§ Toxic plants · Aquifoliaceae · Checked Oct 2026
Is American holly toxic to cats and dogs?
Yes. American holly (Ilex opaca) is toxic to cats and dogs, according to the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center. Plant Smart rates its effects Mild, level 1 of 4.
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§ 010 · Signs
What to watch for
Signs include vomiting, diarrhea and dullness or depression. Signs can start within hours; some take a day or more to show.
§ 020 · If it happened
What to do if your pet ate it
Call your vet or a pet poison hotline straight away, even if your pet seems fine: the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center, (888) 426-4435, or Pet Poison Helpline, (855) 764-7661. Both are open 24 hours and charge a fee. Have the plant or a photo of it to hand, and don’t make your pet vomit unless a vet tells you to.
§ 030 · Same family
Other Aquifoliaceae plants toxic to pets
American holly belongs to the Aquifoliaceae family. ASPCA lists these relatives too.
§ 040 · Questions
Questions about American holly and pets
Is American holly toxic to cats?
Yes. ASPCA lists American holly as toxic to cats.
Is American holly toxic to dogs?
Yes. ASPCA lists American holly as toxic to dogs.
What happens if my pet eats American holly?
Signs include vomiting, diarrhea and dullness or depression. Plant Smart rates it Mild, level 1 of 4.
What should I do if my pet ate it?
Call your vet or a pet poison hotline right away, even before signs appear: the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at (888) 426-4435, or Pet Poison Helpline at (855) 764-7661. Both charge a fee. Have the plant, or a photo of it, to hand.
What else is American holly called?
American holly is also sold or known as scrub holly.