Is Holly Toxic to Pets?
Yes — holly is mildly toxic to cats. Yes — holly is mildly toxic to dogs. Yes — holly is mildly toxic to horses.
PawSafe Check is for general information only and is not veterinary advice. Always contact your veterinarian or a poison control service if you think your pet has been exposed.
- Scientific name
- Ilex spp.
- Toxic compound
- Saponins and methylxanthines
- Toxic parts
- Berries and leaves
- Also known as
- english holly, american holly
Symptoms
Cats (mildly toxic)
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Drooling
- Reduced appetite
Dogs (mildly toxic)
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Drooling
- Reduced appetite
Horses (mildly toxic)
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Drooling
- Reduced appetite
What to do
If your cat ate holly
- Remove any plant material from your cat's mouth and keep it out of reach.
- Gently rinse the mouth and offer fresh water.
- Call your vet if symptoms persist, get worse, or your cat is small, young or elderly.
If your dog ate holly
- Remove any plant material from your dog's mouth and keep it out of reach.
- Gently rinse the mouth and offer fresh water.
- Call your vet if symptoms persist, get worse, or your dog is small, young or elderly.
If your horse ate holly
- Remove any plant material from your horse's mouth and keep it out of reach.
- Gently rinse the mouth and offer fresh water.
- Call your vet if symptoms persist, get worse, or your horse is small, young or elderly.
Good to know
Holly berries and spiky leaves cause vomiting, diarrhea and drooling. Serious poisoning is uncommon.
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Frequently asked questions
Is holly toxic to cats?
Yes — holly is mildly toxic to cats. Common signs include vomiting, diarrhea, drooling.
Is holly toxic to dogs?
Yes — holly is mildly toxic to dogs. Common signs include vomiting, diarrhea, drooling.
Is holly toxic to horses?
Yes — holly is mildly toxic to horses. Common signs include vomiting, diarrhea, drooling.
Which parts of holly are toxic?
Berries and leaves.
What makes holly toxic?
Saponins and methylxanthines.