Pet emergency
My cat ate Ficus Altissima 'Yellow Gem' — what to do
Step by step
- Take ficus altissima 'yellow gem' away and remove any plant material from your cat's mouth so they cannot eat more.
- Note roughly how much was eaten and when — this helps the vet judge the risk.
- Do NOT induce vomiting 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.
- Watch for drooling, pawing at the mouth, vomiting, loss of appetite, or lethargy, and bring a leaf or photo to the appointment.
This is general guidance, not veterinary advice. Pets vary, and a reaction may be to soil, fertiliser, or pesticide as well as the plant. When in doubt, call your vet or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center on (888) 426-4435.
My cat ate ficus altissima 'yellow gem' — FAQ
Is ficus altissima 'yellow gem' poisonous to cats?
Yes — the ASPCA lists Ficus Altissima 'Yellow Gem' (Ficus altissima 'Yellow Gem') as toxic to cats. Toxic to cats and dogs. The ASPCA lists figs (Ficus, family Moraceae) as toxic to cats, dogs and horses; the milky sap contains the proteolytic enzyme ficin and the photosensitising compound psoralen (ficusin), causing gastrointestinal upset and skin irritation. Keep this plant away from pets.
How serious is it if my cat ate ficus altissima 'yellow gem'?
Ficus Altissima 'Yellow Gem' is toxic to cats and reactions can be significant, so treat any ingestion as urgent. Call your vet or poison control on (888) 426-4435 straight away rather than waiting to see if symptoms develop.
What symptoms should I watch for?
Signs usually appear soon after chewing: drooling, pawing at the mouth, vomiting, loss of appetite, or unusual lethargy. Toxic to cats and dogs. The ASPCA lists figs (Ficus, family Moraceae) as toxic to cats, dogs and horses; the milky sap contains the proteolytic enzyme ficin and the photosensitising compound psoralen (ficusin), causing gastrointestinal upset and skin irritation. Keep this plant away from pets. Any worsening or persistent symptoms warrant an immediate vet visit.
Should I make my cat vomit?
No — do not induce vomiting unless a vet or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center specifically tells you to. The wrong action can make things worse. Call (888) 426-4435 and follow professional advice.
How do I stop this happening again?
Keep ficus altissima 'yellow gem' well out of reach, or swap it for an ASPCA non-toxic plant — see the best cats-safe plants list.
Related
- Is ficus altissima 'yellow gem' toxic to cats? — full toxicity detail
- Ficus Altissima 'Yellow Gem' and pets — the complete ASPCA pet-safety guide