Pet safety
Is Fig 'Black Mission'toxic to cats & dogs?
Ficus carica 'Black Mission'
Quick verdict — at a glance
- Toxic to cats?
- Yes — toxic
- Toxic to dogs?
- Yes — toxic
- ASPCA classification
- Toxic to pets · botanical name Ficus carica 'Black Mission'
Is fig 'black mission' safe for cats and dogs?
No — fig 'black mission' is toxic to cats and dogs. Keep it well away from any pet that chews plants; reactions can be significant. This classification follows the ASPCA Toxic and Non-Toxic Plant List, the most widely used reference for companion-animal plant safety in the US and the standard most UK vets cite as well. ASPCA lists fig (Ficus) as toxic to cats, dogs and horses. Foliage and white sap contain ficin (proteolytic enzyme) and psoralen (ficusin), producing drooling, oral and GI irritation, vomiting and phototoxic skin reactions. The ripe figs are safe and prized for people; keep pets from the leaves and sap.
| Pet | Toxic? | Per ASPCA |
|---|---|---|
| Cats | Yes | Toxic to pets |
| Dogs | Yes | Toxic to pets |
What happens if a pet eats fig 'black mission'?
ASPCA lists fig (Ficus) as toxic to cats, dogs and horses. Foliage and white sap contain ficin (proteolytic enzyme) and psoralen (ficusin), producing drooling, oral and GI irritation, vomiting and phototoxic skin reactions. The ripe figs are safe and prized for people; keep pets from the leaves and sap. Signs usually appear soon after chewing rather than hours later. If you see drooling, pawing at the mouth, head-shaking, vomiting, loss of appetite, or unusual lethargy after your pet has had access to fig 'black mission', treat it as a suspected ingestion and act on the steps below.
What to do if your pet ate fig 'black mission'
- Remove any plant material from your pet's mouth and move fig 'black mission' out of reach.
- Note how much was eaten and when, and watch for drooling, vomiting, or lethargy.
- Do not induce vomiting unless a vet or poison-control specialist instructs you to.
- Call your vet or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center on (888) 426-4435 and follow their advice.
- Bring a leaf or photo of fig 'black mission' to the appointment so it can be treated correctly.
This page is general guidance, not veterinary advice. Pets vary, and a reaction may be to soil, fertiliser, or pesticide rather than the plant. If you are worried, always contact a vet or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center on (888) 426-4435 — do not wait for symptoms to worsen.
Pet-safe alternatives to fig 'black mission'
Want the same look without the risk? These plants are listed as non-toxic to cats and dogs by the ASPCA and have similar care needs:
- Cucumber — non-toxic to cats and dogs (care guide)
- Lettuce — non-toxic to cats and dogs (care guide)
- Bean — non-toxic to cats and dogs (care guide)
- Pea — non-toxic to cats and dogs (care guide)
Fig 'Black Mission' and pets — frequently asked questions
Is fig 'black mission' toxic to cats?
Fig 'Black Mission' (Ficus carica 'Black Mission') is toxic to cats according to the ASPCA. ASPCA lists fig (Ficus) as toxic to cats, dogs and horses. Foliage and white sap contain ficin (proteolytic enzyme) and psoralen (ficusin), producing drooling, oral and GI irritation, vomiting and phototoxic skin reactions. The ripe figs are safe and prized for people; keep pets from the leaves and sap. Keep it out of reach and contact your vet or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center on (888) 426-4435 if your cat chews it.
Is fig 'black mission' toxic to dogs?
Per the ASPCA, Fig 'Black Mission' (Ficus carica 'Black Mission') is toxic to dogs. Dogs often chew more enthusiastically than cats, so a toxic plant like fig 'black mission' is best removed from the floor and low shelves entirely.
What happens if my pet eats fig 'black mission'?
ASPCA lists fig (Ficus) as toxic to cats, dogs and horses. Foliage and white sap contain ficin (proteolytic enzyme) and psoralen (ficusin), producing drooling, oral and GI irritation, vomiting and phototoxic skin reactions. The ripe figs are safe and prized for people; keep pets from the leaves and sap. Signs usually appear soon after chewing rather than hours later. If you see drooling, pawing at the mouth, head-shaking, vomiting, loss of appetite, or unusual lethargy after your pet has had access to fig 'black mission', treat it as a suspected ingestion and act on the steps below.
What should I do if my cat or dog ate fig 'black mission'?
Stay calm. Remove any remaining plant material from your pet's mouth and take the plant away so they cannot eat more. Note roughly how much was eaten and when. Do not make your pet vomit 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. Bringing a photo or a leaf of fig 'black mission' to the appointment helps the vet treat it correctly.
What are pet-safe alternatives to fig 'black mission'?
If you want a similar look without the risk, good non-toxic swaps include cucumber, lettuce, bean, pea. All of these are listed as non-toxic to cats and dogs by the ASPCA, so they suit a home where pets have access to your plants.
Full fig 'black mission' care
Pet-safety is one piece of the picture. For light, watering, soil, and troubleshooting, see the complete fig 'black mission' care guide, or browse the full pet-safe plant library to check another plant before you buy it.