Holly

Q: Is Holly toxic to cats?

Toxic: Toxic — berries and leaves cause gastrointestinal upset. Ilex (holiday holly) berries attract play. Saponins cause vomiting and diarrhea. A few berries in a small cat can dehydrate a kitten. The spines also injure mouths. Source: ASPCA.

Q: Is Tulip also safe for cats?

Toxic: Toxic — bulbs are most dangerous, causes GI upset.

Toxic

Verdict

Toxic — berries and leaves cause gastrointestinal upset.

Toxic principle: saponins (berries)

Also called: ilex, christmas holly

Source: ASPCA · Verified 2026-08-13

If your cat ate this

Cats hide symptoms — don't wait and see. Even small amounts of certain substances can be fatal to a cat. Act fast.

1. Call your veterinarian immediately
US — National hotline: ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (888) 426-4435 aspca.org(24/7, Consultation fee may apply.)
US — National hotline: Pet Poison Helpline (855) 764-7661 petpoisonhelpline.com(24/7, $89 per incident fee; also covers Canada.)
GB — National hotline: Animal PoisonLine 01202 509 000 animalpoisonline.co.uk(24/7, £35 per call (8am–8pm weekdays), £45 at other times.)
AU — National hotline: Animal Poisons Helpline 1300 869 738 animalpoisons.com.au(24/7)
NZ — National hotline: Animal Poisons Helpline 0800 869 738 poisons.co.nz(11am–7pm NZ time (currently being extended), Charges apply.)
CA — National hotline: Pet Poison Helpline (855) 764-7661 petpoisonhelpline.com(24/7, $89 per incident fee.)

Verified 2026-08-06

Verdict

Ilex (holiday holly) berries attract play. Saponins cause vomiting and diarrhea. A few berries in a small cat can dehydrate a kitten. The spines also injure mouths.