Is Weeping Fig safe for cats and dogs?

What the ASPCA lists for Weeping Fig

The ASPCA records Weeping Fig (Ficus benjamina, family Moraceae) as Toxic to Dogs, Toxic to Cats, Toxic to Horses. Toxic principle: Proteolytic enzyme (ficin), psoralen (ficusin). Read the ASPCA entry.

Ficin and ficusin sit in the milky sap rather than the leaf tissue, so a snapped stem or a torn leaf is the usual trigger, and irritated skin and a sore mouth are the pattern for figs rather than the deep mouth burning the aroids cause.

This is the one Ficus page on this site whose plant matches the ASPCA entry title directly: their entry is called Weeping Fig, which is exactly this plant, so the verdict here is not inferred from a relative the way it is on the rubber plant and fiddle leaf fig pages. The scientific name recorded on that entry is still the genus, Ficus sp., rather than Ficus benjamina, so the naming is genus level even though the common name matches, and the verdict covers the whole genus. Their additional common names on the same entry include indian rubber plant, which is a different species, so do not read those names as a species identification.

What this verdict does and does not mean

Being non-toxic does not mean a plant is chew-proof: even pet-safe houseplants can upset a cat's or dog's stomach if they eat a large amount, simply because it is plant matter. Most toxic houseplants cause irritant-level symptoms, such as drooling, mouth soreness, or a mild upset stomach, rather than a medical emergency. A small number of plants are a genuine emergency, most notably true lilies (Lilium and Hemerocallis species) for cats, which can cause fatal kidney failure from even a small amount of pollen or a nibbled leaf. If you are ever in doubt, or your pet has eaten part of a plant, call your vet or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center on (888) 426-4435.

Safer alternatives

Looking for something with a similar look and habit that is pet-safe instead?

• Cast Iron Plant, see the care guide.
• Pilea (Chinese Money Plant), see the care guide.
• Money Tree, see the care guide.

More on pet safety

Read the full care guide for Weeping Fig, browse the pet safety checker for other plants, or identify a plant from a photo first if you are not sure what you have. Verdicts here follow the ASPCA toxic and non-toxic plant list.