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Ficus / Weeping Fig
Ficus spp.
Ficus plants, including Weeping Fig (Ficus benjamina), are common indoor trees. They are not safe for cats to chew, because the leaves and stems release an irritating milky sap when damaged. The sap contains ficin and psoralens, two plant compounds that can irritate the mouth, stomach, and skin. Ficin can bother sensitive tissues, while psoralens may make skin more reactive to light. Repeated contact with ficus sap can also make some animals more sensitive over time. If a cat chews ficus leaves or touches the sap, possible signs include drooling, mouth pain, vomiting, diarrhea, skin redness, itching, or swelling. Fallen leaves can still be a chewing risk. Keep ficus plants and dropped leaves away from cats, and contact a veterinarian if symptoms are persistent, spreading, or more than mild.
Important Notes
Main hazard: Milky ficus sap can irritate the mouth, stomach, and skin; repeated contact may make reactions stronger.
Symptoms: Drooling, mouth pain, vomiting, diarrhea, skin redness, itching, or swelling after sap contact.
Exposure risk: Fallen leaves can still be chewed, and stressed ficus trees may drop leaves often.
Action: Keep the plant and fallen leaves away from cats, and call a vet if symptoms spread, persist, or seem more than mild.
Potentially Toxic Parts
Sap
Stem
Leaf
Entire Plant
Possible Symptoms Reported in Cats
Contact Dermatitis (Skin redness, irritation, or swelling)
Dermal · Acute (Upon contact with the sap).
Vomiting and Diarrhea
Gastrointestinal · Acute (Shortly after ingestion).
Excessive Drooling (Hypersalivation) and Oral Pain
Gastrointestinal · Immediate (Upon chewing).
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.