Is Holly Toxic to Cats?

Is holly toxic to cats?

Holly is toxic to cats. The toxic principles are saponin glycosides, methylxanthines, and cyanogens. Saponin glycosides are found in the highest concentration on the young leaves and green berries (fruit) of the holly plant. Saponins can cause death in red blood cells as well as changes in the permeability of the small intestinal mucosal cells.

What is holly?

• Scientific names: Ilex spp.
• Other names: English holly, European holly, Oregon holly, Inkberry and Winterberry, Holm
• Toxicity: Toxic to cats
• Toxic compounds: Saponin glycosides, methylxanthines, and cyanogens (the latter two do not appear to cause significant toxicity in cats.)
• Level of toxicity: Mild to moderate

Holly is a genus of approximately 480 species of flowering shrubs, trees and climbers recognised for their spiny leaves and bright red berries. Its glossy green leaves and bright red berries are used in Christmas wreaths, garlands and displays. Hence the name Christmas holly.

Clinical signs

The most common symptoms of holly poisoning relate to gastrointestinal upset. Symptoms will vary depending on the amount of holly the cat has eaten but may include the following:

• Vomiting (possibly with blood)
• Drooling (hypersalivation) due to nausea
• Loss of appetite
• Abdominal pain
• Diarrhea
• Sedation

Emergency care

Contact a poison helpline if one is available or your veterinarian. Let them know the amount of holly ingested and how long ago ingestion occurred. Do not induce vomiting or administer medications unless instructed to do so.

Treatment

There is no antidote to holly toxicity, treatment is managing symptoms and preventing further absorption.

• Induce vomiting if ingestion was recent to remove any remaining plant matter from the gastrointestinal tract.
• Administer activated charcoal which binds to any remaining plant material.
• For symptomatic cats, if the ingestion was recent, gastric decontamination, usually by inducing vomiting.
• Supportive and symptomatic care may include fluids to prevent or treat dehydration and anti-nausea medication.

Notes

Cats are unlikely to chew on holly leaves due to their sharp spines. To reduce the risk of holly toxicity in cats, remove all of the berries from any displays before bringing them into the house. As the plant dries out, berries can fall off the plant and be consumed by a pet.