English Holly
Ilex aquifolium · Aquifoliaceae
How it looks
English Holly is an evergreen shrub or tree with thick, glossy, dark-green leaves bearing very sharp, thorn-like teeth. Its leaf spines are sharper than those of American holly. In winter it bears round red fruits, common at Christmas.
Mild caution — stomach irritation
The fruit and leaves of English Holly contain irritating compounds that can cause vomiting, diarrhea, and depression if chewed. Most cats recover on their own, but as a caution-level plant it still calls for monitoring.
Guide for parents
An occasional nibble of English Holly usually doesn't lead to anything serious, but the saponins and methylxanthines in it can irritate the stomach and mucous membranes and cause mild gastrointestinal symptoms. Make a habit of clearing away fallen leaves or broken stems the same day, and keep the pot somewhere your cat can't reach. If symptoms last more than 12 hours or your cat's appetite clearly drops, consult your vet.
If ingested
Contact your nearest vet immediately
- Onset
- Right away to within 2 hours of ingestion
- Symptoms
- Vomiting, diarrhea, depression
- Action
- Rinse the mouth with water and monitor. Consult a vet if symptoms last more than 12 hours.
Details
- Scientific name
- Ilex aquifolium
- Common name
- English Holly
- Family
- Aquifoliaceae
- Toxic parts
- Fruit, Leaves
- Compounds
- Saponins, Methylxanthines
- Onset
- Right away to within 2 hours of ingestion
- Symptoms
- Vomiting, diarrhea, depression
- Action
- Rinse the mouth with water and monitor. Consult a vet if symptoms last more than 12 hours.
- Source
- ASPCA
