Growli
Let's go

Pet safety

Is Ficus Ruby toxic to cats?

Ficus elastica 'Ruby'

Toxic to cats

Yes — ficus ruby 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 Ficus (fig) as toxic to cats, dogs and horses due to the milky latex sap, which contains the proteolytic enzyme ficin and the photosensitiser ficusin and irritates skin and digestive tracts. Like all Ficus elastica forms, this Ruby cultivar should be kept away from pets, and gloves worn when pruning.

What to do if your cat ate ficus ruby

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

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

Is ficus ruby toxic to cats? — FAQ

Is ficus ruby toxic to cats?

Yes — ficus ruby is toxic to cats according to the ASPCA. Keep it well away from any cat that chews plants; reactions can be significant. ASPCA lists Ficus (fig) as toxic to cats, dogs and horses due to the milky latex sap, which contains the proteolytic enzyme ficin and the photosensitiser ficusin and irritates skin and digestive tracts. Like all Ficus elastica forms, this Ruby cultivar should be kept away from pets, and gloves worn when pruning.

What are the symptoms if a cat eats ficus ruby?

ASPCA lists Ficus (fig) as toxic to cats, dogs and horses due to the milky latex sap, which contains the proteolytic enzyme ficin and the photosensitiser ficusin and irritates skin and digestive tracts. Like all Ficus elastica forms, this Ruby cultivar should be kept away from pets, and gloves worn 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 ruby.

What should I do if my cat ate ficus ruby?

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 ruby toxic to dogs too?

The ASPCA classification Growli uses applies to both cats and dogs: Ficus Ruby is toxic to dogs as well. See the full ficus ruby pet-safety guide for both species.

What is a cat-safe alternative to ficus ruby?

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 ruby pet-safety