With their vivid red flowers and lush green foliage, poinsettias are synonymous with the holiday season. But if you’ve got cats, you might be wondering if it’s safe to bring these festive plants into your home.

We spoke with three veterinarians to learn more about the risks of decorating with poinsettias around cats.

Are Poinsettias Poisonous to Cats?

You might have heard that poinsettias are highly toxic to cats and should be avoided at all costs. But all of the veterinarians we spoke to said their toxicity is often greatly exaggerated. 

In reality, poinsettias are only mildly toxic to cats. On top of that, these ornamental plants taste bitter and unpleasant, so it’s unlikely that your cat would eat enough to develop severe symptoms.  

“Overall, poinsettias are generally quite safe,” Shari DePauw, DVM, shelter veterinarian for the Longmont Humane Society says.

Symptoms of Poinsettia Poisoning in Cats

Snap off a poinsettia stem and you’ll likely notice a milky white sap oozing out. This substance is what makes poinsettias mildly toxic, as it contains compounds that can cause irritation in cats, says DePauw.

Symptoms of poinsettia poisoning may include:

• Excessive salivation (drooling)
• Lip-licking
• Vomiting
• Diarrhea

Additionally, if your cat gets a large amount of poinsettia sap on her skin, it can cause irritation and itchiness. And if she gets some in her eye, it can cause inflammation.

What to Do If Your Cat Ingests Poinsettia  

Most symptoms are mild and temporary, and they typically go away on their own without treatment. Poinsettia poisoning is usually not life-threatening and severe cases are rare.

If you suspect your cat has ingested poinsettia, encourage her to eat some cat food to help absorb and dilute the sap, DePauw says.

If your cat becomes very sick, you should contact your veterinarian immediately. This is likely not the result of snacking on a poinsettia plant, and there’s probably another cause, DePauw says.

How to Prevent Poinsettia Poisining in Cats

Poinsettias are generally harmless to cats. But, to be on the safe side, take steps to prevent your kitty from chewing or licking any part of the plant. 

“Get creative—if you want to have a poinsettia in your home, consider getting something like a plant hanger, rather than setting the plants on the easily reachable kitchen countertop,” Janae Saffold, DVM, of VCA Bay Hill Cat Hospital says.

Another option? Bring in some cat-friendly plants—like cat grass—to divert their attention away from your poinsettias, Holly Dutton, DVM, medical director of Veterinary Emergency Group Tampa says. You can also use citrus sprays or other deterrents to keep your cat away from poinsettias, she adds.

Chewing on plants is often a sign of boredom, so Dutton recommends playing with your kitty regularly to keep her happy and engaged. And while poinsettias are typically safe to have around, remember that other popular holiday plants are not, including lilies and mistletoe, Dutton says.