Fall and Winter Holiday Plants That Are Toxic to Cats

Flowers and festive plants bring color and cheer to the holidays, but they can also pose serious risks to your pets. While a bouquet or centerpiece may seem harmless, many common house plants toxic to cats can cause anything from mild stomach upset to life-threatening illness.

As you decorate your home or shop for gifts this season, it’s important to know which plants to avoid and which ones are safer to keep around curious felines.

Why Cats and Holiday Plants Don’t Mix

Cats are naturally curious creatures. The scent, color, or texture of holiday greenery can tempt them to nibble or play. Unfortunately, many plants toxic to cats contain chemical compounds that irritate their mouth, stomach, or nervous system.

Even a small bite can trigger vomiting or diarrhea, and some plant bulbs and berries can cause more severe symptoms like tremors, seizures, or even organ failure.

If you suspect your cat has chewed on a plant and you’re not sure whether it’s safe, it’s best to call your veterinarian or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center right away (888-426-4435).

Common Holiday Plants That Are Toxic to Cats

Below are some of the most popular holiday plants and their potential risks for cats.

Holly (Ilex species)

Holly is a Christmas classic, but it’s also one of the house plants toxic to cats that can cause digestive distress. The spiny leaves and red berries contain compounds that may lead to vomiting, diarrhea, and drooling. Some cats also experience lethargy or depression after ingestion.

Amaryllis (Amaryllis species)

Amaryllis bulbs are especially dangerous if eaten. These striking red and white flowers contain toxins that can cause vomiting, diarrhea, tremors, and abdominal pain. Cats may also drool excessively or lose interest in food after exposure.

Mistletoe (Phoradendron species)

This holiday staple looks charming hanging above a doorway, but it’s best kept far from pets. Mistletoe can cause vomiting, diarrhea, slowed heart rate, breathing problems, and collapse in severe cases. Ingesting even a small amount may lead to erratic behavior or disorientation.

Are Poinsettias Poisonous to Cats?

Poinsettias are often rumored to be deadly to cats—but this is one of the most misunderstood holiday plant myths. While poinsettias are mildly toxic, they’re not usually life-threatening. Chewing on the leaves or stems can irritate your cat’s mouth and stomach, causing drooling, mild vomiting, or reduced appetite.

Still, it’s best to keep poinsettias out of reach. Even if they aren’t among the most dangerous plants toxic to cats, the sap can still cause discomfort.

Christmas and Easter Cactus (Schlumbergera or Zygocactus species)

These festive cacti are relatively low in toxicity, but eating large quantities can cause vomiting, diarrhea, and lethargy. Most cats experience mild or no symptoms, but it’s still smart to discourage nibbling.

Less Common but Still Dangerous Winter Plants

Several lesser-known plants can also cause illness in cats if ingested during the holiday season:

• American Bittersweet (Celastrus scandens) – Causes vomiting, weakness, and seizures.
• European Bittersweet (Solanum dulcamara) – Leads to drooling, diarrhea, confusion, and slowed heart rate.
• Chrysanthemum (Chrysanthemum morifolium) – Common in fall decorations, chrysanthemums can trigger vomiting, drooling, and depression.
• Christmas Rose (Helleborus niger) – Causes severe vomiting, bloody diarrhea, and delirium.
• Jerusalem Cherry (Solanum pseudocapsicum) – The berries are highly toxic, leading to mouth ulcers, seizures, and potentially death.
• Autumn Crocus (Colchicum autumnale) – One of the most dangerous plants toxic to cats, crocus bulbs can cause bloody vomiting, shock, kidney failure, and bone marrow damage.
• Thanksgiving Cactus (Zygocactus truncatus) – Similar to the Christmas cactus, ingestion can lead to vomiting, diarrhea, and staggering.
• Burning Bush (Euonymus alatus) – May cause vomiting, diarrhea, and loss of appetite.

Holiday Plants That Are Safe for Cats

Not all greenery spells danger. If you want to keep your home looking festive while protecting your cat, consider these non-toxic alternatives:

• Christmas Palm (Veitchia merrillii) – Adds tropical flair and is safe for pets.
• Christmas Orchid (Cattleya trianaei) – Beautiful and non-toxic.
• Christmas Dagger Fern (Polystichum species) – Safe and pet-friendly greenery.
• Mistletoe Cactus (Rhipsalis cassutha) – Despite the name, this one is harmless to cats.

Even with non-toxic plants, it’s still wise to keep them out of reach. Some cats might chew on leaves or dig in soil, which can lead to mild stomach upset or messes around the house.

What to Do If Your Cat Eats a Toxic Plant

If you see your cat chewing on or vomiting near a plant, act quickly:

1. Identify the plant. Take a photo or bring a sample to your vet.
2. Remove any plant material from your cat’s mouth or fur if possible.
3. Call your veterinarian or poison control for advice. Do not try to induce vomiting unless instructed.
4. Watch for symptoms such as drooling, vomiting, diarrhea, tremors, or lethargy.

Early treatment can make a big difference—especially with highly toxic plants like amaryllis or mistletoe.

Keeping Cats Safe Around Holiday Decor

You don’t have to skip decorations entirely. With a little planning, you can create a festive home that’s safe for your cat:

• Choose pet-safe plants or high-quality artificial alternatives.
• Keep toxic greenery in hanging baskets or behind barriers.
• Sweep up fallen leaves, berries, or petals quickly.
• Educate guests about keeping gifts and floral arrangements out of your cat’s reach.

The Bottom Line

The holidays are a time for warmth and celebration—but for cat parents, they’re also a time to stay alert. Many house plants toxic to cats are especially common during fall and winter, including holly, amaryllis, and mistletoe.

And while you might wonder, “are poinsettias poisonous to cats?” — the answer is that they’re only mildly irritating, not deadly. Still, the safest holiday season is one where your cat sticks to toys, treats, and cozy naps rather than your festive foliage.