Pet emergency
My cat ate Curiosity Plant — what to do
Step by step
- Take curiosity plant away and remove any plant material from your cat's mouth so they cannot eat more.
- Note roughly how much was eaten and when — this helps the vet judge the risk.
- Do NOT induce vomiting unless a vet or poison-control specialist tells you to.
- Call your vet or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center on (888) 426-4435 (a consultation fee may apply) and follow their advice.
- Watch for drooling, pawing at the mouth, vomiting, loss of appetite, or lethargy, and bring a leaf or photo to the appointment.
This is general guidance, not veterinary advice. Pets vary, and a reaction may be to soil, fertiliser, or pesticide as well as the plant. When in doubt, call your vet or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center on (888) 426-4435.
My cat ate curiosity plant — FAQ
Is curiosity plant poisonous to cats?
Yes — the ASPCA lists Curiosity Plant (Cereus forbesii 'Spiralis') as mildly toxic to cats. Cereus forbesii is not individually listed by the ASPCA, and while cactus flesh and the broader genus are not known to be chemically toxic, the species' status is not confirmed - treat with caution and verify with a vet before allowing pet access. Regardless of chemistry, the spines are a clear physical hazard, so keep it out of reach of pets and children.
How serious is it if my cat ate curiosity plant?
Curiosity Plant is mildly toxic, so most cats get short-lived mouth irritation, drooling, and vomiting rather than a life-threatening reaction. It is still worth a vet call to be safe, especially if your cat ate a lot or symptoms persist.
What symptoms should I watch for?
Signs usually appear soon after chewing: drooling, pawing at the mouth, vomiting, loss of appetite, or unusual lethargy. Cereus forbesii is not individually listed by the ASPCA, and while cactus flesh and the broader genus are not known to be chemically toxic, the species' status is not confirmed - treat with caution and verify with a vet before allowing pet access. Regardless of chemistry, the spines are a clear physical hazard, so keep it out of reach of pets and children. Any worsening or persistent symptoms warrant an immediate vet visit.
Should I make my cat vomit?
No — do not induce vomiting unless a vet or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center specifically tells you to. The wrong action can make things worse. Call (888) 426-4435 and follow professional advice.
How do I stop this happening again?
Keep curiosity plant well out of reach, or swap it for an ASPCA non-toxic plant — see the best cats-safe plants list.
Related
- Is curiosity plant toxic to cats? — full toxicity detail
- Curiosity Plant and pets — the complete ASPCA pet-safety guide