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Is Ficus Abidjan (burgundy rubber plant) toxic to cats?

Ficus elastica 'Abidjan'

Toxic to cats

Yes — ficus abidjan (burgundy rubber plant) 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. The ASPCA does not list the 'Abidjan' cultivar by name, but it lists the genus Ficus (under "Fig", Ficus benjamina) as toxic to dogs, cats and horses, with the toxic principles given as proteolytic enzyme (ficin) and psoralen (ficusin) causing gastrointestinal and dermal irritation. Ficus elastica shares the same irritant milky latex sap, so this plant is treated as toxic; keep it away from pets and children, and verify with your vet if an animal chews it.

What to do if your cat ate ficus abidjan (burgundy rubber plant)

  1. Remove any plant material from your cat's mouth and move ficus abidjan (burgundy rubber plant) 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 ficus abidjan (burgundy rubber plant) to the appointment so it can be treated correctly.

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

Is ficus abidjan (burgundy rubber plant) toxic to cats? — FAQ

Is ficus abidjan (burgundy rubber plant) toxic to cats?

Yes — ficus abidjan (burgundy rubber plant) is toxic to cats according to the ASPCA. Keep it well away from any cat that chews plants; reactions can be significant. The ASPCA does not list the 'Abidjan' cultivar by name, but it lists the genus Ficus (under "Fig", Ficus benjamina) as toxic to dogs, cats and horses, with the toxic principles given as proteolytic enzyme (ficin) and psoralen (ficusin) causing gastrointestinal and dermal irritation. Ficus elastica shares the same irritant milky latex sap, so this plant is treated as toxic; keep it away from pets and children, and verify with your vet if an animal chews it.

What are the symptoms if a cat eats ficus abidjan (burgundy rubber plant)?

The ASPCA does not list the 'Abidjan' cultivar by name, but it lists the genus Ficus (under "Fig", Ficus benjamina) as toxic to dogs, cats and horses, with the toxic principles given as proteolytic enzyme (ficin) and psoralen (ficusin) causing gastrointestinal and dermal irritation. Ficus elastica shares the same irritant milky latex sap, so this plant is treated as toxic; keep it away from pets and children, and verify with your vet if an animal chews it. 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 ficus abidjan (burgundy rubber plant).

What should I do if my cat ate ficus abidjan (burgundy rubber plant)?

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 ficus abidjan (burgundy rubber plant) toxic to dogs too?

The ASPCA classification Growli uses applies to both cats and dogs: Ficus Abidjan (burgundy rubber plant) is toxic to dogs as well. See the full ficus abidjan (burgundy rubber plant) pet-safety guide for both species.

What is a cat-safe alternative to ficus abidjan (burgundy rubber plant)?

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 ficus abidjan (burgundy rubber plant) pet-safety