Why?
Holly contains saponins and other compounds that irritate the digestive tract, mostly concentrated in the red berries. When chewed, it most often causes drooling, vomiting, diarrhea and lethargy. The spiny leaves can also injure the mouth and tongue, which luckily tends to limit how much a cat eats.
How much?
No amount is safe. Keep holly branches out of reach, and pick up berries that fall from decorations.
The risks
- Vomiting and diarrhea
- Heavy drooling and head shaking
- Mouth injuries from the spiny leaves
- Lethargy and loss of appetite
Your cat ate some: what now?
Call your vet or an animal poison control center without waiting for symptoms, especially if your cat swallowed berries. Keep a sprig to identify the plant, and don't try to make your cat vomit.
Better options
For decorating, go for artificial holly without small detachable berries, or wooden and fabric decorations. A pot of cat grass gives your cat safe greenery.
Common questions
Are holly berries deadly to cats?
Holly poisoning is usually limited to digestive upset and is rarely fatal, but it can be severe if a cat eats a lot of berries. Either way, call your vet to find out what to do.
Is fake holly safe for cats?
It isn't toxic, but small plastic berries can be swallowed and cause choking or a blockage. Choose versions without small parts that come off.
This information is general and does not replace advice from a veterinarian. If your cat has swallowed something toxic, call your vet or an animal poison control center right away, without waiting for symptoms.