§ Toxic plants · Santalaceae · Checked Oct 2026
Is American mistletoe toxic to cats and dogs?
Yes. American mistletoe (Phoradendron flavescens) is toxic to cats and dogs, according to the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center. Plant Smart rates its effects Moderate, level 2 of 4.
Get a permanent discount if you join Early Access. iPhone and Android, in the contiguous U.S.
§ 010 · Signs
What to watch for
Signs include vomiting, diarrhea, low blood pressure, trouble breathing and slow heartbeat. 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 Santalaceae plants toxic to pets
American mistletoe belongs to the Santalaceae family. ASPCA lists these relatives too.
§ 040 · Questions
Questions about American mistletoe and pets
Is American mistletoe toxic to cats?
Yes. ASPCA lists American mistletoe as toxic to cats.
Is American mistletoe toxic to dogs?
Yes. ASPCA lists American mistletoe as toxic to dogs.
What happens if my pet eats American mistletoe?
Signs include vomiting, diarrhea, low blood pressure, trouble breathing and slow heartbeat. Plant Smart rates it Moderate, level 2 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.