Pet safety
Is Curiosity Planttoxic to cats & dogs?
Cereus forbesii 'Spiralis'
Quick verdict — at a glance
- Toxic to cats?
- Yes — mildly
- Toxic to dogs?
- Yes — mildly
- ASPCA classification
- Mildly toxic to pets · botanical name Cereus forbesii 'Spiralis'
Is curiosity plant safe for cats and dogs?
Mildly. The ASPCA flags curiosity plant as mildly toxic to cats and dogs — a chewing pet gets oral irritation and drooling rather than a medical emergency, but it is still worth a high shelf. This classification follows the ASPCA Toxic and Non-Toxic Plant List, the most widely used reference for companion-animal plant safety in the US and the standard most UK vets cite as well. 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.
| Pet | Toxic? | Per ASPCA |
|---|---|---|
| Cats | Yes (mild) | Mildly toxic to pets |
| Dogs | Yes (mild) | Mildly toxic to pets |
What happens if a pet eats curiosity plant?
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. Signs usually appear soon after chewing rather than hours later. If you see drooling, pawing at the mouth, head-shaking, vomiting, loss of appetite, or unusual lethargy after your pet has had access to curiosity plant, treat it as a suspected ingestion and act on the steps below.
What to do if your pet ate curiosity plant
- Remove any plant material from your pet's mouth and move curiosity plant out of reach.
- Note how much was eaten and when, and watch for drooling, vomiting, or lethargy.
- Do not induce vomiting unless a vet or poison-control specialist instructs you to.
- Call your vet or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center on (888) 426-4435 and follow their advice.
- Bring a leaf or photo of curiosity plant to the appointment so it can be treated correctly.
This page is general guidance, not veterinary advice. Pets vary, and a reaction may be to soil, fertiliser, or pesticide rather than the plant. If you are worried, always contact a vet or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center on (888) 426-4435 — do not wait for symptoms to worsen.
Pet-safe alternatives to curiosity plant
Want the same look without the risk? These plants are listed as non-toxic to cats and dogs by the ASPCA and have similar care needs:
- Peperomia — non-toxic to cats and dogs (care guide)
- Cast iron plant — non-toxic to cats and dogs (care guide)
- Spider plant — non-toxic to cats and dogs (care guide)
- Ponytail palm — non-toxic to cats and dogs (care guide)
Curiosity Plant and pets — frequently asked questions
Is curiosity plant toxic to cats?
Curiosity Plant (Cereus forbesii 'Spiralis') is mildly toxic to cats according to the ASPCA. 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. Keep it out of reach and contact your vet or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center on (888) 426-4435 if your cat chews it.
Is curiosity plant toxic to dogs?
Per the ASPCA, Curiosity Plant (Cereus forbesii 'Spiralis') is mildly toxic to dogs. Dogs often chew more enthusiastically than cats, so a toxic plant like curiosity plant is best removed from the floor and low shelves entirely.
What happens if my pet eats curiosity plant?
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. Signs usually appear soon after chewing rather than hours later. If you see drooling, pawing at the mouth, head-shaking, vomiting, loss of appetite, or unusual lethargy after your pet has had access to curiosity plant, treat it as a suspected ingestion and act on the steps below.
What should I do if my cat or dog ate curiosity plant?
Stay calm. Remove any remaining plant material from your pet's mouth and take the plant away so they cannot eat more. Note roughly how much was eaten and when. Do not make your pet vomit 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. Bringing a photo or a leaf of curiosity plant to the appointment helps the vet treat it correctly.
What are pet-safe alternatives to curiosity plant?
If you want a similar look without the risk, good non-toxic swaps include peperomia, cast iron plant, spider plant, ponytail palm. All of these are listed as non-toxic to cats and dogs by the ASPCA, so they suit a home where pets have access to your plants.
Full curiosity plant care
Pet-safety is one piece of the picture. For light, watering, soil, and troubleshooting, see the complete curiosity plant care guide, or browse the full pet-safe plant library to check another plant before you buy it.