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Is Fiddle leaf fig toxic to cats?

Ficus lyrata

Toxic to cats

Yes — fiddle leaf fig 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 lyrata as toxic to cats, dogs and horses. The milky sap contains ficin and proteolytic enzymes that cause skin and oral irritation, vomiting, and refusal to eat.

What to do if your cat ate fiddle leaf fig

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

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

Is fiddle leaf fig toxic to cats? — FAQ

Is fiddle leaf fig toxic to cats?

Yes — fiddle leaf fig 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 lyrata as toxic to cats, dogs and horses. The milky sap contains ficin and proteolytic enzymes that cause skin and oral irritation, vomiting, and refusal to eat.

What are the symptoms if a cat eats fiddle leaf fig?

ASPCA lists Ficus lyrata as toxic to cats, dogs and horses. The milky sap contains ficin and proteolytic enzymes that cause skin and oral irritation, vomiting, and refusal to eat. 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 fiddle leaf fig.

What should I do if my cat ate fiddle leaf fig?

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 fiddle leaf fig toxic to dogs too?

The ASPCA classification Growli uses applies to both cats and dogs: Fiddle leaf fig is toxic to dogs as well. See the full fiddle leaf fig pet-safety guide for both species.

What is a cat-safe alternative to fiddle leaf fig?

Good cat-safe swaps that keep a similar look include money tree, areca palm, kentia palm — all ASPCA non-toxic to cats and dogs. See the full pet-safe alternatives to fiddle leaf fig.

Full fiddle leaf fig pet-safety