Yes. The ASPCA lists poinsettia (Euphorbia pulcherrima) as toxic to dogs and cats, with an irritant sap as the toxic principle, and its entry describes the plant as "generally over-rated in toxicity." If your cat or dog ate some, call your veterinarian or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center.

What happens if a cat or dog eats a poinsettia

The toxicity field of the ASPCA entry reads "Toxic to Dogs, Toxic to Cats, Toxic to Horses." The entry names the toxic principle as "Irritant sap," and its clinical signs field reads, in full: "Irritating to the mouth and stomach, sometimes causing vomiting, but generally over-rated in toxicity."

NC State Extension's Plant Toolbox lists the poison part as "Sap/Juice" and notes that "the stems and leaves produce a milky sap when cut or torn." It rates the plant's poison severity as "Low." For light, water and keeping one through the holidays, see the poinsettia care guide.

What to do if your pet ate some

Call your veterinarian, or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at (888) 426-4435. The ASPCA notes, "A consultation fee may apply." Have the plant's name ready; the botanical name, Euphorbia pulcherrima, helps.

Poinsettia's reputation vs. the ASPCA's wording

If you have heard that poinsettias are deadly to pets, the ASPCA's entry does not say that. Its own words are "generally over-rated in toxicity," and NC State Extension rates the plant's poison severity "Low."

"Over-rated" is not the same as harmless. The ASPCA still classifies poinsettia as toxic to dogs, cats and horses, and lists irritation of the mouth and stomach, sometimes with vomiting. It is still a plant to keep out of reach, and still a reason to call your veterinarian if your pet ate some.

Keeping a poinsettia in a home with pets

  • Put it where pets can't reach it. A room your pet doesn't enter is more reliable than a high shelf, since cats climb and jump.
  • Pick up dropped leaves and bracts.
  • When trimming, keep cuttings away from pets. NC State says the stems and leaves release a milky sap when cut or torn, and advises: "Wear protective gloves when handling this plant and keep sap out of your eyes."
  • Hanging planters, barriers and deterrent sprays aren't guaranteed to stop a determined pet.

Houseplants the ASPCA lists as non-toxic

  • Christmas cactus: the ASPCA's Christmas Cactus entry is Schlumbergera bridgesii (also listed as Easter cactus) and lists it as non-toxic to dogs, cats and horses. See Christmas cactus care.
  • Spider plant (Chlorophytum comosum): non-toxic to dogs and cats, per the ASPCA. See spider plant care.
  • Parlor palm (Chamaedorea elegans): non-toxic to dogs and cats, per the ASPCA. See parlor palm care.
  • African violet (Saintpaulia spp.): non-toxic to dogs, cats and horses, per the ASPCA.

Non-toxic doesn't mean a pet can eat it without consequence. The ASPCA's plant list notes that "the consumption of any plant material may cause vomiting and gastrointestinal upset for dogs and cats." For more holiday options, see the best Christmas plants and houseplant care in December; for year-round choices, see plants safe for cats, plants safe for dogs and the toxic plant directory.

Frequently asked

Are poinsettias poisonous to dogs?
Yes. The ASPCA lists poinsettia (Euphorbia pulcherrima) as toxic to dogs, cats and horses, with an irritant sap as the toxic principle. Its clinical signs field reads: 'Irritating to the mouth and stomach, sometimes causing vomiting, but generally over-rated in toxicity.' If your dog ate some, call your veterinarian or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at (888) 426-4435; the ASPCA notes that a consultation fee may apply.
Are poinsettias deadly to cats?
The ASPCA's entry doesn't call poinsettia deadly. It lists the plant as toxic to cats, with irritation of the mouth and stomach and sometimes vomiting, and describes it as 'generally over-rated in toxicity.' NC State Extension rates its poison severity Low. It is still classified as toxic, so call your veterinarian or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center if your cat ate some.
Is it safe to have a poinsettia with cats?
The ASPCA lists poinsettia as toxic to cats, so no placement makes it risk-free. If you keep one, put it in a room your cat can't enter and pick up dropped leaves and bracts. If your cat chews plants, a plant the ASPCA lists as non-toxic, such as spider plant or parlor palm, is a better choice.
What part of a poinsettia is poisonous?
The ASPCA names the toxic principle as an irritant sap. NC State Extension's Plant Toolbox lists the poison part as sap/juice and notes that the stems and leaves produce a milky sap when cut or torn.
Is Christmas cactus a pet-friendly alternative to poinsettia?
The ASPCA's Christmas Cactus entry (Schlumbergera bridgesii) lists it as non-toxic to dogs, cats and horses. The ASPCA also notes that the consumption of any plant material may cause vomiting and gastrointestinal upset for dogs and cats, so it is still best kept out of reach of a pet that chews plants.

Sources: ASPCA — Poinsettia, ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center, ASPCA — Toxic and Non-Toxic Plants, NC State Extension — Euphorbia pulcherrima, ASPCA — Christmas Cactus, ASPCA — Spider Plant, ASPCA — Parlor Palm, ASPCA — African Violet