Pet safety
Is Winterberry Holly 'Winter Red'toxic to cats & dogs?
Ilex verticillata 'Winter Red'
Quick verdict — at a glance
- Toxic to cats?
- Yes — toxic
- Toxic to dogs?
- Yes — toxic
- ASPCA classification
- Toxic to pets · botanical name Ilex verticillata 'Winter Red'
Is winterberry holly 'winter red' safe for cats and dogs?
No — winterberry holly 'winter red' is toxic to cats and dogs. Keep it well away from any pet that chews plants; reactions can be significant. This classification follows the ASPCA Toxic and Non-Toxic Plant List, the most widely used reference for companion-animal plant safety in the US and the standard most UK vets cite as well. Winterberry (Ilex verticillata) is individually listed by the ASPCA as toxic to dogs, cats and horses, with saponins as the toxic principle. Ingestion of leaves and the showy berries causes vomiting, diarrhoea and depression; the ASPCA classes leaves and berries as low toxicity, but the abundant red berries can tempt pets and children.
| Pet | Toxic? | Per ASPCA |
|---|---|---|
| Cats | Yes | Toxic to pets |
| Dogs | Yes | Toxic to pets |
What happens if a pet eats winterberry holly 'winter red'?
Winterberry (Ilex verticillata) is individually listed by the ASPCA as toxic to dogs, cats and horses, with saponins as the toxic principle. Ingestion of leaves and the showy berries causes vomiting, diarrhoea and depression; the ASPCA classes leaves and berries as low toxicity, but the abundant red berries can tempt pets and children. Signs usually appear soon after chewing rather than hours later. If you see drooling, pawing at the mouth, head-shaking, vomiting, loss of appetite, or unusual lethargy after your pet has had access to winterberry holly 'winter red', treat it as a suspected ingestion and act on the steps below.
What to do if your pet ate winterberry holly 'winter red'
- Remove any plant material from your pet's mouth and move winterberry holly 'winter red' out of reach.
- Note how much was eaten and when, and watch for drooling, vomiting, or lethargy.
- Do not induce vomiting unless a vet or poison-control specialist instructs you to.
- Call your vet or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center on (888) 426-4435 and follow their advice.
- Bring a leaf or photo of winterberry holly 'winter red' to the appointment so it can be treated correctly.
This page is general guidance, not veterinary advice. Pets vary, and a reaction may be to soil, fertiliser, or pesticide rather than the plant. If you are worried, always contact a vet or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center on (888) 426-4435 — do not wait for symptoms to worsen.
Pet-safe alternatives to winterberry holly 'winter red'
Want the same look without the risk? These plants are listed as non-toxic to cats and dogs by the ASPCA and have similar care needs:
- Hoya — non-toxic to cats and dogs (care guide)
- Bromeliad — non-toxic to cats and dogs (care guide)
- Christmas cactus — non-toxic to cats and dogs (care guide)
- African violet — non-toxic to cats and dogs (care guide)
Winterberry Holly 'Winter Red' and pets — frequently asked questions
Is winterberry holly 'winter red' toxic to cats?
Winterberry Holly 'Winter Red' (Ilex verticillata 'Winter Red') is toxic to cats according to the ASPCA. Winterberry (Ilex verticillata) is individually listed by the ASPCA as toxic to dogs, cats and horses, with saponins as the toxic principle. Ingestion of leaves and the showy berries causes vomiting, diarrhoea and depression; the ASPCA classes leaves and berries as low toxicity, but the abundant red berries can tempt pets and children. Keep it out of reach and contact your vet or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center on (888) 426-4435 if your cat chews it.
Is winterberry holly 'winter red' toxic to dogs?
Per the ASPCA, Winterberry Holly 'Winter Red' (Ilex verticillata 'Winter Red') is toxic to dogs. Dogs often chew more enthusiastically than cats, so a toxic plant like winterberry holly 'winter red' is best removed from the floor and low shelves entirely.
What happens if my pet eats winterberry holly 'winter red'?
Winterberry (Ilex verticillata) is individually listed by the ASPCA as toxic to dogs, cats and horses, with saponins as the toxic principle. Ingestion of leaves and the showy berries causes vomiting, diarrhoea and depression; the ASPCA classes leaves and berries as low toxicity, but the abundant red berries can tempt pets and children. Signs usually appear soon after chewing rather than hours later. If you see drooling, pawing at the mouth, head-shaking, vomiting, loss of appetite, or unusual lethargy after your pet has had access to winterberry holly 'winter red', treat it as a suspected ingestion and act on the steps below.
What should I do if my cat or dog ate winterberry holly 'winter red'?
Stay calm. Remove any remaining plant material from your pet's mouth and take the plant away so they cannot eat more. Note roughly how much was eaten and when. Do not make your pet vomit unless a vet or poison-control specialist tells you to. Call your vet or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center on (888) 426-4435 (a consultation fee may apply) and follow their advice. Bringing a photo or a leaf of winterberry holly 'winter red' to the appointment helps the vet treat it correctly.
What are pet-safe alternatives to winterberry holly 'winter red'?
If you want a similar look without the risk, good non-toxic swaps include hoya, bromeliad, christmas cactus, african violet. All of these are listed as non-toxic to cats and dogs by the ASPCA, so they suit a home where pets have access to your plants.
Full winterberry holly 'winter red' care
Pet-safety is one piece of the picture. For light, watering, soil, and troubleshooting, see the complete winterberry holly 'winter red' care guide, or browse the full pet-safe plant library to check another plant before you buy it.