Cats & Dogs
Potentially toxicConsulted references classify the plant as toxic or irritating for that pet type.
Verified against ASPCA/provenance audit 2026-05-06 on May 6, 2026.
Sources
Pet safety reference
English Holly
Ilex aquifolium
English Holly is an evergreen shrub or tree known for its glossy, spiny leaves and bright red berries. While ornamental, the plant contains compounds that can cause gastrointestinal distress if ingested by pets.
Christmas HollyEnglish HollyEuropean HollyIlex aquifolium
- Light
- Partial shade to full sun
- Habit
- Shrub or small tree
- Care
- Moderate
Safety status
If a pet has chewed or swallowed plant material and is showing symptoms, contact a veterinarian or poison resource immediately. This product is for structured reference, not diagnosis.
Cats — concern notes
Common signs
Vomiting, diarrhea, and depression.
Escalation note
Ingestion of the berries or leaves can lead to significant gastrointestinal upset. Please contact your veterinarian or a pet poison control center if you suspect your cat has ingested any part of this plant.
Dogs — concern notes
Common signs
Vomiting, diarrhea, and drooling.
Escalation note
The plant material can cause irritation to the digestive tract. If your dog has consumed this plant, monitor for signs of illness and consult your veterinarian for professional guidance.
Safer alternatives
No hand-picked alternatives for this plant yet. You can still pick your own using the Compare button on any other plant.
Source evidence
ASPCA Toxic Plant List
toxicology · 99% reliability
Holly (Ilex aquifolium) is listed as toxic to both cats and dogs, causing vomiting, diarrhea, and depression.
NC State Extension Plant Toolbox
botanical · 94% reliability
Ilex aquifolium is an evergreen shrub with spiny leaves and red berries that are toxic if ingested.
Questions about English Holly
Is English Holly toxic to cats?
Yes, English Holly (Ilex aquifolium) is toxic to cats. Both the berries and leaves can cause gastrointestinal upset if ingested, and the spiny leaves can also irritate a cat's mouth and throat on contact.
What symptoms will my cat show after eating English Holly berries or leaves?
Expect vomiting (sometimes with leaf fragments), diarrhea, and depression or lethargy. You may also notice lip-smacking, drooling, and head-shaking from the spiny leaves irritating the mouth. Reduced appetite can last a day or so, and larger berry ingestions tend to cause more dramatic vomiting and lethargy.
What should I do if my cat ate English Holly?
Remove any remaining leaves or berries from your cat's reach immediately. Do not give milk, peanut butter, raw eggs, or salt before calling for help. Call the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at (888) 426-4435 or Pet Poison Helpline at (855) 764-7661 right away for guidance before attempting any home treatment.
How quickly do English Holly poisoning symptoms appear in cats, and will my cat recover?
Oral discomfort and vomiting typically appear within a few hours of your cat chewing on the plant. Most cats recover within 24 hours, though exact onset and duration are not well documented. Call your vet or ASPCA Poison Control at (888) 426-4435 if vomiting won't stop or your cat is lethargic for more than a few hours.
Is English Holly toxic to dogs?
Yes, English Holly (Ilex aquifolium) is potentially toxic to dogs. The plant's leaves and berries can irritate the digestive tract, causing vomiting, diarrhea, and drooling if ingested.
What happens if a dog eats English Holly berries or leaves?
GI signs typically begin within a few hours of ingestion. Watch for lip-smacking, drooling, head-shaking from the spines, vomiting (sometimes with visible leaf bits), diarrhea, and lethargy. Larger amounts — especially berries — increase the risk of pronounced vomiting and dehydration. Most dogs recover within 24 hours.
What should I do if my dog ate English Holly?
Remove any remaining leaves or berries from your dog's reach immediately. Do not give milk, peanut butter, raw eggs, or salt — Pet Poison Helpline specifically warns against these home remedies. Call Pet Poison Helpline at (855) 764-7661 or ASPCA Animal Poison Control at (888) 426-4435 before doing anything else.
When does a dog who ate English Holly need emergency vet care?
Call your vet or ASPCA Animal Poison Control at (888) 426-4435 if your dog ate multiple berries, vomiting is severe or continues for more than a few hours, or your dog seems unusually lethargic or refuses to drink — these signs raise the risk of dehydration and warrant prompt evaluation.
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