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Is Common Fig toxic to cats?

Ficus carica

Toxic to cats

Yes — common fig is toxic to cats according to the ASPCA. Keep it well away from any cat that chews plants; reactions can be significant. This classification follows the ASPCA Toxic and Non-Toxic Plant List. ASPCA lists fig (Ficus) as toxic to cats, dogs and horses. The milky sap and leaves contain ficin (a proteolytic enzyme) and ficusin/psoralen (phototoxic). Signs include oral and GI irritation, drooling, vomiting, and dermatitis on skin contact. Ripe fruit flesh is edible for humans; keep pets away from sap and foliage.

What to do if your cat ate common fig

  1. Remove any plant material from your cat's mouth and move common fig out of reach.
  2. Note how much was eaten and when, and watch for drooling, vomiting, or lethargy.
  3. Do not induce vomiting unless a vet or poison-control specialist instructs you to.
  4. Call your vet or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center on (888) 426-4435 and follow their advice.
  5. Bring a leaf or photo of common fig to the appointment so it can be treated correctly.

General guidance, not veterinary advice. If you think your cat has eaten common fig, contact your vet or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center on (888) 426-4435 — do not wait for symptoms to worsen.

Is common fig toxic to cats? — FAQ

Is common fig toxic to cats?

Yes — common fig is toxic to cats according to the ASPCA. Keep it well away from any cat that chews plants; reactions can be significant. ASPCA lists fig (Ficus) as toxic to cats, dogs and horses. The milky sap and leaves contain ficin (a proteolytic enzyme) and ficusin/psoralen (phototoxic). Signs include oral and GI irritation, drooling, vomiting, and dermatitis on skin contact. Ripe fruit flesh is edible for humans; keep pets away from sap and foliage.

What are the symptoms if a cat eats common fig?

ASPCA lists fig (Ficus) as toxic to cats, dogs and horses. The milky sap and leaves contain ficin (a proteolytic enzyme) and ficusin/psoralen (phototoxic). Signs include oral and GI irritation, drooling, vomiting, and dermatitis on skin contact. Ripe fruit flesh is edible for humans; keep pets away from sap and foliage. Signs usually appear soon after chewing rather than hours later — watch for drooling, pawing at the mouth, vomiting, loss of appetite, or unusual lethargy after your cat has had access to common fig.

What should I do if my cat ate common fig?

Stay calm. Remove any plant from your cat's mouth and take the plant away. Note how much was eaten and when, and do not induce vomiting unless told to. Call your vet or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center on (888) 426-4435 and follow their advice; a leaf or photo helps the vet treat it correctly.

Is common fig toxic to dogs too?

The ASPCA classification Growli uses applies to both cats and dogs: Common Fig is toxic to dogs as well. See the full common fig pet-safety guide for both species.

What is a cat-safe alternative to common fig?

For a similar look without the risk, see the best cats-safe plants list — every plant there is ASPCA non-toxic to cats and dogs.

Full common fig pet-safety