By Dial A Vet Veterinary Team
Dried figs turn up in Christmas hampers, cheese platters and lunchbox snack packs, and a cat that jumps onto the bench may well have a chew. Most cats will take one sniff and walk away. If yours has eaten a piece, the likely outcome is a mild upset stomach at worst. The bigger picture is that figs, fresh or dried, are not a food a cat needs, and the fig plant itself is listed as toxic to cats.
Key takeaways
- The ASPCA lists fig (the weeping fig, Ficus benjamina) as toxic to cats, dogs and horses, with signs of gut and skin irritation.
- Dried figs are very high in concentrated sugar and fibre, which a cat's body is not built to use.
- A small nibble is unlikely to be dangerous, but vomiting or diarrhoea can follow.
- Fig rolls, fig paste and fruit mixes may also contain raisins, chocolate or nuts, which bring their own risks.
- If you are unsure what your cat ate, call your vet or the Animal Poisons Helpline (1300 869 738).
- Related reading: vomiting and diarrhoea in cats.
What the ASPCA actually says about figs
Many older articles describe figs as "non-toxic" to cats. That is not what the ASPCA plant database shows. Its fig entry covers Ficus benjamina, the weeping fig, a common indoor plant also sold as a rubber plant. The ASPCA lists it as toxic to cats, dogs and horses. The toxic principles are named as ficin, a protein-digesting enzyme, and psoralen (ficusin). The signs listed are gastrointestinal irritation and skin irritation.
The edible fig sold in shops is a related Ficus species rather than the weeping fig in that entry. Even so, it makes sense to treat fig plants, leaves and sap as something to keep away from cats, and not to offer the fruit as a treat. If you have a potted fig inside, put it where your cat cannot chew the leaves.
Why dried figs are a poor fit for cats
Cats are obligate carnivores. RSPCA Australia explains that cats need nutrients found only in animal tissue, such as preformed vitamin A and arachidonic acid, and cannot make use of plant foods the way dogs can. Drying a fig removes water and concentrates the sugar, so a small piece packs a lot of energy with nothing a cat needs.
Cats also lack a working sweet taste receptor, according to research published in PLoS Genetics. A cat that chews a fig is usually responding to texture or curiosity, not taste. The Cornell Feline Health Center suggests all treats together stay under 10 to 15 percent of daily calories, and dried fruit is one of the least useful ways to spend that allowance.
Fig products with extra risks
Fig is often mixed with other ingredients that matter more:
- Fig rolls and fig bars are baked biscuits with added sugar and fat.
- Christmas cakes, fruit mince and trail mixes may contain raisins and sultanas. RSPCA Australia lists grapes, raisins and sultanas as harmful to cats. The evidence in cats is limited, but your vet will still want to know.
- Chocolate-coated figs add theobromine and caffeine, which the Pet Poison Helpline describes as toxic to pets.
- Cheese boards may include onion jams or garlic-seasoned crackers.
If your cat got into a mixed product, keep the packet so you can read the ingredient list to your vet.
Signs to watch for
After a nibble of dried fig, watch for:
- Vomiting or drooling
- Diarrhoea or soft stools
- Reduced appetite
- Pawing at the mouth, which can suggest irritation
A piece of dried fig is sticky and chewy. A large chunk swallowed whole is unlikely in cats, but repeated vomiting, a tense belly or straining could point to something stuck, which needs a vet.
When to call a vet or the Animal Poisons Helpline
Call your vet or the Animal Poisons Helpline (1300 869 738) if:
- Your cat chewed the leaves or sap of a fig plant
- The fig was part of a product containing chocolate, raisins, nuts or alcohol
- Your cat vomits more than once, stops eating or seems flat
Seek emergency care straight away for collapse, breathing trouble, seizures or repeated vomiting with a painful belly.
Do not try to make your cat vomit at home. The Pet Poison Helpline warns that salt should never be used to induce vomiting, and home remedies can do real harm.
How vets help
Your vet will ask what your cat ate, how much and when, and examine them. Many cats that ate a little dried fruit only need monitoring at home with clear advice on what to watch. Others may need supportive care for vomiting or diarrhoea. Bringing the packaging or a photo of the plant speeds things up.
Prevention
- Keep dried fruit in sealed containers or a closed pantry.
- Clear cheese and fruit platters before leaving the room.
- Place indoor fig plants out of reach, or choose a plant the ASPCA lists as non-toxic.
- Ask guests not to share snacks over the festive season.
Better treats for cats
- A small piece of plain cooked chicken or fish without bones
- A commercial cat treat, counted in the daily allowance
- Some of your cat's usual food in a puzzle feeder
FAQ
My cat licked a fresh fig. Is that a problem?
A lick is unlikely to cause harm. Watch for drooling, vomiting or diarrhoea and call your vet if you are concerned.
Are dried figs a good source of fibre for cats?
Cats do not need fruit for fibre. If your cat has constipation or hairball trouble, ask your vet about suitable options.
Is my indoor weeping fig a risk?
The ASPCA lists Ficus benjamina as toxic to cats, with gut and skin irritation. Keep it out of reach and call your vet if your cat chews it.
Are fig rolls safer than plain dried figs?
No. They add sugar, fat and wheat flour and still offer nothing a cat needs.
Talk with a vet
If your cat has chewed a fig plant or got into the dried fruit and you are not sure what to do, a Dial A Vet veterinarian can talk you through it. Book a Dial A Vet consult.
References
- ASPCA Toxic and Non-Toxic Plants. Toxic and Non-toxic Plants: Fig.
- RSPCA Knowledgebase. Do cats have special nutritional requirements?.
- RSPCA Knowledgebase. What should I feed my cat?.
- Cornell Feline Health Center. Feeding Your Cat.
- Li X, et al. PLoS Genet. 2005;1(1):e3. Pseudogenization of a Sweet-Receptor Gene Accounts for Cats' Indifference toward Sugar.
- Pet Poison Helpline. Chocolate.
- Pet Poison Helpline. Salt.
- Animal Poisons Helpline (Australia, 1300 869 738). Animal Poisons Helpline | 24/7 Pet Poisoning Advice.
Disclaimer: Educational only. This page does not replace an examination or advice from your own veterinarian. If you are worried about your pet right now, contact your local vet or nearest emergency animal hospital.