Garden
Is Holly toxic to cats and dogs?
Ilex species · also called English holly, American holly, Christmas holly
Cats
Mildly toxicDogs
Mildly toxicHolly berries and leaves are toxic to cats and dogs. Most pets get vomiting, diarrhoea and drooling rather than serious poisoning, and the spiky leaves can injure the mouth.
By Maya HartIf your pet chewed it
- Rinse your pet’s mouth with water and offer a drink.
- Most pets recover within a few hours; call your vet if drooling, vomiting or pawing at the mouth continues.
- Call your vet if your pet ate a lot of berries.
Signs to watch for
- Vomiting and diarrhoea
- Drooling, lip-smacking and head shaking
- Loss of appetite
- Mouth injuries from spiny leaves
What is harmful
- Parts
- Berries and leaves
- Substance
- Saponins, methylxanthines and cyanogenic compounds
The details
Holly is a classic of winter wreaths and garlands, which puts it at nose height for dogs and within reach of cats who climb. Poisoning is usually mild because the prickly leaves discourage pets from eating much, but the bright berries attract puppies. Artificial holly berries can be a choking hazard too.
Keep wreaths on the outside of the door, and sweep up fallen berries and leaves.
Pet-safe alternatives
-
Christmas cactusNon-toxic
-
Moth orchidNon-toxic
- Roses in a bouquet (no lilies)
- Fresh rosemary sprigs
Questions owners ask
Is Holly toxic to cats?
Yes — mildly toxic to cats. Harmful parts: berries and leaves.
Is Holly toxic to dogs?
Yes — mildly toxic to dogs. Harmful parts: berries and leaves.
What happens if a pet eats holly?
vomiting and diarrhoea, drooling, lip-smacking and head shaking, loss of appetite, mouth injuries from spiny leaves.
What should I do if my pet chewed it?
Rinse your pet’s mouth with water and offer a drink. Most pets recover within a few hours; call your vet if drooling, vomiting or pawing at the mouth continues. Call your vet if your pet ate a lot of berries.
What are pet-safe alternatives to holly?
Christmas cactus, Moth orchid, Roses in a bouquet (no lilies), Fresh rosemary sprigs.
Sources
Tailwise is for general information and is reviewed by veterinary professionals, but it is not a substitute for advice from your own vet, who knows your pet. How we check facts
