Many people decorate their homes with festive plants during the holidays. others may give a plant or flower arrangement as a gift.
Although cats may view them as a treat, some of these decorations and gifts can be harmful. Before bringing any plant into your home, it’s essential to know which popular Christmas plants are poisonous to your cat.
which Christmas plants are toxic to cats?
holiday trees
While artificial trees are gaining in popularity, many people still prefer to get a real tree for the holidays. if you’re one of those people and you have a cat, opt for a fir or fir tree instead of a pine tree.
Oils from pine trees can be harmful to cats, possibly causing liver damage and even death. meanwhile, pine needles are sharp and can damage a cat’s internal organs if ingested. they also present a danger to the feet if they are stepped on.
Cover the base of the tree so your cat doesn’t drink the water. the water inside the plant stand could contain harmful bacteria and other pathogens.
No matter which tree you choose, be aware of the possibility of the tree tipping over. cats are often curious about the decorations and climb up the tree to get a closer look.
To avoid an accident, secure the tree to the ceiling or wall with fishing line to prevent the tree from falling over. if not, try to put the tree somewhere that can be locked so your cat can’t reach it when you’re not home.
poinsettia flowers
“Are poinsettias poisonous to cats?” These flashy red holiday favorites have gotten a bad rap among cat owners. the bad news is that yes, poinsettias are toxic to cats.
These festive plants contain a sap within their leaves that can irritate a cat’s mouth and esophagus. if ingested, cats may experience nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, or excessive drooling.
The good news is that a cat would have to eat a large amount of poinsettia to become seriously ill. so while poinsettias aren’t as toxic as other plants, cat owners should keep them out of their holiday celebrations.
amaryllis
Similar in appearance to the poinsettia plant, amaryllis is a popular Christmas flowering plant in the lily family. unfortunately, whether it’s the bulb, leaves, stem or flowers, this plant poses a threat to cats if ingested.
amaryllis plants contain the chemical lycorine, which can cause adverse effects in cats, including vomiting, diarrhea and tremors.
holly & amp; mistletoe
When it comes to poisonous houseplants for cats, neither holly nor mistletoe come to mind. After all, the holidays wouldn’t feel complete without holly gracing the halls or making out under the mistletoe. however, if you have pets, it’s best to go the artificial route rather than take a chance on these festive plants that aren’t cat-friendly.
holly contains harmful chemicals that are toxic to cats. if ingested, holly can cause vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, and drooling. This spiny-leaved, berry-bearing plant can be deadly to cats and shouldn’t decorate your home’s hallways during the holidays.
Like holly, avoid using mistletoe if you have cats. mistletoe contains foratoxins and lectins, which can cause reactions similar to holly. in larger amounts, serious reactions may occur, including decreased blood pressure and heart rate, breathing problems, seizures, and death.
lilies
Another festive plant that cat owners should keep out of their homes are lilies. unfortunately, the entire plant and even the water in the vase can be toxic to cats and can cause serious harm or death. even small amounts of this plant can cause arrhythmia or kidney failure.
azaleas
Azaleas, which are sometimes also known as rhododendrons or oleanders, are another festive plant that cat owners should never allow in their homes. however, keep an eye out as they often appear in bouquets or Christmas flower arrangements.
Azaleas contain a toxin called grayanotoxin, which can negatively affect sodium channels within a cat’s body. Azalea toxicity can cause a wide range of symptoms, including excessive drooling, decreased appetite, weakness, vomiting, diarrhea, and even heart failure. keep in mind that all parts of the azalea plant are toxic to cats.
what happens if your cat ingests a poisonous plant?
The best way to keep your cat safe is to avoid bringing poisonous cat plants into your home. if you bring them home, keep them out of reach. If you suspect your cat has ingested any amount of a toxic plant, call your vet immediately. You may also contact the Animal Poison Control Center (APCC) at (888) 426-4435.
Explore other holiday pet safety tips and find out which decorations and other festive items pose a risk. For more information and advice from our pet experts, visit our pet experts page.
