Rubber Plant

Symptoms reported in cats

Most serious first.

1. 1
   Irritation of the mouth and drooling (hypersalivation) This is caused by the physical and chemical irritation from the proteolytic enzymes (ficin) and psoralen (ficusin) within the plant's sap.
2. 2
   Vomiting and diarrhea If the cat swallows the irritating sap, it leads to mild stomach and intestinal upset.
3. 3
   Skin redness and contact dermatitis Contact dermatitis occurs if the plant's milky sap gets on the cat's skin or fur1. The sap contains multiple irritants, including furocoumarins, psoralens, ficin, sesquiterpenoid glycosides, and triterpenes, which are directly implicated in causing this skin reaction.

Important notes

Rubber Plant (Ficus elastica) is a large-leafed houseplant with thick, glossy leaves. It is not safe for cats to chew, because the leaves and stems release an irritating milky sap when damaged. The main concern is latex sap that contains ficin and other irritating compounds. Ficin is an enzyme that can bother the mouth and digestive tract. The sap can also irritate the skin or eyes if it touches them, especially when a leaf or stem breaks. A cat that chews rubber plant may drool, vomit, have diarrhea, lose interest in food, or show mouth discomfort. Sap contact can cause redness, itching, or squinting if it reaches the eye area. Keep rubber plants away from cats, clean up broken leaves, and contact a veterinarian if symptoms are more than mild or do not improve.

• Main hazard: Milky latex sap in broken leaves and stems can irritate the mouth, stomach, skin, and eyes.
• Symptoms: Drooling, vomiting, diarrhea, reduced appetite, mouth discomfort, or skin and eye redness after sap contact.
• Exposure risk: The large leaves may invite chewing, and damaged leaves release more sap.
• Action: Move the plant out of reach, wipe sap away with water, and call a vet if symptoms are strong or persistent.