Ficus Audrey
Ficus benghalensis
Mostly fine, with one catch.
Ficus Audrey (Ficus benghalensis), also called the Indian banyan, is a popular indoor tree with soft green leaves.
Symptoms reported in cats
Most serious first.
- 1 Mild Oral Irritation (burning sensation in mouth/tongue) Immediate (Upon chewing or contact with sap). · The sap contains irritant enzymes that cause immediate discomfort to the mucous membranes of the mouth.
- 2 Drooling / Hypersalivation Acute (Shortly after exposure). · This is a secondary response to the oral irritation and burning sensation caused by the plant's sap.
- 3 Vomiting Acute. · Ingestion of the sap can upset the stomach. Symptoms are usually self-limiting, but persistent vomiting may require veterinary attention.
- 4 Contact Dermatitis (Skin redness or irritation) Acute (Upon contact). · If the milky sap touches the cat's skin, it can cause local irritation or redness. It is recommended to wipe away any sap immediately.
Important notes
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.
- 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.
This summary was compiled from multiple sources and is for informational use only. It is not a diagnosis or treatment plan. Toxicity varies with the substance, amount, plant part and the individual cat. If you think your cat may have been exposed to a toxic substance, contact a veterinarian right away.