Is Christmas cactus toxic to cats and dogs?
Quick answer
No. ASPCA lists the Christmas cactus as non-toxic to cats, dogs and horses.
Not sure it’s this plant?Check yours with a photo, freeChristmas cactus Schlumbergera spp.
ASPCA lists Christmas cactus as non-toxic, and its record covers Easter cactus too. Holiday plants sold beside it are different: amaryllis and poinsettia are toxic, and true lilies can cause kidney failure in cats.
Why it’s safe
The verdict comes from one place: the ASPCA’s list of non-toxic plants, which lists Schlumbergera bridgesii, the Christmas cactus. That record does not cover every plant sold under this name, so treat an unidentified plant with caution. The list is about poisoning, which is not the whole of what a plant can do to a pet. A cat or dog that eats a lot of any plant can still get an upset stomach.
Most pets have no signs or a mild upset stomach. Call your vet if signs are strong, last more than a day, or include blood.
The ASPCA Christmas Cactus record lists Schlumbergera bridgesii as non-toxic to dogs, cats and horses. ASPCApro, written for veterinary professionals, describes the signs seen after dogs and cats ate Schlumbergera truncata. This is reference information, not veterinary advice. Sources: ASPCA: Amaryllis, ASPCA: Poinsettia, ASPCA: Lily.
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Related plants
Common questions
Is Christmas cactus poisonous to cats?
ASPCA lists it as non-toxic to cats. Eating a lot of it can cause vomiting or diarrhea, and a few cats have been wobbly afterwards. Call your vet if your cat has symptoms.
Is Christmas cactus poisonous to dogs?
ASPCA lists it as non-toxic to dogs. Dogs that ate it have had vomiting, diarrhea, sometimes with blood, loss of appetite and tiredness. Call your vet if your dog shows any of these.
Is Thanksgiving cactus safe for pets too?
ASPCA has no separate record for Thanksgiving cactus (Schlumbergera truncata), the plant most shops sell as Christmas cactus. Its vets report the same mild stomach signs after pets ate it, and no serious poisoning. Keep it out of reach all the same.
What should I do if my cat ate a Christmas cactus?
Take the plant away and watch your cat for a day. Call your vet if it vomits repeatedly, has diarrhea, stops eating or seems wobbly. Do not make it vomit unless the vet says so.
What should I do if my dog ate a Christmas cactus?
Move the plant and watch your dog for the next 24 hours. Most dogs are fine or have a mild upset stomach. Call your vet if there is blood in vomit or stool or the signs do not stop.
Can I keep a Christmas cactus in a home with pets?
Yes. It is one of the safer holiday plants. Put it where your pet cannot chew it, because even a non-toxic plant can upset a stomach.
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