←
Ficus Audrey
Ficus benghalensis
Ficus Audrey (Ficus benghalensis), also called the Indian banyan, is a popular indoor tree with soft green leaves. It is not a cat-safe plant to chew, even though most exposures are mild. The main concern is the milky latex sap inside the leaves and stems. This sap contains ficin, an enzyme that can irritate sensitive tissue, along with other irritating compounds. If a cat bites the plant, the sap can bother the mouth and stomach. If the sap gets on the skin, it can also cause local redness or itching. Possible signs include mouth irritation, drooling, vomiting, diarrhea, reduced appetite, or skin redness where sap touched the fur or skin. Keep Ficus Audrey out of reach, and wipe away any sap if a stem or leaf breaks. Contact a veterinarian if vomiting continues, skin irritation is strong, or your cat ate more than a small nibble.
Important Notes
Main hazard: Milky latex sap in the leaves and stems can irritate the mouth, stomach, and skin.
Symptoms: Drooling, mouth discomfort, vomiting, diarrhea, reduced appetite, or skin redness after sap contact.
Exposure risk: Broken leaves or stems release the most sap, so pruning or damaged plants are more likely to cause contact.
Action: Keep the plant out of reach, wipe sap from fur or skin, and call a vet if vomiting continues or irritation is strong.
Potentially Toxic Parts
Sap
Stem
Leaf
Possible Symptoms Reported in Cats
Mild Oral Irritation (burning sensation in mouth/tongue)
Gastrointestinal · Immediate (Upon chewing or contact with sap).
Drooling / Hypersalivation
Gastrointestinal · Acute (Shortly after exposure).
Vomiting
Gastrointestinal · Acute.
Contact Dermatitis (Skin redness or irritation)
Dermal · Acute (Upon contact).
Disclaimer: This summary was compiled from multiple sources and is for informational use only. It is not a diagnosis or treatment plan. Toxicity can vary based on the substance, amount, plant part, and individual cat. If you think your cat may have been exposed to a toxic substance, contact a veterinarian right away.