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Is Japanese Holly 'Sky Pencil' toxic to cats?

Ilex crenata 'Sky Pencil'

Toxic to cats

Yes — japanese holly 'sky pencil' 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 (Japanese holly), 'Sky Pencil' falls under the ASPCA listing of holly as toxic to dogs, cats and horses, with saponins as the toxic principle. Ingestion of the leaves and any small black berries can cause vomiting, diarrhoea and depression; ASPCA rates holly leaves and berries as low toxicity.

What to do if your cat ate japanese holly 'sky pencil'

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

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

Is japanese holly 'sky pencil' toxic to cats? — FAQ

Is japanese holly 'sky pencil' toxic to cats?

Yes — japanese holly 'sky pencil' 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 (Japanese holly), 'Sky Pencil' falls under the ASPCA listing of holly as toxic to dogs, cats and horses, with saponins as the toxic principle. Ingestion of the leaves and any small black berries can cause vomiting, diarrhoea and depression; ASPCA rates holly leaves and berries as low toxicity.

What are the symptoms if a cat eats japanese holly 'sky pencil'?

As an Ilex (Japanese holly), 'Sky Pencil' falls under the ASPCA listing of holly as toxic to dogs, cats and horses, with saponins as the toxic principle. Ingestion of the leaves and any small black berries can cause vomiting, diarrhoea and depression; ASPCA rates holly leaves and berries as low toxicity. 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 japanese holly 'sky pencil'.

What should I do if my cat ate japanese holly 'sky pencil'?

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 japanese holly 'sky pencil' toxic to dogs too?

The ASPCA classification Growli uses applies to both cats and dogs: Japanese Holly 'Sky Pencil' is toxic to dogs as well. See the full japanese holly 'sky pencil' pet-safety guide for both species.

What is a cat-safe alternative to japanese holly 'sky pencil'?

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 japanese holly 'sky pencil' pet-safety