Have cats? Avoid the tinsel and decorate with Poinsettias!

Despite popular belief, Poinsettia plants are not very toxic to cats and dogs. The main problem is the sticky white sap that can come off of the plant that can cause mild mouth or stomach irritation if ingested. Serious poisoning is not a concern with this plant. Tinsel, however, is a known holiday hazard for cats. Cats are attracted to this shiny decoration and can ingest it. When that happens, the intestines bunch up along the tinsel like a curtain on a curtain rod. Surgery to remove the tinsel is generally needed to save the cat.