12.01.09

Watch out for Holiday Hazards!

The holidays are here, and all those beautiful trimmings bring some big hazards for our cats. Did you know that many holiday plants are toxic to cats? Chewing on a poinsettia or holly plant can lead to severe vomiting and diarrhea. By far, the biggest offender is the lily. Every part of the lily plant, in even the smallest amount, is toxic to cats. Ingestion can result in acute kidney failure.

Photo by Sahil Ahuja / CC BY 2.0

Hoping to avoid a trip to the emergency room this season? Remove all lilies, pointsettas, mistletoe, holly, and Christmas rose from your curious feline’s reach – or better yet, keep them out of your home completely.

Don’t forget about other holiday hazards like tinsel, ribbon, silica gel packs, and treated water in your Christmas tree stand.

If you think your cat has gotten into something toxic, please contact the Animal Surgical & Emergency Center immediately @ (310) 473-1561.