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Pet safety

Is Curiosity Plant toxic to cats?

Cereus forbesii 'Spiralis'

Mildly toxic to cats

Mildly. The ASPCA lists curiosity plant as mildly toxic to cats — a chewing cat typically gets mouth irritation, drooling, and vomiting rather than a medical emergency, but it is still best kept out of reach. This classification follows the ASPCA Toxic and Non-Toxic Plant List. 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.

What to do if your cat ate curiosity plant

  1. Remove any plant material from your cat's mouth and move curiosity plant out of reach.
  2. Note how much was eaten and when, and watch for drooling, vomiting, or lethargy.
  3. Do not induce vomiting unless a vet or poison-control specialist instructs you to.
  4. Call your vet or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center on (888) 426-4435 and follow their advice.
  5. Bring a leaf or photo of curiosity plant to the appointment so it can be treated correctly.

General guidance, not veterinary advice. If you think your cat has eaten curiosity plant, contact your vet or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center on (888) 426-4435 — do not wait for symptoms to worsen.

Is curiosity plant toxic to cats? — FAQ

Is curiosity plant toxic to cats?

Mildly. The ASPCA lists curiosity plant as mildly toxic to cats — a chewing cat typically gets mouth irritation, drooling, and vomiting rather than a medical emergency, but it is still best kept out of reach. 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.

What are the symptoms if a cat 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 — watch for drooling, pawing at the mouth, vomiting, loss of appetite, or unusual lethargy after your cat has had access to curiosity plant.

What should I do if my cat ate curiosity plant?

Stay calm. Remove any plant from your cat's mouth and take the plant away. Note how much was eaten and when, and do not induce vomiting unless told to. Call your vet or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center on (888) 426-4435 and follow their advice; a leaf or photo helps the vet treat it correctly.

Is curiosity plant toxic to dogs too?

The ASPCA classification Growli uses applies to both cats and dogs: Curiosity Plant is mildly toxic to dogs as well. See the full curiosity plant pet-safety guide for both species.

What is a cat-safe alternative to curiosity plant?

For a similar look without the risk, see the best cats-safe plants list — every plant there is ASPCA non-toxic to cats and dogs.

Full curiosity plant pet-safety