Toxicity to pets
Berries from this holiday plant contain polysaccharides, alkaloids, and lectins. When accidentally ingested by our pets, mistletoe poisoning can
result in mild signs of gastrointestinal irritation
(e.g., drooling, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain).
Is mistletoe bad for cats?
The symptoms of mistletoe toxicity include
gastrointestinal upset
(vomiting and diarrhea in dogs and cats; colic in horses), difficulty breathing, weakness (due to low blood pressure or slowed heart rate), and odd behavior.
Are mistletoe berries poisonous to cats?
Mistletoe contains multiple substances that
are toxic to both dogs and cats
, including toxalbumin and pharatoxin viscumin (lectins, phoratoxins).
What berries are poisonous to cats?
Winterberry
, also referred to by its scientific name Ilex opaca or the common names English holly, European holly, Oregon holly, inkberry or American holly, is toxic to cats if ingested. Winterberry is a shrub found throughout North America with green foliage and bright red berries.
Is mistletoe safe for animals?
The parasitic shrub
mistletoe is moderately toxic to canines and humans
as it produces a cytotoxin called viscumin. If your pet has consumed mistletoe, you should contact your veterinarian right away.
Is Holly cat safe?
Causes of American Holly Poisoning in Cats
The leaves and berries of the American Holly contain potentially toxic substances of cyanogens, methylxanthines, and saponins. Although the leaves and berries contain a low toxicity level, the
effects that plant has on a feline can be hazardous to his or her health
.
Is mistletoe poisonous to humans?
Mistletoe isn’t known to kill humans, but it can cause drowsiness, blurred vision, vomiting, and even seizures. It’s also
poisonous to animals
, so make sure your cats and dogs don’t get a hold of any leaves or berries either.
Is it safe to eat mistletoe berries?
Mistletoe IS poisonous
, although it is doubtful as to whether it will actually cause death. All parts of the plant are toxic (that’s berries, stem and leaves). The Mistletoe plant contains Phoratoxin and Viscotoxin, which are both poisonous proteins when ingested.
Do birds eat mistletoe berries?
Mistletoe berries are a favourite of birds such as Blackcaps:
they eat the fat-rich pith
, but leave the seed attached to the branch, accidentally spreading the seeds and making it possible for a new plant to take root.
What does mistletoe stand for?
Historically, mistletoe represents
romance, fertility, and vitality
. Because nothing says love like bird feces and poison. But seriously, the Celtic Druids valued mistletoe for its healing properties and likely were among the first to decorate with it.
Which plants are most toxic to cats?
- Lilies. …
- Sago palms. …
- Azaleas & Rhododendrons. …
- Dieffenbachia (Dumb Cane) …
- Cannabis. …
- Spider Plant. …
- African Violet. …
- Air Plant (Tillandsia)
Is Lavender toxic to cats?
Fresh lavender is not toxic to felines
, only the essential oils derived from the plants are.
What fruit can cats not eat?
Fruit. Steer clear of:
Cherries are toxic to
cats and dogs, and grapes and raisins can cause kidney damage. Citrus fruits like lemons, limes, and grapefruit as well as persimmons can cause an upset stomach.
What part of mistletoe is poisonous?
There are two main species of mistletoe, Viscum album (European or Common mistletoe) and Phoradendron (American or Oak mistletoe). Both contain a mix of toxic compounds in their
stems, leaves and berries
that, if ingested, can be harmful to humans and pets. However, of the two, Viscum album is the more toxic.
Is mistletoe bad for trees?
Because mistletoe derive their water and nutrients from their host,
they can harm trees
. A mistletoe infection could weaken the tree’s ability to fight off other parasites, or properly compartmentalize decay and wounds. Hire an ISA Certified Arborist who can diagnose and recommend the proper treatment.
What is mistletoe made out of?
European mistletoe has smooth-edged, oval,
evergreen leaves
borne in pairs along the woody stem, and waxy, white berries that it bears in clusters of two to six. The Eastern mistletoe of North America is similar, but has shorter, broader leaves and longer clusters of 10 or more berries.
