Hollyhocks (Alcea rosea or Althaea rosea) won’t harm your cat. In larger amounts, more severe reactions may occur, like a drop in blood pressure and heart rate, breathing problems, seizures and death. This list includes lilies, azaleas, buttercup, carnations, daffodils, foxglove, holly, hyacinth, iris, oleander, philodendron, poinsettias, roses, sago palm, and tulips, among others. Diarrhea / Drowsiness / Head Shaking / Pain / Shaking / Vomiting. Never bring them into the house and it won’t be an issue. They’ll think a cardboard box is a great hideout, eat crumbs off of the ground, and munch on houseplants for a snack. There are no recorded cat fatalities from English holly poisoning. © 2020 Wag Labs, Inc. All rights reserved. The truth is the poinsettia’s leaves produce a sap that can irritate your dog or cat’s mouth and esophagus. Why mistletoe and holly are the two main Christmas plants poisonous to cats. Grow cat-friendly plants in the home such as catnip and cat grass which will provide a safe alternative to your Christmas plants. Why mistletoe and holly are the two main Christmas plants poisonous to cats. Holly is toxic to dogs, reports the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Unfortunately, some of the most popular holiday flora are harmful and even poisonous for cats. Most people know that the holly plant is extremely poisonous to dogs. A stethoscope may be used to listen to the heart and lungs. Toxicity: Toxic to Dogs, Toxic to Cats, Toxic to Horses. The holly's spiny leaves and potentially substances (including saponins, methylxanthines, and cyanogens) released from the plant are what makes it toxic. Holly also contains soap-like compounds called saponins, which can cause severe stomach upset. How to keep cats safe. While it is common knowledge that lilies (all parts of the plant) are poisonous to cats, many other plants can be dangerous if eaten. Although holly berries aren't poisonous to birds, they are toxic to humans. The berries of the holly plant are poisonous to people and pets. However, it’s a bit tougher for outdoor cats; but you can still take precautions. The Pet Poison Helpline explained poinsettias are mildly toxic to cats and dogs, but there is no antidote for poinsettia poisoning. Holly, mistletoe, peace lilies, Easter lilies and the amaryllis are favourite flowers and plants to give and receive, unless you're a dog or cat. Cats and poisonous flowers and plants. If it is near Christmas time, your vet may ask if you have brought holly into the home. You may be asked to provide the cat's medical history to help rule out possible causes of digestive distress if symptoms have begun but you did not witness the cat eating any plants. Holly is toxic to cats. A dog can eat up to … Family: Aquifoliaceae. There are no recorded cat fatalities from English holly poisoning. Saponins can cause death in red blood cells as well as changes in the permeability of the small intestinal mucosal cells. 5. It gives them intestinal problems or causes throwing up. Holly. Cats are unlikely to chew on holly leaves due to their sharp spines. Swallowing holly berries can cause vomiting, diarrhea, dehydration, and drowsiness. Cats are the most likely to chew and nibble at plants, although many dogs will also take a taste. English holly contains multiple toxins including saponins, methylxanthines, cyanogenic glycosides and theobromine alkaloids. The most common symptoms of holly poisoning relate to gastrointestinal upset. Poisoning by English holly is generally not fatal, and the plant has even been used medicinally by humans or as a tea for its caffeine-like effects. If you want to keep plants in your house, or if you let your cat out into your yard, you need to be able to accurately identify plants and flowers that are poisonous to cats. Holly. Hospitalization may be required in extreme circumstances. Cats who have been poisoned by English holly tend to make a full recovery after the toxins have passed through the body. Owners of these feline detectives know, however, that not all plants are safe for cats to nibble on. Intestinal injuries may occur if the spiny leaves are eaten. You might notice drooling, vomiting, diarrhea, or no symptoms at all. While it is common knowledge that lilies (all parts of the plant) are poisonous to cats, many other plants can be dangerous if eaten. Depending on how much plant material has been consumed, symptom severity will usually be mild to moderate. According to the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, possible reactions include vomiting, diarrhea, and tremors. The veterinarian will then perform a complete physical examination of the cat, checking for all symptoms of illness. In fact, the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals lists over 390 that are poisonous—primarily when ingested. 3. Not only does this plant have a toxic element, it's pointy leaves can also cause injury to cats and dogs from pokes and scrapes. She enjoys photography, gardening and running in her spare time. These festive plants have a bad reputation, but are poinsettias really poisonous to dogs and cats? Holly: This classic holiday plant’s berries and leaves are toxic, again leading to stomach troubles, lethargy and drooling. Fosters Holly . English holly can also be found growing in many gardens throughout the United States, although it is not a native plant. Numerous other berries and fruits can also be poisonous to cats, so make sure your cat doesn't make a habit of eating them!Unlike humans, cats do not need fruit and vegetables to stay healthy. Avoid these common holiday plants to ensure a safe season for your kitty. The amount of treatment needed will vary based on the severity of the symptoms and the amount of plant material that has been consumed. VERIFY: 'Poisonous' poinsettias might irritate your pet but aren’t deadly It’s a common claim that circulates every Christmas, but experts agree poinsettias are only mildly toxic to cats and dogs. Leaves of the holly do not fall off during the autumn season. Cats will chew on plants. The toxic chemical in holly is theobromine, a stimulant that naturally occurs in chocolate, though in lower concentrations. (adsbygoogle=window.adsbygoogle||[]).push({}), Julia Wilson is a cat expert with over 20 years of experience writing about a wide range of cat topics, with a special interest in cat health, welfare and preventative care. Are Hollyhocks Poisonous to Cats?. However, it's a very toxic plant for cats (and dogs) due to the presence of the chemical lycorine. Oregon Holly is a medium sized tree characterized with its light gray bark and stout green branchlets covered with … It seems that no holiday table is complete without a beautiful poinsettia with its dark leaves and velvety red petals. Typical symptoms include dehydration, depression, diarrhea, drowsiness and vomiting. What about pets like dogs, cats and horses: are the leaves and berries toxic to these animals? I am not an expert but I have 20 goats that graze primarily on Ilex vomitoria (Yaupon). Intestinal injuries may occur if the spiny leaves are eaten. The holly's spiny leaves and potentially substances (including saponins, methylxanthines, and cyanogens) released from the plant are what makes it toxic. Are poinsettias poisonous to cats and dogs? The leaves of the holly are elliptical to oval in shape and are glossy and medium to dark green in color. It’s especially toxic to cats because of its alkaloid colchicine content, according to the Pet Poison Helpline. Are Hollyhocks Poisonous to Cats?. When eaten, the leaves, berries, bark, and seeds are all mildly toxic to most mammals. The berries contain toxins that are potentially life-threatening if ingested. We earn a commission when you buy them through our affiliate links. Cats are curious creatures that rarely meet a plant they don’t like. Saponin glycosides, methylxanthines, and cyanogens are the toxic principles found in holly and they can do your cat some harm. Posted by Argos, December 13th 2015, last updated October 1st 2020. Holly is toxic to dogs, reports the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. If you’ve noticed that your cat has a penchant towards eating plants, you’ll want to check the following list — because a lot of plants are actually poisonous for cats. 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