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If your cat ate fiddle leaf fig — 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.

Fiddle leaf fig is toxic to cats (ASPCA).

Pet emergency

My cat ate Fiddle leaf fig — what to do

Step by step

  1. Take fiddle leaf fig 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 fiddle leaf fig — FAQ

Is fiddle leaf fig poisonous to cats?

Yes — the ASPCA lists Fiddle leaf fig (Ficus lyrata) as toxic to cats. ASPCA lists Ficus lyrata as toxic to cats, dogs and horses. The milky sap contains ficin and proteolytic enzymes that cause skin and oral irritation, vomiting, and refusal to eat.

How serious is it if my cat ate fiddle leaf fig?

Fiddle leaf fig 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. ASPCA lists Ficus lyrata as toxic to cats, dogs and horses. The milky sap contains ficin and proteolytic enzymes that cause skin and oral irritation, vomiting, and refusal to eat. 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?

Move fiddle leaf fig well out of reach, or replace it with a pet-safe look-alike — good cat-safe swaps include money tree, areca palm, kentia palm, all ASPCA non-toxic. See pet-safe alternatives to fiddle leaf fig.

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