Home › Pets
Pets

Are Poinsettias Toxic to Cats? Holiday Plants and Decorations to Watch

Poinsettias can irritate a cat’s mouth and stomach, but other holiday plants and tinsel can be worse. Here’s what the ASPCA and AVMA say.

By SHOP & SPOT EditorsLast reviewed Nov 9, 2026Research-based guide · 2 sources

This guide has no shopping links. When a guide does, we may earn a commission; it doesn’t change what we recommend. Affiliate disclosure

A red poinsettia plant.

Photo: Jessica Fadel on Unsplash

This guide is for cat and dog owners decorating for the holidays who want to know which plants and decorations are safe to bring home.

Poinsettias have a scary reputation, but they aren’t the most dangerous thing in a holiday living room. They can still make a cat or dog sick, so it’s worth keeping them out of reach.

The quick answer

The ASPCA lists the poinsettia as toxic to dogs, cats and horses. Its sap is an irritant, and it can cause irritation of the mouth and stomach, and sometimes vomiting.1 The ASPCA also notes that the poinsettia is generally over-rated in toxicity.1

If your pet chews one, call your veterinarian or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at (888) 426-4435. The ASPCA says a consultation fee may apply.1

Other holiday plants to keep away

The AVMA names these holiday plants as dangerous to pets:2

Plant Our tip
Poinsettia Set it up high or in a room your pets don’t use
Amaryllis Keep bulbs and flowers out of reach
Mistletoe Hang it well above jumping height, and pick up fallen berries
Holly Watch for dropped berries and leaves
Balsam, pine and cedar Sweep up fallen needles from trees and garlands

Our advice: if you love the look, artificial plants are the simplest pet-safe choice.

Decorations can be worse than plants

The AVMA warns about several decorations:2

  • Tinsel, ribbon and ornaments can cause intestinal blockages if swallowed.
  • Tree water additives can be hazardous, so cover the tree stand.
  • Candles should never be left unattended around pets.
  • Electric cords can be chewed, so tape them down or cover them.
  • Liquid potpourri can damage the mouth, eyes and skin.

Signs to call the vet

The AVMA says to call your veterinarian or an emergency clinic immediately if your pet shows sudden behavior changes, depression, pain, loss of appetite, vomiting or diarrhea.2

Checklist

  • Poinsettias up high; mistletoe and holly berries off the floor.
  • Skip tinsel, or hang it out of reach.
  • Cover the tree stand water.
  • Secure cords and never leave candles burning alone.
  • Save (888) 426-4435 in your phone.

Hosting a holiday meal too? See can dogs eat turkey.

Sources & method

How we researched this

  • This is a research-based guide, not a hands-on product test.
  • Every measurement and safety figure is attributed to the source it comes from. Where we give our own advice, we say so.
  • We don’t rank or recommend specific products in this guide.

Sources

  1. Toxic and Non-toxic Plants: Poinsettia, ASPCA. Accessed Nov 9, 2026.
  2. Winter holiday pet safety, American Veterinary Medical Association. Accessed Nov 9, 2026.

Review history

  • Published Nov 9, 2026.