Are carnations toxic to cats?

What the ASPCA says

Carnation (Dianthus caryophyllus) appears on the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center's list of plants toxic to cats. The ASPCA list does not mean every exposure is an emergency, but it does mean you should keep the plant out of reach and call your vet or a poison line if your cat eats some.

Keeping it away from your cat

Cats climb, so a high shelf is rarely enough. Move toxic plants to a room your cat can't enter, swap them for a cat-safe plant, or give your cat its own pot of cat grass to chew. Pick up fallen leaves and petals.

If your cat ate some

1. Move your cat away from the plant and take away any pieces, including fallen leaves and petals.
2. Call your vet, an emergency clinic, ASPCA Animal Poison Control ((888) 426-4435) or the Pet Poison Helpline (855-764-7661). Both poison lines are open around the clock.
3. Take the plant, a photo of it or its label with you so the vet knows exactly what it is.
4. Don't try to make your cat vomit unless a vet tells you to.

Cat-safe alternatives

The ASPCA lists these as non-toxic to cats. Any plant can still upset a cat's stomach if eaten in quantity, but none of these are poisonous:

Gerbera daisy Non-toxicRose Non-toxicSunflower Non-toxic

Other flowers and bouquets: quick answers

Sources

• ASPCA Animal Poison Control, "Plants Toxic to Cats" list

Checked October 17, 2026. We are a reference, not a vet: if in doubt, call yours. How we check.