Holiday Plants and Pets

Even those without a knack for plant care may succumb to the allure of living holiday decorations. Because these attractive enhancements make a short appearance over the holidays, your pet may be curious enough to take a nibble. Obviously, keeping plants and pets apart is the safest solution, but if that is not possible, here is information to help you decorate safely with holiday houseplants.

The Naughty List

Avoid bringing these plants into the house at holiday time if you think your pet may be tempted to take a bite.

Amaryllis (Hippeastrum spp.) - These showy holiday flowers that sprout indoors from bulbs during the winter are poisonous to cats and dogs. Lycorine, a toxic compound that protects the plant, is found in all parts of amaryllis, but is concentrated in the bulb. Poison symptoms are gastrointestinal distress, lethargy, and tremors.

Paperwhite Narcissus (Narcissus papyraceus) - Sometimes referred to as paperwhites, these winter favorites will shoot out green foliage followed by fragrant white blooms after being exposed to warmth, light, and water. Much like amaryllis, however, all parts of paperwhite narcissus are toxic to cats and dogs, especially the bulbs, where Lycorine and other poisonous alkaloids are concentrated. A pet's reaction to consuming paperwhites would be similar to consuming amaryllis.

(Note: While they may resemble lilies and are toxic to pets, neither amaryllis nor paperwhite narcissus is in the lily family (Liliaceae). All parts of plants in the lily family, even pollen, are extremely dangerous for cats and dogs to consume.)

Holly (Ilex spp.) - The ASPCA advises that while holly is toxic to pets, the leaves and berries have low toxicity. Therefore, it is unlikely that the parts of holly plants brought indoors would be highly dangerous to pets. Still, pet owners should keep an eye out for symptoms of holly consumption if it is available to pets. These include vomiting, diarrhea, and depression.

Mistletoe (Phoradendron serotinum, formerly P. flavescens or P. leucarpum)– The tradition of a Christmas kiss under the mistletoe has evolved from ancient European solstice rituals. This parasitic plant has the seemingly magical property of remaining green, even while living on a tree that has shed its leaves for the winter. If your pet were to get hold of mistletoe, toxins in the plant, particularly in the white berries, could cause vomiting, diarrhea, low blood pressure, difficulty breathing, and low heart rate. The good news is that fresh mistletoe is challenging to find and is usually replaced with an artificial version. (According to the USDA, mistletoe only grows in a few of the southernmost counties in Pennsylvania and those near the Delaware Water Gap.)

Christmas Tree Water – The needles of a fresh-cut Christmas tree are not likely to harm your pet, but the water in the tree stand could be dangerous if treated with additives intended to extend freshness. Penn State recommends only fresh water to maintain your cut tree and discourages the use of any additives. (See Caring for Your Cut Christmas Tree.)

On the Nice Side

While not recommended, your pets nibbling on these plants is not a cause for alarm.

Poinsettia (Euphorbia pulcherrima) – You should not have to forego poinsettias as a holiday decoration because you have pets. Reports of its toxicity have been greatly exaggerated over the years. One reason for this reputation is that, as members of the spurge family (Euphorbiaceae), they have milky, latex-like sap. This sap can irritate pets' stomachs, but gastrointestinal upset symptoms should resolve on their own.

Christmas cactus (Schlumbergera spp.) – Akin to varieties known as Thanksgiving cactus and Easter cactus, Christmas cactus does not have thorns, but segmented, fleshy leaves and white, pink, red, or orange blooms. They are roughly timed to bloom during the holiday for which each is named. The ASPCA rates Christmas cacti as non-toxic to cats and dogs.

If your pet consumes any substance that is not their usual food and appears ill, contact your veterinarian or the ASPCA Poison Control's 24-hour emergency poison hotline at 888-426-4435.

For more information:

How Dangerous Are Winter and Spring Holiday Plants to Pets?