As families prepare to take down the decorations from their homes, animal software platform Creatures is alerting pet owners to the hidden dangers lurking in popular Christmas decorations, with several seasonal plants posing serious health risks to cats and dogs.

With many families welcoming new pets into their homes this year, first-time pet owners may be unaware of the risks posed by seemingly innocent holiday decorations. Understanding which plants are dangerous is particularly crucial for those celebrating their first Christmas with a new cat or dog.

1 - Mistletoe

While mistletoe is synonymous with Christmas romance, both European and American varieties contain toxins that can cause vomiting, diarrhea, low blood pressure, breathing difficulties, and decreased heart rate in cats and dogs. Typically hung in doorways or woven into wreaths, mistletoe's placement at varying heights makes it accessible to curious pets throughout the holiday season.

2 - Holly

Holly's glossy leaves and vibrant red berries make it a Christmas staple, but the berries, leaves, and stems contain saponins that cause vomiting, diarrhea, drooling, and lethargy in pets. The spiky leaves present an additional choking hazard, and berries frequently fall from decorations, rolling across floors where pets can easily find them.

3 - Christmas Trees

The oils from fir, spruce, and pine trees are mildly toxic to cats and dogs, potentially causing gastrointestinal upset if pets chew on branches. Sharp needles can irritate mouths or cause blockages if swallowed, while the water reservoir at the tree's base becomes a breeding ground for bacteria that can make pets ill.

4 - Buckeye Nuts

Often incorporated into holiday displays and wreaths, buckeye nuts contain toxic glycosides that affect the nervous system. Ingestion can cause vomiting, diarrhea, excessive drooling, muscle tremors, seizures, or paralysis in severe cases, making this a genuine medical emergency requiring immediate veterinary attention.

5 - Amaryllis

These popular holiday flowers contain phenanthridine alkaloids, with the bulb being the most toxic part. Ingestion can result in intense vomiting, severe abdominal pain, excessive drooling, tremors, and in serious cases, seizures or dangerous drops in blood pressure. Frequently given as gifts during December and January, amaryllis bulbs are particularly accessible to household pets.

6 - Poinsettias

While less toxic than their reputation suggests, poinsettias still cause problems for pets. The milky white sap can irritate a pet's mouth, stomach, and skin, causing drooling, oral pain, vomiting, and diarrhea. Though symptoms are usually mild, the discomfort is genuine and their ubiquitous holiday placement makes them readily accessible to curious pets.

7 - Lilies

True lilies are extremely dangerous to cats,  ingesting just two or three leaves, licking pollen, or drinking vase water can cause rapid kidney failure and prove fatal without immediate veterinary care. While less severe for dogs, lilies still cause vomiting, diarrhea, and oral irritation. All parts of these common winter bouquet flowers are toxic.

Elliott Garber, founder of Creatures, has commented,

"The Christmas period brings an influx of seasonal plants into our homes, many of which look beautiful but can pose serious dangers to our pets. While most pet owners are aware that poinsettias can cause mild irritation, far fewer realize that plants like mistletoe, buckeye nuts, amaryllis, and especially lilies can be genuinely life-threatening, particularly to cats.

"If you already have these plants and can't remove them, pet-safe bitter sprays like Bitter Apple can be applied directly to leaves and stems. These non-toxic sprays taste extremely unpleasant to pets but won't harm plants. However, these deterrents should never replace proper supervision and placement, they're simply an additional safety measure.

"There are excellent pet-friendly alternatives available. Christmas cacti, bromeliads, orchids, and roses (without thorns) are all considered non-toxic options that provide festive color without worry. For traditional greenery like holly and mistletoe, consider high-quality artificial versions.

"If you suspect your pet has consumed any part of a toxic plant, contact your veterinarian or emergency pet poison helpline immediately - don't wait for symptoms. Early intervention can make the difference between a full recovery and a tragedy. The festive season should be joyful for every member of the family, including our four-legged friends."