If your cat exhibits any of these symptoms, contact your veterinarian immediately.
My cat ate a rose. what do i do?
Luckily, the roses themselves are not toxic to cats. If your cat eats rose bushes or some of the flowers, toxicity is a concern if flower foods and pesticides are involved. If you have any concerns about toxicity, please contact Pet Poison Helpline Immediately 855-764-7661 or Veterinarian.
You may notice mild vomiting with some of the rose petals inside. If vomiting persists for more than a few times, or if Rose and Thorns are taken, a veterinary visit is recommended to ensure complications.
Plant materials ingested by cats can cause stomach upset with symptoms including vomiting, diarrhea, or reduced appetite.
For small scratches caused by roses and thorns, use to clean the area Pet Safe Antibacterial Wipe Or a Cat-Safe Wound Cleanser. For other types of damage from Rose Thorns, please see your veterinarian for proper treatment.
Other “roses” that are toxic to cats
Other flowers and plants with the word “rose” in their name are not true roses, but belong to other familyes of plant life and are toxic to cats. These include:
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Desert Rose (Adenium obesum): Also known as the desert azalea or impala lily
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Easter Rose (Hellebors Niger): Also known as Christmas rose, Lenten rose, or Hellebore
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Primrose (Primula vulgaris))
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Rose Bay (Nerium Oleander and Rhodendron Species): Also known as Oleander or Azalea
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Moss Rose (Portulaca oleracea): Also known as Purslane, Rock Moss, Pigweed, and Wild Portulaca
