Is Christmas cactus toxic to cats and dogs?

Good news: Christmas cactus is listed as non-toxic to cats, dogs, and horses by the ASPCA. You can keep it in a home with pets without worrying about accidental nibbling causing serious harm.

Christmas cactus — Schlumbergera spp.
This guide is aboutChristmas cactus Schlumbergera spp.Pet-safeChristmas cactus care guide →
Safe for cats and dogsCatsDogs

Christmas cactus Schlumbergera spp.

ASPCA

Why it’s safe

The verdict comes from one place: the ASPCA’s list of non-toxic plants, checked by hand against this species rather than inferred from its family. 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.

Keep it out of reach not because it’s dangerous, but because moist soil and leaves can tempt curious pets who might dig or knock the pot over.

Pet-safety information in the JungleBook uses ASPCA reference data where available. It is reference information, not veterinary advice.

All Christmas cactus guides

Related plants

Same genus or the same care pattern.

Frequently asked questions

Is Christmas cactus safe for cats?

Yes, Christmas cactus is listed as non-toxic to cats by the ASPCA. It is not known to cause poisoning. However, eating large amounts of any plant can cause mild stomach upset, so it’s best to discourage your cat from chewing it.

Is Christmas cactus safe for dogs?

Yes, Christmas cactus is non-toxic to dogs according to the ASPCA. It is not known to cause serious harm if nibbled. If your dog eats a large amount and seems unwell, contact your vet to be safe.

Can I keep Christmas cactus with pets at home?

Christmas cactus is considered pet-safe and is not listed as toxic by the ASPCA. You can safely keep it in a home with cats and dogs. It’s still a good idea to keep plants out of reach to protect both the plant and your pet’s digestive comfort.

ASPCA reference · Last reviewed: 2026-09-01