Holiday plants toxic to cats: lilies first, then the Christmas list
Lilies in a holiday bouquet can cause kidney failure in cats, even the pollen. Amaryllis and mistletoe come next; poinsettia and holly are mild; Christmas cactus is safe.
Lilies in a holiday bouquet can cause kidney failure in cats, even the pollen.
Lilies are the holiday plant that can kill a cat: every part, even the pollen, can cause kidney failure (the vase water is thought to be toxic too), and holiday bouquets often have them.
Amaryllis and mistletoe are toxic too; poinsettia, holly and tree needles are mild; Christmas cactus is safe.
Cat chewed a plant? Call your vet or ASPCA Poison Control at (888) 426-4435.
In this guide7 sections
Lilies: the holiday flower that can kill a cat
Every part of a true lily (Lilium) is toxic to cats: leaf, stem, flower, pollen. It can cause acute kidney failure, and treatment has to start early. Vase water is thought to be toxic too. A cat that brushes past and licks pollen off its fur counts. If your cat touched a lily, call now, not after signs show.
Many lilies in holiday bouquets are highly toxic to cats. Ask the florist to leave them out, and check a gift bouquet at the door before it comes inside.
Plant
For cats
What to do
Lilies in bouquets
For catsKidney failure
What to doKeep out of the house
Amaryllis
For catsToxic, bulb worst
What to doUp high, bulb out of reach
Mistletoe
For catsToxic
What to doHang where a cat can't jump to it
Holly
For catsMild
What to doSweep fallen berries
Poinsettia
For catsMild
What to doFine up high
Tree needles and stand water
For catsMild
What to doCover the stand
Christmas cactus
For catsNon-toxic
What to doThe safe swap
Amaryllis: toxic to cats, and the bulb is worse
Amaryllis is toxic to cats. Chewed flowers and leaves bring vomiting and diarrhea. The bulb is more toxic: eaten in a large amount, it can cause weakness, tremors, seizures and changes in blood pressure. Grow kits often sit on a low table. Put them on a shelf your cat can't reach, or swap for a Christmas cactus.
Mistletoe: toxic, so hang it out of jumping range
American mistletoe is toxic to cats, causing vomiting and diarrhea. It can also slow the heart and, rarely, drop blood pressure. A doorway sprig is in reach of a cat on a shelf or a door frame: hang it where nothing can jump to it, or use a fake sprig.
Christmas tree: needles and stand water are mild
Spruce and fir needles can irritate the mouth and stomach, with vomiting and drooling. A large amount can block the gut, because needles don't digest well. Tree water breeds bacteria that can cause nausea and diarrhea. Cover the stand so your cat can't drink from it, and sweep up needles daily.
Holly causes vomiting, diarrhea, drooling and lethargy; the leaves and berries are low in toxicity. Sweep up fallen berries anyway.
Safe plants: Christmas cactus and a lily-free bouquet
Christmas cactus is non-toxic to cats. A big chew may still cause mild vomiting or diarrhea, but nothing serious is expected. It is the easiest swap for an amaryllis.
Take the plant away, and check the mouth for leftover pieces.
For any lily, call now, even if your cat seems fine. Call your vet or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at (888) 426-4435, or Pet Poison Helpline at (855) 764-7661. Both answer 24/7, and a fee may apply.
Note what the plant was, which part, about how much and when. Keep the plant or its tag nearby.
Don't make your cat vomit unless a vet tells you to.
