Pretty But Poisonous

Diana Pierce
Nov 19, 2025
3 min read

-A Pet Parent's Holiday Plant Guide-

By Diana Pierce, November 19, 2025.

Megan the cat looking directly at holiday greenery. Photo: John Plut.

The holidays are officially here, and with Thanksgiving just a week away, our homes are about to get a whole lot more festive—and a whole lot more tempting for curious pets.

From the poinsettia on your dining table to the amaryllis your neighbor brings as a host gift, this is prime time for our four-legged family members to investigate everything. And while these plants look beautiful, they can cause serious harm to cats and dogs who decide to take a nibble.

If you’re a pet parent—or giving plants to one—here’s what to keep out of paw’s reach this season.

Poinsettia

The holiday classic. While poinsettias aren’t as deadly as their reputation suggests, their milky sap can still irritate your pet’s mouth and stomach, causing drooling, vomiting, or diarrhea. Best practice? Keep them on high shelves or skip them entirely if you have a determined climber.

Pink/White Showy Lily. Photo: Diana Pierce

Lilies

This one’s non-negotiable for cat owners: lilies are extremely dangerous. Even a small nibble of a leaf or petal—or exposure to the pollen—can cause life-threatening kidney failure in cats. If you suspect your cat has gotten into a lily, get to the vet immediately. Don’t wait for symptoms.

Amaryllis (Christmas Lily)

A popular gift plant, but both the blooms and bulbs contain alkaloids that are toxic to pets. Ingestion can cause vomiting, tremors, drooling, and changes in blood pressure. The bulbs are especially dangerous, so if you’re planting or storing them, keep them completely out of reach.

Paperwhites (Narcissus/Daffodils)

These cheerful winter blooms brighten up any room, but their bulbs are particularly toxic. They can cause stomach pain, vomiting, drooling, and in severe cases, heart arrhythmias. If you’re forcing bulbs indoors for the holidays, make sure pets can’t access them.

White Chrysanthemum. Photo: Diana Pierce.

Chrysanthemums

A staple of fall and early winter arrangements, mums contain pyrethrins—the same compound used in some insecticides. Ingestion can lead to vomiting, diarrhea, drooling, and loss of appetite. While not usually life-threatening, they’re worth avoiding if your pets are prone to plant munching.

Holly

Those festive red berries? Toxic. Holly berries and leaves can cause vomiting, diarrhea, and depression in pets. The spiny leaves can also cause physical injury to your pet’s mouth and digestive tract.

Mistletoe

Kissing under the mistletoe is romantic—eating it is not. Mistletoe can cause vomiting, diarrhea, difficulty breathing, and even heart problems in pets. Both American and European varieties are toxic, so hang it high (or skip it).

Ms. Maisie, Diana’s Black Lab. Photo: Scott Bemman

Keep Your Pets Safe This Season

The good news? There are plenty of pet-safe alternatives that still bring holiday cheer: Christmas cacti, spider plants, Boston ferns, and African violets are all beautiful and non-toxic options.

If your pet does ingest a toxic plant:

Call your vet or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (888-426-4435) immediately!
Don’t wait for symptoms to appear
Bring a sample of the plant with you if possible

This holiday season, a little awareness goes a long way. Check your arrangements, warn your gift-givers, and keep those curious noses safe.

BIG NEWS

Come See Us at the 2025 Plymouth Artisan Market — This Saturday, Nov. 22nd!

Scott Bemman and I are excited to be part of the 2025 Plymouth Artisan Market this Saturday, Nov. 22nd, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at The Cedar Room (14800 34th Ave. N., Plymouth, MN).

We’ll be showcasing a curated collection of our work just in time for the holiday season — with special holiday pricing on everything.

Scott Bemman Nature Photography- Scott will feature his award-winning wildlife images, including eagles, owls, cardinals, and winter backyard birds, available as prints and metal wall art.

Diana Pierce Photography- I’ll have a selection of floral images created with a range of techniques—from soft-focus to macro detail to intentional camera movement.I’m also offering my 2026 desk calendars.

We’ll also both have writing cards that are perfect for all seasons and occasions.

If you’re in the area, stop by to say hello, browse local art, and find something beautiful for your home or for holiday gifting. We’d love to see you there!

Happy Holidays and #bloomwithme,

Diana