One way to keep your mind off of things is to start decorating your home – but what should you know about some of the most popular holiday plants?
Holly: Poisonous
First of all, the holly plant is quite dangerous. Mainly, it’s the berries that are the most poisonous component of this plant, the bark, leaves, and seeds are also toxic. The chemical in holly that is so poisonous is called theobromine, which is also in coffee and chocolate, but in much smaller amounts.
Poinsettia: Not Bad
Other holiday plants, such as poinsettias are incredibly beautiful. However, they can make you sick. At least, they can if you only eat a few leaves – also, the sap being rubbed onto exposed skin can leave behind an extremely itchy rash, but in the end, the effects aren’t quite as severe for either people or pets.
Mistletoe: Poisonous
There are many lovely traditions associated with mistletoe, so it’s no surprise that it is one of the most popular holiday plants still in use. Every part of the mistletoe plant is poisonous so if any of it is ingested, then be sure to seek out medical help right away.
Amaryllis/Daffodils: Poisonous
Amaryllis and daffodils are also considered to be poisonous holiday plants. The bulbs and leaves are the most hazardous and can cause issues such as abdominal pain, cardiac arrhythmias, and convulsions. These plants are more attractive to pets than humans, though.
Cyclamen: Poisonous for Pets
Unlike the other holiday plants on our list, cyclamen is only a poisonous plant for pets; for humans, it’s not something to worry about, because some of its cultivars can be used in tea.
Christmas Trees: Not a Problem
Christmas trees are one of the biggest symbols of the season. While your cat might be fascinated by the ornaments and the string lights, don’t worry about them eating the actual parts of the tree. They probably won’t, and neither will your dog.
Jerusalem Cherry: Poisonous
The Jerusalem cherry might not be as well known as the other holiday plants we’ve talked about, but it is also something to be cautious about when it comes to keeping kids and pets safe. They’re particularly dangerous for dogs, cats, and birds.
Christmas Cactus: Not Toxic
Finally, let’s talk about the Christmas cactus. It’s generally not toxic to people, dogs, or cats. That said, you should do your best to keep it away from your kitty since if they eat some, they run the risk of having vomiting and diarrhea occur.
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