Houseplant
Is Rubber plant toxic to cats and dogs?
Ficus elastica · also called Rubber tree, rubber fig
Cats
Mildly toxicDogs
Mildly toxicThe rubber plant is mildly toxic. Its milky sap irritates the mouth, stomach and skin, but serious poisoning is rare.
By Maya HartIf your pet chewed it
- Rinse your pet’s mouth with water and offer a drink.
- Most pets recover within a few hours; call your vet if drooling, vomiting or pawing at the mouth continues.
Signs to watch for
- Drooling
- Vomiting
- Skin irritation
What is harmful
- Parts
- Leaves and stems (sap)
- Substance
- Ficin and ficusin in the sap
The details
The “baby rubber plant” sold in garden centres is actually a peperomia and is safe. The true rubber plant has large, glossy, dark leaves and bleeds white sap when a leaf is broken.
Pet-safe alternatives
Questions owners ask
Is Rubber plant toxic to cats?
Yes — mildly toxic to cats. Harmful parts: leaves and stems (sap).
Is Rubber plant toxic to dogs?
Yes — mildly toxic to dogs. Harmful parts: leaves and stems (sap).
What happens if a pet eats rubber plant?
drooling, vomiting, skin irritation.
What should I do if my pet chewed it?
Rinse your pet’s mouth with water and offer a drink. Most pets recover within a few hours; call your vet if drooling, vomiting or pawing at the mouth continues.
What are pet-safe alternatives to rubber plant?
Peperomia (baby rubber plant), Parlour palm, Calathea (prayer plant).
Sources
Tailwise is for general information and is reviewed by veterinary professionals, but it is not a substitute for advice from your own vet, who knows your pet. How we check facts
