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Even if you're not a seasoned plant parent, it's easy to fall in love with festive holiday greenery. But those beautiful decorations can spark curiosity in our pets.

While the safest option is to keep pets and plants apart, here’s what you need to know to decorate safely with holiday houseplants.

❌ The Naughty List (Avoid these if your pets love to snack!)

🎄 Amaryllis: Toxic to cats and dogs. All parts, especially the bulbs, contain lycorine. Symptoms include vomiting, lethargy, and tremors.
🎄 Paperwhite Narcissus: Similar to amaryllis. Bulbs contain concentrated toxins. Symptoms mimic amaryllis ingestion.
🎄Holly: Low toxicity but can still cause vomiting, diarrhea, and depression.
🎄Mistletoe: The white berries contain toxins that can cause serious symptoms, including vomiting, low blood pressure, and slowed heart rate.
🎄Christmas Tree Water: Additives meant to “extend freshness” can be harmful. Use plain water only.

⭕ The Somewhat Nice List (Not recommended for snacking—but not highly toxic)

🎄Poinsettia: Mildly irritating but not deadly; though, it's still better to not have around pets that will for sure try to take a nibble! The milky sap may upset your pet’s stomach.
🎄Christmas Cactus: Considered non-toxic to cats and dogs.

If your pet eats anything unusual and seems unwell, call your veterinarian or ASPCA Poison Control at 888-426-4435.