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Pet safety

Is Willow-leaf Fig toxic to cats?

Ficus salicaria

Toxic to cats

Yes — willow-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. Ficus species are listed by the ASPCA as toxic to cats and dogs (e.g., Ficus benjamina, Weeping Fig). The milky sap contains the proteolytic enzyme ficin and irritant compounds; ingestion can cause oral and GI irritation, drooling, and vomiting, and skin contact with the latex may irritate. Keep cuttings and dropped leaves away from pets.

What to do if your cat ate willow-leaf fig

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

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

Is willow-leaf fig toxic to cats? — FAQ

Is willow-leaf fig toxic to cats?

Yes — willow-leaf fig is toxic to cats according to the ASPCA. Keep it well away from any cat that chews plants; reactions can be significant. Ficus species are listed by the ASPCA as toxic to cats and dogs (e.g., Ficus benjamina, Weeping Fig). The milky sap contains the proteolytic enzyme ficin and irritant compounds; ingestion can cause oral and GI irritation, drooling, and vomiting, and skin contact with the latex may irritate. Keep cuttings and dropped leaves away from pets.

What are the symptoms if a cat eats willow-leaf fig?

Ficus species are listed by the ASPCA as toxic to cats and dogs (e.g., Ficus benjamina, Weeping Fig). The milky sap contains the proteolytic enzyme ficin and irritant compounds; ingestion can cause oral and GI irritation, drooling, and vomiting, and skin contact with the latex may irritate. Keep cuttings and dropped leaves 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 willow-leaf fig.

What should I do if my cat ate willow-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 willow-leaf fig toxic to dogs too?

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

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

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 willow-leaf fig pet-safety