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Is American Holly toxic to cats?

Ilex opaca

Toxic to cats

Yes — american holly is toxic to cats according to the ASPCA. Keep it well away from any cat that chews plants; reactions can be significant. This classification follows the ASPCA Toxic and Non-Toxic Plant List. American Holly (Ilex opaca) is individually listed by the ASPCA as toxic to dogs, cats and horses. The toxic principle is saponins; ingestion of the leaves and berries causes vomiting, diarrhoea and depression. The ASPCA notes leaves and berries are low toxicity, but the spiny leaves can also cause mechanical injury.

What to do if your cat ate american holly

  1. Remove any plant material from your cat's mouth and move american holly out of reach.
  2. Note how much was eaten and when, and watch for drooling, vomiting, or lethargy.
  3. Do not induce vomiting unless a vet or poison-control specialist instructs you to.
  4. Call your vet or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center on (888) 426-4435 and follow their advice.
  5. Bring a leaf or photo of american holly to the appointment so it can be treated correctly.

General guidance, not veterinary advice. If you think your cat has eaten american holly, contact your vet or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center on (888) 426-4435 — do not wait for symptoms to worsen.

Is american holly toxic to cats? — FAQ

Is american holly toxic to cats?

Yes — american holly is toxic to cats according to the ASPCA. Keep it well away from any cat that chews plants; reactions can be significant. American Holly (Ilex opaca) is individually listed by the ASPCA as toxic to dogs, cats and horses. The toxic principle is saponins; ingestion of the leaves and berries causes vomiting, diarrhoea and depression. The ASPCA notes leaves and berries are low toxicity, but the spiny leaves can also cause mechanical injury.

What are the symptoms if a cat eats american holly?

American Holly (Ilex opaca) is individually listed by the ASPCA as toxic to dogs, cats and horses. The toxic principle is saponins; ingestion of the leaves and berries causes vomiting, diarrhoea and depression. The ASPCA notes leaves and berries are low toxicity, but the spiny leaves can also cause mechanical injury. Signs usually appear soon after chewing rather than hours later — watch for drooling, pawing at the mouth, vomiting, loss of appetite, or unusual lethargy after your cat has had access to american holly.

What should I do if my cat ate american holly?

Stay calm. Remove any plant from your cat's mouth and take the plant away. Note how much was eaten and when, and do not induce vomiting unless told to. Call your vet or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center on (888) 426-4435 and follow their advice; a leaf or photo helps the vet treat it correctly.

Is american holly toxic to dogs too?

The ASPCA classification Growli uses applies to both cats and dogs: American Holly is toxic to dogs as well. See the full american holly pet-safety guide for both species.

What is a cat-safe alternative to american holly?

For a similar look without the risk, see the best cats-safe plants list — every plant there is ASPCA non-toxic to cats and dogs.

Full american holly pet-safety