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Is Ficus microcarpa toxic to cats?

Ficus microcarpa

Toxic to cats

Yes — ficus microcarpa 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 (weeping fig and the genus broadly) as toxic to cats and dogs. The toxic principles are proteolytic enzyme (ficin) in the milky latex plus psoralen (ficusin); ingestion or sap contact causes oral/GI irritation, drooling, vomiting and dermatitis. Keep out of reach and wash sap off skin.

What to do if your cat ate ficus microcarpa

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

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

Is ficus microcarpa toxic to cats? — FAQ

Is ficus microcarpa toxic to cats?

Yes — ficus microcarpa 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 (weeping fig and the genus broadly) as toxic to cats and dogs. The toxic principles are proteolytic enzyme (ficin) in the milky latex plus psoralen (ficusin); ingestion or sap contact causes oral/GI irritation, drooling, vomiting and dermatitis. Keep out of reach and wash sap off skin.

What are the symptoms if a cat eats ficus microcarpa?

ASPCA lists Ficus (weeping fig and the genus broadly) as toxic to cats and dogs. The toxic principles are proteolytic enzyme (ficin) in the milky latex plus psoralen (ficusin); ingestion or sap contact causes oral/GI irritation, drooling, vomiting and dermatitis. Keep out of reach and wash sap off skin. 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 microcarpa.

What should I do if my cat ate ficus microcarpa?

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 microcarpa toxic to dogs too?

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

What is a cat-safe alternative to ficus microcarpa?

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 microcarpa pet-safety