One of the most popular indoor trees for plant enthusiasts is the Ficus tree, which is also called a fig tree. However, for plant enthusiasts, who are also cat lovers, we know that keeping most of our plants, flowers, trees, and feline friends separated is essential. So that begs the question, is the Ficus tree poisonous to cats?
Ficus trees are toxic to cats, and the toxicity comes from every part of the tree, especially the leaves. What should you do if your feline eats any part of the Ficus tree? We’ll answer that question and more in the blog below.
Symptoms of Ficus Poisoning in Cats
Ficus trees, figs, and other names that Ficus trees go by are toxic to cats, dogs, and horses.
While the toxicity level is mild to moderate in cats, keeping the Ficus and all of its components away from your feline pal is still best. If you think your cat has eaten a Ficus, look for the symptoms below.
- Vomiting
- Watering of the mouth
- Excessive drooling
- Diarrhea
- Skin irritation
- Open weeping sores
- Dermatitis
- Shaking its head
What Should You Do?
If you think your cat has consumed some of the Ficus tree and see any of the symptoms above, it’s best to make an appointment with your vet immediately. First, you’ll want to carefully remove any traces of the Ficus from your cat’s mouth, paws, and face. Then, see if the cat will drink milk or some tuna juice to rinse its mouth.
Once you’ve made your cat comfortable, take it to the vet for further treatment.
Tips for Keeping Your Cat Safe Around Plants
Of course, as a plant lover and a cat lover, you will want to keep your cat safe around your Ficus and any other plant in your home or garden.
The best way to keep your kitty safe from the Ficus plant is not to have it in the house at all. Instead, you can do your research and keep only pet-safe plants in your home. However, you can also keep your plants in a room your cat isn’t allowed in, but make you store them in a room with a lockable door that the cat can’t push open.
There are also repellents that keep cats out of plants that you can also try. However, some cats are unaffected by the deterrents.
Final Thoughts
While Ficus trees are poisonous to cats, they are mild to moderately toxic. Keeping your plant in a secure room or removing the Ficus from the interior will prevent your cat from consuming the toxic species. However, if your cat gets into your Ficus, it’s still best to have them checked out by a vet to be on the safe side.
Featured Image Credit: Pixabay
