Growli
Let's go

Pet safety

Is Ficus Melany (compact rubber plant) toxic to cats?

Ficus elastica 'Melany'

Toxic to cats

Yes — ficus melany (compact 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 lists Ficus (fig / rubber plant, also called Indian Rubber Plant) as toxic to cats, dogs, and horses: the milky latex sap contains the proteolytic enzyme ficin and the photosensitiser psoralen (ficusin), which cause gastrointestinal and dermal irritation. Like all Ficus elastica forms, this 'Melany' cultivar should be kept away from pets, and wear gloves when pruning.

What to do if your cat ate ficus melany (compact rubber plant)

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

General guidance, not veterinary advice. If you think your cat has eaten ficus melany (compact 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 melany (compact rubber plant) toxic to cats? — FAQ

Is ficus melany (compact rubber plant) toxic to cats?

Yes — ficus melany (compact 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 lists Ficus (fig / rubber plant, also called Indian Rubber Plant) as toxic to cats, dogs, and horses: the milky latex sap contains the proteolytic enzyme ficin and the photosensitiser psoralen (ficusin), which cause gastrointestinal and dermal irritation. Like all Ficus elastica forms, this 'Melany' cultivar should be kept away from pets, and wear gloves when pruning.

What are the symptoms if a cat eats ficus melany (compact rubber plant)?

The ASPCA lists Ficus (fig / rubber plant, also called Indian Rubber Plant) as toxic to cats, dogs, and horses: the milky latex sap contains the proteolytic enzyme ficin and the photosensitiser psoralen (ficusin), which cause gastrointestinal and dermal irritation. Like all Ficus elastica forms, this 'Melany' cultivar should be kept away from pets, and wear gloves when pruning. 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 melany (compact rubber plant).

What should I do if my cat ate ficus melany (compact 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 melany (compact rubber plant) toxic to dogs too?

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

What is a cat-safe alternative to ficus melany (compact 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 melany (compact rubber plant) pet-safety