Roses have been mystifying in our gardens for years, and with the mind-boggling number of varieties and colours available, there is absolutely one to suit any garden. However, some animal-lovers may find themselves put off from growing roses in fear they may be harmful to their pets. So, are roses safe to grow around cats and dogs?

Whether you have a friendly pooch running around the garden or own a pair of cats, the overall good news is that roses are considered pet-friendly.

Cats Protection, a registered cat welfare charity, lists roses as one of the common garden plants that are safe to grow around our feline friends.

Can Roses Harm Cats and Dogs?

While some plants can be harmful to animals, most roses are not toxic to dogs or cats. However, it is important to remember that this does not mean they should have free reign to play around your roses.

For example, many roses grow thorns along the stems, which can potentially cause injuries to pets, particularly if they are curious or playful, catching themselves on the sharp edges.

The petals of most roses are not toxic. However, just like most other things, if large amounts of the leaves or stems are ingested, this may upset the stomach.

Pet-Friendly Rose Growing Tips

For those who are particularly mindful of their furry little friends when planning out their gardens, consider these tips for growing pet-friendly roses around dogs and cats.

Be sure to do your research before buying a rose, as there are many varieties out there which grow few to no thorns at all, for example bushy Floribunda-producing roses, which typically have few thorns. Two varieties known to grow a small number of thorns are ‘Iceberg’ and ‘Veilchenblau’.

You may have space for a climbing rose in your garden, which will stretch up high against a fence, wall, building, or structure, thankfully keeping most of the plant’s growth safely away from pets, yet still offering all the beauty of a rose.

If opting for a particularly thorny rose hedge, consider planting it along a fence or any space of the garden which is less accessible to guests and pets. A raised bed can be a great spot to grow roses, particularly when it is high enough from the ground.

Eager gardeners can get crafty and use some natural deterrents to turn the gaze of a dog or cat away from a rose. Citrus-scented sprays will keep cats away.