Are Fiddle Leaf Figs Toxic to Dogs or Cats?

Is fiddle leaf fig toxic to dogs?

Yes. NC State Extension Plant Toolbox says Ficus lyrata (fiddle leaf fig) "is toxic to humans, cats, and dogs if ingested." Pet Poison Helpline also lists Ficus plants as toxic to pets because of their irritating sap. The ASPCA has no fiddle leaf fig page in its plant database (we checked on 2026-10-01), so this verdict rests on those two sources.

Is fiddle leaf fig toxic to cats?

Yes. NC State Extension Plant Toolbox says the plant "is toxic to humans, cats, and dogs if ingested," and Pet Poison Helpline lists Ficus plants as toxic to pets because of their irritating sap. Keep it out of your cat's reach.

What makes it toxic

NC State Extension reports that all parts of the plant (bark, flowers, fruits, leaves, roots, sap/juice and stems) contain insoluble calcium oxalates (source).

Pet Poison Helpline describes Ficus plants as containing irritating sap. After ingestion, irritation of the mouth and gastrointestinal tract may occur, and the sap can irritate the skin if it gets on a pet's skin (source).

NC State adds that the sap can irritate human skin and recommends gloves when handling the plant, particularly when pruning or propagating (source).

Symptoms to watch for

Neither source splits these signs by species, so the same list applies to both pets.

In dogs

• Oral irritation, with burning of the mouth, tongue and lips (NC State)
• Excessive drooling (NC State, Pet Poison Helpline)
• Vomiting (NC State, Pet Poison Helpline)
• Difficulty swallowing (NC State)
• Decreased appetite and diarrhea (Pet Poison Helpline)
• Skin irritation where sap touches the skin (Pet Poison Helpline)

In cats

• Oral irritation, with burning of the mouth, tongue and lips (NC State)
• Excessive drooling (NC State, Pet Poison Helpline)
• Vomiting (NC State, Pet Poison Helpline)
• Difficulty swallowing (NC State)
• Decreased appetite and diarrhea (Pet Poison Helpline)
• Skin irritation where sap touches the skin (Pet Poison Helpline)

What to do if your dog or cat ate it

1. Remove any plant material from your pet's mouth and move the plant out of reach.
2. Note what was eaten, roughly how much, and when. Keep a leaf or a photo of the plant handy.
3. Call your vet, the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at (888) 426-4435 (a consultation fee may apply), or Pet Poison Helpline at (855) 764-7661.
4. Do not induce vomiting unless a vet or poison line tells you to.
5. Follow your vet's advice. Your vet may suggest watching your pet at home or bringing them in for an exam.

Frequently asked questions

Are fiddle leaf figs toxic to dogs?

Yes. NC State Extension says Ficus lyrata is toxic to humans, cats and dogs if ingested, and Pet Poison Helpline lists Ficus plants as toxic to pets because of their irritating sap.

Are fiddle leaf figs safe for cats?

No. NC State Extension says the plant is toxic to cats if ingested, and Pet Poison Helpline lists Ficus plants as toxic to pets. Keep it out of your cat's reach.

What happens if a dog eats a fiddle leaf fig leaf?

NC State Extension lists oral irritation, burning of the mouth, tongue and lips, excessive drooling, vomiting and difficulty swallowing. Pet Poison Helpline also lists decreased appetite and diarrhea. Call your vet or a pet poison line if your dog chewed or swallowed any of it.

Is the sap dangerous to touch?

The sap can irritate the skin. NC State Extension recommends gloves when handling the plant, particularly when pruning or propagating, and Pet Poison Helpline says dermal irritation is possible if the sap gets on a pet's skin.

Which parts of a fiddle leaf fig are toxic?

NC State Extension says all parts (bark, flowers, fruits, leaves, roots, sap/juice and stems) contain insoluble calcium oxalates.

Sources

• NC State Extension Plant Toolbox: Ficus lyrata: Toxicity to cats and dogs, calcium oxalates, symptoms, sap.
• Pet Poison Helpline: Ficus: Irritating sap, symptoms, skin irritation, phone number.

Last reviewed: 2026-10-06. This is a household reference, not veterinary advice.