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
American Holly
Ilex opaca
American Holly is an evergreen shrub or tree known for its spiny, glossy leaves and bright red berries. While ornamental, the plant contains compounds that can cause gastrointestinal distress if ingested by pets.
American HollyIlex opaca
- Light
- Full sun to partial shade
- Habit
- Tree or large shrub
- Care
- Low
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 leaves or berries typically results in mild to moderate gastrointestinal upset. Please contact your veterinarian if your cat has ingested any part of this plant.
Dogs — concern notes
Common signs
Vomiting, diarrhea, and depression.
Escalation note
Ingestion of the leaves or berries typically results in mild to moderate gastrointestinal upset. Please contact your veterinarian if your dog has ingested any part of this plant.
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
American Holly is toxic to both cats and dogs, causing vomiting, diarrhea, and depression.
NC State Extension Plant Toolbox
botanical · 94% reliability
Ilex opaca is a native evergreen tree with spiny leaves and red berries that are toxic if ingested.
Questions about American Holly
Is American Holly toxic to cats?
Yes, American Holly (Ilex opaca) is potentially toxic to cats. According to the ASPCA, ingestion of the leaves or berries typically causes mild to moderate gastrointestinal upset, including vomiting, diarrhea, and depression.
What symptoms will my cat show after eating American Holly berries or leaves?
The three signs the ASPCA lists for cats are vomiting, diarrhea, and depression. Your cat may also drool or paw at its mouth from the spiny leaves. Appetite and energy levels typically drop while the GI tract clears, and most owners notice signs the same day.
What should I do if my cat ate American Holly?
Remove your cat from the plant and call your vet or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at (888) 426-4435. Act sooner if your cat is a kitten or small in size, vomiting persists, diarrhea is bloody or watery, your cat won't eat, or you saw multiple berries or leaves consumed. Monitor for 24–48 hours, as the ASPCA does not document a precise onset window but most signs appear the same day.
Are the berries or the leaves of American Holly more dangerous to cats?
Both parts are harmful. The berries can trigger vomiting, diarrhea, and depression if ingested, while the spiny leaves can additionally cause drooling or pawing at the mouth from physical irritation. Ingestion of either typically results in mild to moderate GI upset, but consuming multiple berries or leaves warrants a call to your vet.
Is American Holly toxic to dogs?
Yes, American Holly (Ilex opaca) is toxic to dogs. Ingestion of the leaves or berries can cause vomiting, diarrhea, and depression, typically resulting in mild to moderate gastrointestinal upset.
What symptoms will my dog show after eating American Holly berries or leaves?
The most common signs are vomiting and diarrhea paired with depression or low energy. You may also see drooling, pawing at the mouth from the spiny leaves, reduced appetite, and abdominal discomfort. Berries are the part dogs are most likely to swallow.
What should I do if my dog ate American Holly?
Contact your veterinarian, especially if vomiting or diarrhea is repeated, your dog stops drinking, or you see blood, severe lethargy, or mouth injury. Call ASPCA Animal Poison Control at (888) 426-4435 right away if a small dog ate berries or you're unsure how much was consumed.
How long after eating American Holly will a dog get sick?
Signs typically begin within a few hours of ingestion. Most dogs recover within 24–48 hours with supportive care, though exact timing is not tightly documented in ASPCA's listing for this plant.
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