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Is Blue Holly 'Blue Princess' toxic to cats?

Ilex × meserveae 'Blue Princess'

Toxic to cats

Yes — blue holly 'blue princess' 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. As an Ilex, 'Blue Princess' falls under the ASPCA listing of holly as toxic to dogs, cats and horses, with saponins as the toxic principle. Ingestion of leaves and berries causes vomiting, diarrhoea and depression (low toxicity per ASPCA), and the spiny foliage can also cause mouth and gut irritation.

What to do if your cat ate blue holly 'blue princess'

  1. Remove any plant material from your cat's mouth and move blue holly 'blue princess' 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 blue holly 'blue princess' to the appointment so it can be treated correctly.

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

Is blue holly 'blue princess' toxic to cats? — FAQ

Is blue holly 'blue princess' toxic to cats?

Yes — blue holly 'blue princess' is toxic to cats according to the ASPCA. Keep it well away from any cat that chews plants; reactions can be significant. As an Ilex, 'Blue Princess' falls under the ASPCA listing of holly as toxic to dogs, cats and horses, with saponins as the toxic principle. Ingestion of leaves and berries causes vomiting, diarrhoea and depression (low toxicity per ASPCA), and the spiny foliage can also cause mouth and gut irritation.

What are the symptoms if a cat eats blue holly 'blue princess'?

As an Ilex, 'Blue Princess' falls under the ASPCA listing of holly as toxic to dogs, cats and horses, with saponins as the toxic principle. Ingestion of leaves and berries causes vomiting, diarrhoea and depression (low toxicity per ASPCA), and the spiny foliage can also cause mouth and gut irritation. 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 blue holly 'blue princess'.

What should I do if my cat ate blue holly 'blue princess'?

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 blue holly 'blue princess' toxic to dogs too?

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

What is a cat-safe alternative to blue holly 'blue princess'?

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 blue holly 'blue princess' pet-safety