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Pet safety

Is Rubber plant toxic to cats?

Ficus elastica

Toxic to cats

Yes — rubber plant 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 elastica as toxic to cats, dogs and horses due to the milky latex sap, which irritates skin and digestive tracts.

What to do if your cat ate rubber plant

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

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

Is rubber plant toxic to cats? — FAQ

Is rubber plant toxic to cats?

Yes — rubber plant 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 elastica as toxic to cats, dogs and horses due to the milky latex sap, which irritates skin and digestive tracts.

What are the symptoms if a cat eats rubber plant?

ASPCA lists Ficus elastica as toxic to cats, dogs and horses due to the milky latex sap, which irritates skin and digestive tracts. 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 rubber plant.

What should I do if my cat ate rubber plant?

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 rubber plant toxic to dogs too?

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

What is a cat-safe alternative to rubber plant?

Good cat-safe swaps that keep a similar look include money tree, cast iron plant, parlor palm — all ASPCA non-toxic to cats and dogs. See the full pet-safe alternatives to rubber plant.

Full rubber plant pet-safety