By Dial A Vet Veterinary Team
Searching whether figs are safe for cats can turn up conflicting answers, and there is a good reason for that. The word fig covers about 850 species of Ficus, from the edible fig tree in the backyard to the weeping fig and rubber plant in the lounge room. The ASPCA's entry for fig refers to the weeping fig, Ficus benjamina, which it lists as toxic to cats. The fruit you buy at the market comes from a different species, Ficus carica.
Key takeaways
- The ASPCA lists fig (weeping fig, Ficus benjamina, also called Indian rubber plant) as toxic to cats, dogs and horses. It can cause stomach and skin irritation.
- The irritants include ficin, a protein digesting enzyme, and psoralens (furanocoumarins) found mainly in the milky sap.
- Edible fig fruit (Ficus carica) is not a recognised serious poison for cats, but the tree's sap and leaves can irritate.
- Dried figs are sticky and sugary and offer cats nothing they need.
- Serious poisoning from Ficus is uncommon. Most cases cause mouth irritation, drooling, vomiting or skin redness.
- If your cat chewed a fig houseplant or tree and seems unwell, call your vet or the Animal Poisons Helpline on 1300 869 738.
Which fig are we talking about?
Indoor figs
Weeping fig, rubber plant and fiddle leaf fig are popular Ficus houseplants. The ASPCA lists the weeping fig as toxic to cats, with clinical signs of gastrointestinal and dermal irritation. Cats that chew the leaves may drool, paw at the mouth or vomit.
The edible fig tree
The common fig, Ficus carica, is grown for fruit in many Australian gardens. The IVIS Guide to Poisonous House and Garden Plants notes that animal poisoning from Ficus species is unlikely, though people can develop skin reactions when the milky sap contacts skin that is then exposed to sunlight. North Carolina State Extension lists the toxic principles in fig sap as ficin and furanocoumarins.
Fig fruit
Ripe fresh fig flesh is not known to cause serious poisoning in cats. It is still not a food a cat needs. Unripe figs and the stem end contain more sap. Dried figs are dense, sweet and chewy.
What can go wrong
Sap and leaf irritation
Chewing leaves or stems can release sap. This may irritate the mouth, causing drooling, head shaking or pawing at the face. Sap on the skin, particularly on lightly furred areas, may cause redness.
Stomach upset
Eating leaves or fruit may cause vomiting or diarrhoea.
Sugar and texture
Dried figs are concentrated sugar and fibre. Merck Veterinary Manual notes that an overload of simple sugars in the gut can cause osmotic diarrhoea. Large sticky pieces can cause gagging. Cats cannot taste sweetness, so there is no treat value for them either.
Fig products
Fig jam, fig and nut bars and fig biscuits can contain other ingredients, such as nuts, chocolate or raisins. Check the label.
Signs to watch for
After chewing a fig plant:
- drooling or pawing at the mouth
- vomiting
- diarrhoea
- red or irritated skin around the mouth or paws
After fig fruit, most cats show nothing or a mild stomach upset.
When it is an emergency
Call your vet or an emergency clinic straight away if your cat:
- keeps drooling, pawing at its mouth or has a swollen face
- vomits repeatedly or will not eat
- ate a fig product containing chocolate, raisins or nuts
- seems lethargic or unwell
For poisoning advice, phone the Animal Poisons Helpline on 1300 869 738. Do not try to make your cat vomit at home. Salt and hydrogen peroxide can cause serious harm. If sap is on the skin or fur, gently rinse with water.
How vets assess a cat that chewed a fig
Your vet will want to know which plant, which parts, and when. A photo of the plant or its label helps identify the species. Your vet may look for mouth or skin irritation and check hydration if your cat has been vomiting. Most cats need only supportive care, decided by the vet who examines them.
Keeping cats and figs apart
- Place indoor Ficus plants where your cat cannot reach them, or choose pet safe houseplants.
- Pick up fallen fruit and pruned branches from the garden.
- Store dried figs and fig products in a closed cupboard.
For more on plants, see toxic and safe plants for pets.
FAQ
Are figs poisonous to cats?
The ASPCA lists the weeping fig plant as toxic to cats. Edible fig fruit is not known to cause serious poisoning, but fig sap and leaves can irritate.
Is a fiddle leaf fig safe for cats?
It is a Ficus, and Ficus sap can irritate. It is safest to keep any Ficus out of your cat's reach.
Can cats eat dried figs?
They are not recommended. Dried figs are sugary and offer no benefit to cats.
My cat ate a fig leaf. What should I do?
Rinse its mouth area gently with water and watch for drooling or vomiting. Call your vet if signs appear or continue.
Talk with a vet
If your cat chewed a plant and you are not sure what it was, a Dial A Vet veterinarian can help you identify the risk and decide what to do. Book a Dial A Vet consult.
References
- ASPCA Toxic and Non-Toxic Plants. Toxic and Non-toxic Plants: Fig.
- IVIS, Guide to Poisonous House and Garden Plants. Ficus species: Ficus, fig.
- North Carolina Extension Gardener Plant Toolbox. Ficus (Fig, Rubber plant).
- Merck Veterinary Manual. Nutritional Requirements of Small Animals.
- Li X, et al. PLoS Genet. 2005;1(1):e3. Pseudogenization of a Sweet-Receptor Gene Accounts for Cats' Indifference toward Sugar.
- 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.