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If your cat ate string of frogs — 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.

String of Frogs is toxic to cats (ASPCA).

Pet emergency

My cat ate String of Frogs — what to do

Step by step

  1. Take string of frogs 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 string of frogs — FAQ

Is string of frogs poisonous to cats?

Yes — the ASPCA lists String of Frogs (Ficus pumila 'Quercifolia') as toxic to cats. Toxic to cats and dogs. Although 'String of Frogs' is not listed by that exact name, it is a cultivar of the true fig Ficus pumila, and the ASPCA classifies Ficus (Weeping Fig / Indian Rubber Plant, Ficus benjamina) as toxic to dogs, cats and horses. The milky latex contains ficin (a proteolytic enzyme) and psoralen (ficusin), causing oral and gastrointestinal irritation, drooling and vomiting if eaten, plus skin/dermal irritation on contact. Keep away from pets and wash hands after pruning; if ingestion is suspected, call your vet or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center.

How serious is it if my cat ate string of frogs?

String of Frogs 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. Although 'String of Frogs' is not listed by that exact name, it is a cultivar of the true fig Ficus pumila, and the ASPCA classifies Ficus (Weeping Fig / Indian Rubber Plant, Ficus benjamina) as toxic to dogs, cats and horses. The milky latex contains ficin (a proteolytic enzyme) and psoralen (ficusin), causing oral and gastrointestinal irritation, drooling and vomiting if eaten, plus skin/dermal irritation on contact. Keep away from pets and wash hands after pruning; if ingestion is suspected, call your vet or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center. 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 string of frogs well out of reach, or swap it for an ASPCA non-toxic plant — see the best cats-safe plants list.

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