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Is Ficus pumila 'Variegata' toxic to cats?

Ficus pumila 'Variegata'

Toxic to cats

Yes — ficus pumila 'variegata' 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. Listed by the ASPCA under Ficus (Fig) as toxic to cats and dogs. The milky latex sap contains the proteolytic enzyme ficin (and psoralens), which on chewing or skin contact causes oral and skin irritation, drooling, vomiting and dermatitis. Keep trailing stems away from pets that nibble.

What to do if your cat ate ficus pumila 'variegata'

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

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

Is ficus pumila 'variegata' toxic to cats? — FAQ

Is ficus pumila 'variegata' toxic to cats?

Yes — ficus pumila 'variegata' is toxic to cats according to the ASPCA. Keep it well away from any cat that chews plants; reactions can be significant. Listed by the ASPCA under Ficus (Fig) as toxic to cats and dogs. The milky latex sap contains the proteolytic enzyme ficin (and psoralens), which on chewing or skin contact causes oral and skin irritation, drooling, vomiting and dermatitis. Keep trailing stems away from pets that nibble.

What are the symptoms if a cat eats ficus pumila 'variegata'?

Listed by the ASPCA under Ficus (Fig) as toxic to cats and dogs. The milky latex sap contains the proteolytic enzyme ficin (and psoralens), which on chewing or skin contact causes oral and skin irritation, drooling, vomiting and dermatitis. Keep trailing stems away from pets that nibble. 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 pumila 'variegata'.

What should I do if my cat ate ficus pumila 'variegata'?

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 pumila 'variegata' toxic to dogs too?

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

What is a cat-safe alternative to ficus pumila 'variegata'?

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 pumila 'variegata' pet-safety