Yes, rubber plants are mildly toxic to cats
Rubber plants have a latex sap that irritates the mouth, stomach and skin. Poisoning is usually mild.
Rubber Plants and cats: key facts
| Toxic to cats? | Mildly toxic |
| Toxic to dogs? | Mildly toxic |
| Scientific name | Ficus elastica |
| Also called | rubber tree, rubber fig, India rubber plant |
| Toxic compound | Irritant latex (ficin and ficusin) |
| Toxic parts | Milky sap in the leaves and stems |
| Signs usually start | Within minutes to hours |
| Plant type | Houseplant |
Symptoms of rubber plants poisoning in cats
- Mouth irritation
- Drooling
- Vomiting
- Skin irritation from the sap
Why rubber plants are toxic to cats
Ficus plants have a milky latex sap containing proteolytic enzymes and psoralens that irritate the mouth, stomach and skin.
What to do if your cat ate rubber plants
- Remove plant pieces from your cat's mouth and move cats away from the plant. Wipe sap or pollen off the fur and paws with a damp cloth.
- Call your vet or animal poison control for advice: ASPCA Animal Poison Control: (888) 426-4435 · Pet Poison Helpline: (855) 764-7661.
- Identify the plant. Take a photo or bring a piece (or the plant label) to the vet, and estimate how much was eaten and when.
- Do not make your cat vomit unless a vet tells you to. Home remedies such as hydrogen peroxide or salt can cause serious harm, and hydrogen peroxide is not safe for cats.
- Watch for mouth irritation, drooling, vomiting. Go to a vet if signs are severe, last more than a day, or your cat has trouble breathing or swallowing.
Treatment and outlook
Rinse the mouth and wash any sap off the skin. Signs are usually mild and need only supportive care.
How to keep your cat away from rubber plants
- Place rubber plants on high shelves or in hanging planters away from furniture cats can climb, or in a room your cat cannot enter.
- Give your cat something better to chew: a pot of cat grass or catnip often distracts cats from houseplants.
- Pick up fallen leaves, petals and pollen promptly, and empty vases where pets can reach them.
Pet-safe alternatives to rubber plants
If you love houseplants, these are listed as non-toxic to cats by the ASPCA:
- OrchidsNon-toxic
- Spider PlantsNon-toxic
- Money TreesNon-toxic
- BambooNon-toxic
- CalatheasNon-toxic
- FernsNon-toxic
- Areca PalmsNon-toxic
- African VioletsNon-toxic
See the full list of plants safe for cats.
Rubber Plants and cats: FAQ
Are rubber plants poisonous to cats?
Rubber Plants are mildly toxic to cats. Irritant latex (ficin and ficusin) can cause mouth irritation and drooling, but serious poisoning is uncommon.
What part of rubber plants is toxic to cats?
Milky sap in the leaves and stems.
Can cats die from eating rubber plants?
It is very unlikely. Rubber Plants usually cause mild, short-lived signs. See a vet if signs are severe or your cat has trouble breathing or swallowing.
How long after eating rubber plants will my cat show symptoms?
Within minutes to hours.
Are rubber plants toxic to dogs too?
Yes, rubber plants are mildly toxic to dogs.
Other plants toxic to cats
- Peace LiliesMildly toxic
- Calla LiliesMildly toxic
- TulipsMildly toxic
- HyacinthsMildly toxic
- CarnationsMildly toxic
- DaisiesMildly toxic
- ChrysanthemumsMildly toxic
- Baby's BreathMildly toxic
Sources
- ASPCA Animal Poison Control: Toxic and Non-Toxic Plants for Cats
- Merck Veterinary Manual: Poisonous Plants
Toxicity ratings follow the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center plant lists. Severity depends on the amount eaten, the part of the plant and your cat's size and health. When in doubt, call your vet.