Pet safety
Is String of Frogstoxic to cats & dogs?
Ficus pumila 'Quercifolia'
Quick verdict — at a glance
- Toxic to cats?
- Yes — toxic
- Toxic to dogs?
- Yes — toxic
- ASPCA classification
- Toxic to pets · botanical name Ficus pumila 'Quercifolia'
Is string of frogs safe for cats and dogs?
Avoid for a pet household. String of Frogs is ASPCA-listed toxic to both cats and dogs; even a small chew can drive a vet visit. Plenty of look-alikes on the non-toxic side of the list — see alternatives below. 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. 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.
| Pet | Toxic? | Per ASPCA |
|---|---|---|
| Cats | Yes | Toxic to pets |
| Dogs | Yes | Toxic to pets |
What happens if a pet eats string of frogs?
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. 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 string of frogs, treat it as a suspected ingestion and act on the steps below.
What to do if your pet ate string of frogs
- Remove any plant material from your pet's mouth and move string of frogs 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 string of frogs 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 string of frogs
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:
- Peperomia — non-toxic to cats and dogs (care guide)
- Cast iron plant — non-toxic to cats and dogs (care guide)
- Spider plant — non-toxic to cats and dogs (care guide)
- Ponytail palm — non-toxic to cats and dogs (care guide)
String of Frogs and pets — frequently asked questions
Is string of frogs toxic to cats?
String of Frogs (Ficus pumila 'Quercifolia') is toxic to pets to cats according to the ASPCA. 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. 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 string of frogs toxic to dogs?
The ASPCA lists the same toxicity status for dogs as for cats: String of Frogs is toxic to pets. Dogs often chew more enthusiastically than cats, so a toxic plant like string of frogs is best removed from the floor and low shelves entirely.
What happens if my pet eats string of frogs?
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. 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 string of frogs, treat it as a suspected ingestion and act on the steps below.
What should I do if my cat or dog ate string of frogs?
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 string of frogs to the appointment helps the vet treat it correctly.
What are pet-safe alternatives to string of frogs?
If you want a similar look without the risk, good non-toxic swaps include peperomia, cast iron plant, spider plant, ponytail palm. 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 string of frogs care
Pet-safety is one piece of the picture. For light, watering, soil, and troubleshooting, see the complete string of frogs care guide, or browse the full pet-safe plant library to check another plant before you buy it.