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If your cat ate ficus tineke (variegated rubber plant) — do this now

  1. Take the plant away and clear any pieces from their mouth.
  2. Do not induce vomiting unless told to by a professional.
  3. Call your vet or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center on (888) 426-4435 now.

Ficus Tineke (variegated rubber plant) is toxic to cats (ASPCA).

Pet emergency

My cat ate Ficus Tineke (variegated rubber plant) — what to do

Step by step

  1. Take ficus tineke (variegated rubber plant) away and remove any plant material from your cat's mouth so they cannot eat more.
  2. Note roughly how much was eaten and when — this helps the vet judge the risk.
  3. Do NOT induce vomiting unless a vet or poison-control specialist tells you to.
  4. Call your vet or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center on (888) 426-4435 (a consultation fee may apply) and follow their advice.
  5. 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 tineke (variegated rubber plant) — FAQ

Is ficus tineke (variegated rubber plant) poisonous to cats?

Yes — the ASPCA lists Ficus Tineke (variegated rubber plant) (Ficus elastica 'Tineke') as toxic to cats. The ASPCA lists Ficus (rubber plant / fig) as toxic to cats, dogs, and horses: the milky latex sap contains the proteolytic enzyme ficin and the photosensitiser ficusin (psoralen), which irritate the mouth, digestive tract, and skin. Like all Ficus elastica forms, this Tineke cultivar should be kept away from pets, and wear gloves when pruning.

How serious is it if my cat ate ficus tineke (variegated rubber plant)?

Ficus Tineke (variegated rubber plant) 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. The ASPCA lists Ficus (rubber plant / fig) as toxic to cats, dogs, and horses: the milky latex sap contains the proteolytic enzyme ficin and the photosensitiser ficusin (psoralen), which irritate the mouth, digestive tract, and skin. Like all Ficus elastica forms, this Tineke cultivar should be kept away from pets, and wear gloves when pruning. 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 tineke (variegated rubber plant) well out of reach, or swap it for an ASPCA non-toxic plant — see the best cats-safe plants list.

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