The tree is up. The table is set. Bouquets arrive at the door. It takes only a curious cat or a playful dog to turn a beautiful arrangement into an unexpected vet visit. As your local veterinary team, we love the season as much as you do, and we want your celebrations to stay joyful and safe.
Many popular holiday plants look harmless. Some are not. Cats and dogs explore with their mouths and paws. A nibble here, a lick there, even brushing past pollen can be enough to cause trouble. Knowing which plants to avoid helps you decorate confidently and protect the pets you love.
All true lilies are extremely toxic to cats. Even tiny exposures can cause acute kidney failure. A cat that licks pollen off a coat, drinks water from a lily vase, or chews a single petal needs urgent attention. Dogs are less sensitive and usually experience stomach upset rather than life-threatening illness but caution still matters. If you have cats, choose lily-free bouquets and arrangements, and treat any suspected exposure as an emergency. Call us right away.
Holly looks festive on mantels and tables. The spiky leaves irritate the mouth and the berries contain compounds that upset the stomach. Pets often drool, paw at the mouth, vomit, or have diarrhoea after a nibble. Most cases are mild, but each pet is different. If your pet samples holly, remove any remaining plant material, offer water if they are calm, and get in touch for tailored advice.
Mistletoe has a reputation for cheer, yet the leaves and berries are not pet friendly. Small amounts typically cause vomiting, diarrhoea, and low energy. Larger amounts can affect the heart or nervous system. If you see any chewing or you are unsure how much was eaten, contact us promptly. A quick call helps us decide whether monitoring at home is safe or whether your pet needs a visit.
Poinsettias are iconic. The milky sap can irritate the mouth and stomach, leading to drooling, mild vomiting, or occasional diarrhoea. Serious illness is uncommon, which is reassuring. Rinse your pet’s mouth with a small amount of water if they are calm and comfortable, then check in with our team so we can guide your next steps.
Stay calm and keep your pet nearby. Gently remove plant material from fur and mouth. Do not induce vomiting unless we specifically advise it. Take a quick photo of the plant, note the time and how much might have been eaten, and call Normanby Road Vet Clinic on 09 638 8445. For cats and lilies, time is critical. We want to hear from you immediately, even if exposure is only suspected.
We care for pets across Auckland and surrounding communities. You can find us at 49 Normanby Road
Auckland 1024
Auckland
New Zealand
You do not have to skip greenery to keep pets safe. Consider Christmas cactus, orchids, African violets, rosemary topiary, or roses without added lily fillers. High quality artificial arrangements and paper garlands add colour and texture with less risk. Whatever you choose, keep displays out of reach, tidy fallen petals promptly, and close doors to plant-filled rooms when you are not home.
Ask florists for lily-free bouquets if you live with cats. Place arrangements on secure shelves or inside rooms pets cannot access. Wipe surfaces to remove pollen and pour vase water directly down the sink. Let visitors know which plants are off limits before they arrive. Small changes make a big difference.
Call straight away if a cat may have contacted lilies in any form. Get urgent help for repeated vomiting, diarrhoea that does not settle, sudden lethargy, tremors, collapse, breathing changes, or known ingestion of mistletoe berries or large amounts of any toxic plant. When in doubt, call Normanby Road Vet Clinic on 09 638 8445. We would rather speak to you early and keep your pet safe.
Disclaimer: This article provides general information only. It is not intended as medical or health advice and should not be relied on as a substitute for consultation with a qualified healthcare professional who understands your pet's individual needs.
If you have an Emergency with your pet during our closed hours please see under Services page for a list Emergency clinics in Auckland:
ARC 8 Hereford St Ponsonby 09 281 5815 or ARC 224 Albany Highway 09 281 5815
VSA 133 Central Park Dr, Henderson 09 320 5645 or Mt Wellington, Corner Hotunui Drive & Te Apunga Place, Sylvia Park, off Carbine Rd 09 320 5645
Western After Hours Vet Clinic Rosebank Rd, Avondale (09) 820 7273
North Shore Veterinary Ellis Road, Glenfield (09) 443-5640
Manukau After Hours Veterinary 15 Jack Conway Ave, Manukau (09) 277 8383
Please do not go to the emergency clinic if it is not urgent/life threatening. (Runny eyes/nose, coughing, limping, itching etc can wait until the morning to be seen by our day vet)
If you are very worried or unsure if you are dealing with an emergency about your pet after clinic hours and you are a client with us you can reach Dr Chris on his emergency phone until 10pm or again from 7am each day.
Dr Chris Laurenson - 027 544 4427
Normanby Road Vet Clinic offers a range of friendly and professional vet services for cats, dogs and other animals. From vaccinations to microchipping and even surgeries, we can help your pets remain happy and healthy. Our clinic is easily accessible from all areas of Auckland.
