Pet safety
Is Violette de Bordeaux Figtoxic to cats & dogs?
Ficus carica 'Violette de Bordeaux'
Quick verdict — at a glance
- Toxic to cats?
- Yes — toxic
- Toxic to dogs?
- Yes — toxic
- ASPCA classification
- Toxic to pets · botanical name Ficus carica 'Violette de Bordeaux'
Is violette de bordeaux fig safe for cats and dogs?
Avoid for a pet household. Violette de Bordeaux Fig 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. Ficus is listed as toxic to cats and dogs by the ASPCA. The milky sap (latex) contains ficin and irritant compounds (proteolytic enzymes/psoralens) that cause oral and skin irritation, drooling, and vomiting if chewed; the ripe fruit flesh is edible to humans but the foliage and sap are the hazard.
| Pet | Toxic? | Per ASPCA |
|---|---|---|
| Cats | Yes | Toxic to pets |
| Dogs | Yes | Toxic to pets |
What happens if a pet eats violette de bordeaux fig?
Ficus is listed as toxic to cats and dogs by the ASPCA. The milky sap (latex) contains ficin and irritant compounds (proteolytic enzymes/psoralens) that cause oral and skin irritation, drooling, and vomiting if chewed; the ripe fruit flesh is edible to humans but the foliage and sap are the hazard. 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 violette de bordeaux fig, treat it as a suspected ingestion and act on the steps below.
What to do if your pet ate violette de bordeaux fig
- Remove any plant material from your pet's mouth and move violette de bordeaux fig 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 violette de bordeaux fig 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 violette de bordeaux fig
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)
Violette de Bordeaux Fig and pets — frequently asked questions
Is violette de bordeaux fig toxic to cats?
Violette de Bordeaux Fig (Ficus carica 'Violette de Bordeaux') is toxic to cats according to the ASPCA. Ficus is listed as toxic to cats and dogs by the ASPCA. The milky sap (latex) contains ficin and irritant compounds (proteolytic enzymes/psoralens) that cause oral and skin irritation, drooling, and vomiting if chewed; the ripe fruit flesh is edible to humans but the foliage and sap are the hazard. 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 violette de bordeaux fig toxic to dogs?
Per the ASPCA, Violette de Bordeaux Fig (Ficus carica 'Violette de Bordeaux') is toxic to dogs. Dogs often chew more enthusiastically than cats, so a toxic plant like violette de bordeaux fig is best removed from the floor and low shelves entirely.
What happens if my pet eats violette de bordeaux fig?
Ficus is listed as toxic to cats and dogs by the ASPCA. The milky sap (latex) contains ficin and irritant compounds (proteolytic enzymes/psoralens) that cause oral and skin irritation, drooling, and vomiting if chewed; the ripe fruit flesh is edible to humans but the foliage and sap are the hazard. 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 violette de bordeaux fig, treat it as a suspected ingestion and act on the steps below.
What should I do if my cat or dog ate violette de bordeaux fig?
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 violette de bordeaux fig to the appointment helps the vet treat it correctly.
What are pet-safe alternatives to violette de bordeaux fig?
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 violette de bordeaux fig care
Pet-safety is one piece of the picture. For light, watering, soil, and troubleshooting, see the complete violette de bordeaux fig care guide, or browse the full pet-safe plant library to check another plant before you buy it.