Roses (genus Rosa) are not poisonous to cats. All parts of true roses—petals, leaves, and stems—are considered non-toxic to cats. However, roses pose some risks mainly due to their thorns, which can cause physical injuries such as cuts or scratches in a cat's mouth, paws, or if ingested, internal punctures. Additionally, pesticides applied to roses can be harmful to cats if ingested or contacted. Eating large amounts of rose material might cause mild stomach upset like vomiting or diarrhea in cats, but this is not a toxic reaction. In summary, while roses themselves are not poisonous to cats, caution should be taken to avoid thorn injuries and exposure to harmful chemicals on the plants. Some other plants with "rose" in their name (like Christmas Rose or Desert Rose) are toxic, so it's important to identify true roses correctly. This information aligns with guidelines from the ASPCA and multiple pet health sources.
