Is there anything more adorable than a cat decked out in a Santa suit? Or a kitty dressed up as a swashbuckling pirate? When the holidays roll around, dressing up our furry friends in cute holiday costumes is a big part of the fun for pet parents!
At this time of year many of us also get in the holiday spirit by decorating our homes with live plants, but many of these festive flowers and garlands pose a health hazard to our pets.
If you’re not sure which plants could result in an unexpected trip to the ER for your favorite kitty, read on to insure that your holidays stay fun for both you and your pet!
You Might Also Like —> What exactly is catnip? Details HERE!
Holly and mistletoe are two of the most dangerous plants that people display in their homes at Christmas. Both will produce stomach upset if ingested, and owners should call their vet if they believe their pet has nibbled either plant.
Symptoms of holly and mistletoe poisoning include, “a change in mental function, difficulty breathing, or a low heart rate…vomiting, diarrhea, decreased energy, and general upset stomach.”
Most consumers have heard that poinsettias are toxic if ingested. Some experts now say that the bright red plants pose only a mild risk, and that animals who ingest the plant display few, if any, symptoms.
Still, it may be wise to error on the side of caution and steer clear of poinsettias this time of year!
You Might Also Like —> Is It Safe For Cats To Eat Bugs?
But if you choose to replace a poinsettia plant with other blooms, beware that some are more poisonous than others.
Lilies, daffodils, and amaryllis make beautiful table toppers for holiday parties, but these popular flowers are extremely dangerous to cats.
If ingested, lilies can cause feline kidney failure and there is no available antidote. Ingestion of daffodil or amaryllis flowers by pets can lead to loss of appetite, vomiting, depression, and even tremors.
So, with just a bit of caution on your part, your cat will stay healthy and happy this holiday season, and who knows, he might even enjoy wearing that little hat you knit for him!
Share your thoughts in the Comments section below, on our Facebook Page, Follow Our Twitter Account or Head Over To Our Pinterest Page!
This is so helpful, especially for new cat owners. I did know about the holiday plants being bad for cats, hope others are careful!
This is so helpful, especially for new cat owners. I did know about the holiday plants being bad for cats, hope others are careful!
been checking out this page yesterday, very helpful post, we have poinsettia at home. Now I know, thanks for sharing!
I am quite surprised to hear that the experts are now saying that poinsettias only pose a mild risk. I’ve always been under the impression that they are one of the more dangerous plants.
I’ve never thought that Lilies are really dangerous to cat! I love lilies, and I’m glad to know this helpful info.
This is really helpful info, I know someone who loves having a center piece plant in a table. These will help her.
been checking out this page yesterday, very helpful post, we have poinsettia at home. Now I know, thanks for sharing!
I am quite surprised to hear that the experts are now saying that poinsettias only pose a mild risk. I’ve always been under the impression that they are one of the more dangerous plants.
I’ve never thought that Lilies are really dangerous to cat! I love lilies, and I’m glad to know this helpful info.
This is really helpful info, I know someone who loves having a center piece plant in a table. These will help her.
I had no idea that these plants are toxic for cats. I’m going to forward your link to my daughter because she just bought some poinsettias.
Wow, I did not know that those beautiful plants are dangerous to cats! Glad we don’t have a cat coz we have those plants.
I had no idea that these plants are toxic for cats. I’m going to forward your link to my daughter because she just bought some poinsettias.
Wow, I did not know that those beautiful plants are dangerous to cats! Glad we don’t have a cat coz we have those plants.
Great reminder to be aware of our pets during the holidays. We put so many decorations out that we can forget about our furry friends trying to eat them.
Great reminder to be aware of our pets during the holidays. We put so many decorations out that we can forget about our furry friends trying to eat them.
Lillies for real? Oh wow I didn’t know that. I do not have any cats but its good to know
Lillies for real? Oh wow I didn’t know that. I do not have any cats but its good to know
I’ve unfortunately had to get rid of some plants for the benefit of my cat. I’d hate for her to get sick or die.
I’ve unfortunately had to get rid of some plants for the benefit of my cat. I’d hate for her to get sick or die.
I don’t have a cat, but it makes me wonder which plants are toxic to dogs. Will have to look into that.
I don’t have a cat, but it makes me wonder which plants are toxic to dogs. Will have to look into that.
This is so important this time of year!! There’s so much to remember for pet owners. Great post!
This is so important this time of year!! There’s so much to remember for pet owners. Great post!