Christmas Plants Toxic to Cats and Dogs: Lilies, Mistletoe, Holly, Amaryllis and the Tree
The most dangerous Christmas plant for pets isn't the poinsettia, which is only mildly toxic. It's the lily, which turns up in holiday bouquets and can cause kidney failure in cats from a nibble of a leaf or a lick of pollen. After that come mistletoe and amaryllis, which can make pets properly ill, and then holly, poinsettia and the tree itself, which are mostly stomach upsets. Here's each plant, ranked by how worried you should be, and the ones that are safe.
If your pet has eaten something and you're worried, call your vet or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center on (888) 426-4435.
Emergency: lilies (for cats)
True lilies (Lilium, including Easter, tiger, Asiatic, Oriental and stargazer lilies) and daylilies are extremely dangerous to cats. Every part is toxic, including the petals, leaves, pollen and the water in the vase. A cat that brushes pollen onto its fur and grooms it off can take in enough to cause acute kidney failure.
Lilies are a staple of Christmas bouquets and centrepieces, and they usually arrive as gifts from people who don't know. If you have cats, don't keep them in the house. If a cat has had any contact with a lily, go to the vet straight away without waiting for symptoms; early treatment makes a large difference. Dogs are far less affected and usually get a stomach upset. Our page on houseplants toxic to cats covers lilies in more detail.
Serious: mistletoe and amaryllis
Mistletoe. Toxic to cats and dogs, especially the berries. Eating it can cause vomiting and diarrhoea, and larger amounts can affect blood pressure, heart rate and breathing. If you hang it, hang it well out of reach, and pick up any berries that fall. Artificial mistletoe avoids the problem.
Amaryllis. A popular Christmas gift bulb. Toxic to cats and dogs, with the bulb the most toxic part. Signs include vomiting, drooling, lethargy and tremors. Dogs that dig up or chew the bulb are the usual cases. Paperwhites (Narcissus) are similar and the bulbs are the worst part.
Mild: holly, poinsettia and the tree
Holly. The berries and spiky leaves can cause vomiting, diarrhoea and drooling, but serious poisoning is unlikely. The spikes put most pets off.
Poinsettia. Mildly toxic. Its sap irritates the mouth and stomach, so expect drooling or vomiting that usually passes on its own. See are poinsettias toxic to cats for the details and the myth.
Christmas trees. Pine and fir needles aren't seriously toxic, but they can upset the stomach and, if eaten in quantity, irritate or block the gut. The bigger risks around the tree are:
- Tree water. Stagnant water grows bacteria, and many tree-preservative products contain fertilisers or chemicals. Use plain water and cover the stand so pets can't drink from it.
- Tinsel and ribbon. Cats love it, and a swallowed string can cause a serious intestinal blockage. Skip tinsel if you have a cat.
- Glass ornaments and lights. Keep breakable ornaments on the upper branches and secure cables.
Pet-safe holiday plants
These are non-toxic to cats and dogs according to the ASPCA, so they're good choices for a pet household:
- Christmas cactus and Thanksgiving cactus. Our Christmas cactus care guide covers how to keep it blooming.
- Phalaenopsis orchids
- African violets
- Bromeliads
- Rosemary trees (the small potted ones sold at Christmas)
A large plant chewed enough can still cause a mild stomach upset, so "non-toxic" means "not poisonous", not "a good snack". Our full list of plants safe for cats and dogs has more.
A quick checklist for the season
- No lilies in the house if you have cats. Including gift bouquets.
- Mistletoe up high, or artificial.
- Amaryllis and paperwhite bulbs out of reach of dogs.
- Plain water in a covered tree stand.
- No tinsel with cats.
If you're not sure what a gifted plant is, Planted can identify it from a photo and tell you whether it's safe for pets.
Common questions
What Christmas plants are poisonous to cats?
Lilies are the most dangerous and can cause kidney failure. Mistletoe and amaryllis can cause serious illness. Holly and poinsettia are mildly toxic and usually cause an upset stomach.
Are Christmas trees toxic to cats?
Pine and fir needles aren't seriously toxic, but they can upset the stomach. The bigger risks are the tree water, especially with preservatives, and swallowed tinsel or ribbon.
Is mistletoe poisonous to dogs?
Yes. It can cause vomiting and diarrhoea, and in larger amounts can affect heart rate, blood pressure and breathing. Call your vet if your dog eats it.
What holiday plants are safe for cats?
Christmas and Thanksgiving cactus, phalaenopsis orchids, African violets, bromeliads and rosemary are all non-toxic to cats and dogs according to the ASPCA.