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Pet safety

Is Ginseng Ficus toxic to cats?

Ficus microcarpa 'Ginseng'

Toxic to cats

Yes — ginseng ficus 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. Toxic to cats and dogs. The ASPCA lists Ficus as toxic, with toxic principles ficin (a proteolytic enzyme) and ficusin (psoralen) concentrated in the milky sap that bleeds from cuts and pruning wounds. Ingestion or sap contact can cause oral and skin irritation, drooling, vomiting, diarrhoea and decreased appetite. Keep the bonsai and pruning debris away from pets.

What to do if your cat ate ginseng ficus

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

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

Is ginseng ficus toxic to cats? — FAQ

Is ginseng ficus toxic to cats?

Yes — ginseng ficus is toxic to cats according to the ASPCA. Keep it well away from any cat that chews plants; reactions can be significant. Toxic to cats and dogs. The ASPCA lists Ficus as toxic, with toxic principles ficin (a proteolytic enzyme) and ficusin (psoralen) concentrated in the milky sap that bleeds from cuts and pruning wounds. Ingestion or sap contact can cause oral and skin irritation, drooling, vomiting, diarrhoea and decreased appetite. Keep the bonsai and pruning debris away from pets.

What are the symptoms if a cat eats ginseng ficus?

Toxic to cats and dogs. The ASPCA lists Ficus as toxic, with toxic principles ficin (a proteolytic enzyme) and ficusin (psoralen) concentrated in the milky sap that bleeds from cuts and pruning wounds. Ingestion or sap contact can cause oral and skin irritation, drooling, vomiting, diarrhoea and decreased appetite. Keep the bonsai and pruning debris away from pets. 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 ginseng ficus.

What should I do if my cat ate ginseng ficus?

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 ginseng ficus toxic to dogs too?

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

What is a cat-safe alternative to ginseng ficus?

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 ginseng ficus pet-safety