Cats & Dogs
Generally safeConsulted references do not classify the plant as toxic for that pet type, while still allowing for mild GI upset if large amounts are chewed.
Verified against ASPCA/provenance audit 2026-05-06 on May 6, 2026.
Sources
Pet safety reference
Shrimp Cactus
Schlumbergera russelliana
The Shrimp Cactus is a popular, trailing epiphytic cactus known for its unique, segmented stems and vibrant, pendulous flowers. It is considered safe for households with pets, though its fibrous nature may cause minor digestive discomfort if consumed in large quantities.
Russell's SchlumbergeraSchlumbergera russellianaShrimp Cactus
- Light
- Bright indirect light
- Habit
- Trailing
- Care
- Moderate
Safety status
If a pet has chewed or swallowed plant material and is showing symptoms, contact a veterinarian or poison resource immediately. This product is for structured reference, not diagnosis.
Cats — concern notes
Common signs
Generally none; however, ingestion of large amounts of fibrous plant material may lead to mild vomiting or diarrhea.
Escalation note
The plant is non-toxic. If your cat consumes a significant portion and shows signs of distress, contact your veterinarian for guidance.
Dogs — concern notes
Common signs
Generally none; however, ingestion of large amounts of fibrous plant material may lead to mild vomiting or diarrhea.
Escalation note
The plant is non-toxic. If your dog consumes a significant portion and shows signs of distress, contact your veterinarian for guidance.
Bring it home
Shrimp Cactusis generally pet-safe in ordinary household exposure. If you’d like one for your space, here’s a starting point.
Shop on AmazonSome links earn us a small commission. They never affect our safety classifications.
Source evidence
ASPCA Toxic Plant List
toxicology · 99% reliability
Shrimp Cactus (Schlumbergera russelliana) is listed as non-toxic to both cats and dogs.
Kew Plants of the World Online
botanical · 95% reliability
Accepted scientific name and botanical classification for Schlumbergera russelliana.
Questions about Shrimp Cactus
Is Shrimp Cactus toxic to cats?
Shrimp Cactus (Schlumbergera russelliana) is non-toxic to cats. It is classified as generally safe, meaning it poses no poisoning risk even if your cat nibbles on it.
What happens if my cat eats Shrimp Cactus?
Most cats will show no symptoms at all. If a cat consumes a large amount of the fibrous plant material, mild vomiting or diarrhea is possible due to the bulk and texture, not any toxic compound.
What should I do if my cat ate a large amount of Shrimp Cactus?
Non-toxic does not mean safe to eat in quantity — if your cat ate a significant portion and is vomiting, has diarrhea, or seems lethargic, contact your veterinarian for guidance.
Which part of the Shrimp Cactus is safe around cats?
The entire plant — stems, segments, and flowers — is non-toxic to cats. Any GI upset from ingestion is mechanical (fibrous bulk), not chemical, and is expected to be mild and self-limiting.
Is Shrimp Cactus toxic to dogs?
No, Shrimp Cactus (Schlumbergera russelliana) is non-toxic to dogs. It is considered generally safe for households with dogs.
What happens if my dog eats a Shrimp Cactus?
Most dogs will have no reaction at all. If your dog consumes a large amount of the fibrous plant material, it may experience mild vomiting or diarrhea due to the bulk of fiber, not any toxic compound.
What should I do if my dog ate a large piece of Shrimp Cactus?
Because the plant is non-toxic, a small nibble requires no action beyond monitoring. If your dog ate a significant portion and shows signs of distress such as repeated vomiting or diarrhea, contact your veterinarian for guidance.
Can dogs eat Shrimp Cactus without any problems?
Non-toxic does not mean harmless in quantity — the segmented, fibrous stems can cause mild GI upset (vomiting, diarrhea) if eaten in large amounts. An occasional nibble is unlikely to cause any issue, but the plant is not a food source for dogs.
Same genus
More from the Schlumbergera genus
Same safety verdict
Other plants with the same verdict
Lipstick Plant
Aeschynanthus humilis
The Lipstick Plant is a popular trailing houseplant known for its tubular, bright red flowers that resemble lipstick tubes. It is considered non-toxic to pets, making it a safe choice for households with cats and dogs.
Generally safe for cats & dogs.
Burro's Tail
Sedum morganianum
Burro's Tail is a popular trailing succulent known for its dense, fleshy, blue-green leaves that resemble braided tails. It is considered non-toxic to pets, though its fibrous nature may cause minor digestive discomfort if consumed in large quantities.
Generally safe for cats & dogs.
Candle Plant
Plectranthus coleoides
The Candle Plant is a popular trailing ornamental known for its variegated, fuzzy foliage and aromatic leaves. It is considered non-toxic to pets, though ingestion of large amounts of plant material may cause minor digestive discomfort.
Generally safe for cats & dogs.
Flame Violet
Episcia reptans
Flame Violet is a popular trailing houseplant known for its vibrant, textured foliage and tubular flowers. It is considered non-toxic to both cats and dogs, making it a safe choice for pet-friendly households.
Generally safe for cats & dogs.
Same growing conditions
Plants for the same room
African Violet
Saintpaulia spp.
African Violets are popular, low-growing flowering houseplants known for their fuzzy leaves and vibrant blooms. They are considered non-toxic to both cats and dogs.
Generally safe for cats & dogs.
Gloxinia
Sinningia speciosa
Gloxinia is a popular flowering houseplant known for its large, velvety leaves and vibrant, bell-shaped blooms. It is considered non-toxic to pets, though ingestion of plant material can occasionally cause minor digestive irritation.
Generally safe for cats & dogs.
Purple Waffle Plant
Hemigraphis alternata
The Purple Waffle Plant is a popular, low-growing tropical houseplant known for its puckered, metallic-purple foliage. It is considered non-toxic to pets, though ingestion of large amounts of plant material may cause minor digestive discomfort.
Generally safe for cats & dogs.
Silver Star
Cryptanthus lacerdae
Silver Star is a low-growing, terrestrial bromeliad known for its striking, wavy-edged foliage that forms a star-like rosette. It is considered a safe, non-toxic houseplant for households with pets.
Generally safe for cats & dogs.