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Is String of Frogs toxic to cats?

Ficus pumila 'Quercifolia'

Toxic to cats

Yes — string of frogs 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. Although 'String of Frogs' is not listed by that exact name, it is a cultivar of the true fig Ficus pumila, and the ASPCA classifies Ficus (Weeping Fig / Indian Rubber Plant, Ficus benjamina) as toxic to dogs, cats and horses. The milky latex contains ficin (a proteolytic enzyme) and psoralen (ficusin), causing oral and gastrointestinal irritation, drooling and vomiting if eaten, plus skin/dermal irritation on contact. Keep away from pets and wash hands after pruning; if ingestion is suspected, call your vet or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center.

What to do if your cat ate string of frogs

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

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

Is string of frogs toxic to cats? — FAQ

Is string of frogs toxic to cats?

Yes — string of frogs 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. Although 'String of Frogs' is not listed by that exact name, it is a cultivar of the true fig Ficus pumila, and the ASPCA classifies Ficus (Weeping Fig / Indian Rubber Plant, Ficus benjamina) as toxic to dogs, cats and horses. The milky latex contains ficin (a proteolytic enzyme) and psoralen (ficusin), causing oral and gastrointestinal irritation, drooling and vomiting if eaten, plus skin/dermal irritation on contact. Keep away from pets and wash hands after pruning; if ingestion is suspected, call your vet or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center.

What are the symptoms if a cat eats string of frogs?

Toxic to cats and dogs. Although 'String of Frogs' is not listed by that exact name, it is a cultivar of the true fig Ficus pumila, and the ASPCA classifies Ficus (Weeping Fig / Indian Rubber Plant, Ficus benjamina) as toxic to dogs, cats and horses. The milky latex contains ficin (a proteolytic enzyme) and psoralen (ficusin), causing oral and gastrointestinal irritation, drooling and vomiting if eaten, plus skin/dermal irritation on contact. Keep away from pets and wash hands after pruning; if ingestion is suspected, call your vet or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center. 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 string of frogs.

What should I do if my cat ate string of frogs?

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 string of frogs toxic to dogs too?

The ASPCA classification Growli uses applies to both cats and dogs: String of Frogs is toxic to dogs as well. See the full string of frogs pet-safety guide for both species.

What is a cat-safe alternative to string of frogs?

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 string of frogs pet-safety