Is Mistletoe Toxic to Pets?
Yes — mistletoe is toxic to cats. Yes — mistletoe is toxic to dogs. Yes — mistletoe is 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
- Phoradendron and Viscum spp.
- Toxic compound
- Toxalbumin and pharmacologic lectins
- Toxic parts
- Berries and leaves
- Also known as
- american mistletoe
Symptoms
Cats (toxic)
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Drooling
- Reduced appetite
Dogs (toxic)
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Drooling
- Reduced appetite
Horses (toxic)
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Drooling
- Reduced appetite
What to do
If your cat ate mistletoe
- Call your vet or a pet poison control line immediately — don't wait for symptoms.
- Do not induce vomiting unless a vet tells you to.
- Bring the plant, label or packaging with you so the vet knows exactly what your cat ate.
- Note roughly how much was eaten and when.
If your dog ate mistletoe
- Call your vet or a pet poison control line immediately — don't wait for symptoms.
- Do not induce vomiting unless a vet tells you to.
- Bring the plant, label or packaging with you so the vet knows exactly what your dog ate.
- Note roughly how much was eaten and when.
If your horse ate mistletoe
- Call your vet or a pet poison control line immediately — don't wait for symptoms.
- Do not induce vomiting unless a vet tells you to.
- Bring the plant, label or packaging with you so the vet knows exactly what your horse ate.
- Note roughly how much was eaten and when.
Good to know
American mistletoe mainly causes stomach upset, but larger amounts (or European mistletoe) can affect heart rate and blood pressure.
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Frequently asked questions
Is mistletoe toxic to cats?
Yes — mistletoe is toxic to cats. Common signs include vomiting, diarrhea, drooling.
Is mistletoe toxic to dogs?
Yes — mistletoe is toxic to dogs. Common signs include vomiting, diarrhea, drooling.
Is mistletoe toxic to horses?
Yes — mistletoe is toxic to horses. Common signs include vomiting, diarrhea, drooling.
Which parts of mistletoe are toxic?
Berries and leaves.
What makes mistletoe toxic?
Toxalbumin and pharmacologic lectins.