Fiddle Leaf Fig: is it toxic to cats and dogs?

Pet safety summary

Pet Poison Helpline includes fiddle-leaf fig in its Ficus poison entry. Ficus sap and plant material can irritate the mouth, gastrointestinal tract, and skin in pets.

This page covers the ornamental fiddle-leaf fig, Ficus lyrata. The veterinary poison source is genus-level and explicitly includes fiddle-leaf fig among its alternate names.

Cats

Cat conclusion: Pet Poison Helpline identifies Fiddle Leaf Fig as toxic to cats. Keep the plant out of reach and contact a veterinarian or poison-control service if exposure is suspected.

Dogs

Dog conclusion: Pet Poison Helpline identifies Fiddle Leaf Fig as toxic to dogs. Keep the plant out of reach and contact a veterinarian or poison-control service if exposure is suspected.

Clinical signs reported by the source

• decreased appetite
• drooling
• vomiting
• diarrhea
• skin irritation after sap exposure

What to do if your pet ate it

Remove access to the plant. Save the plant label or a clear photo, note the part and approximate amount eaten, and contact your veterinarian or a poison-control service when the source identifies a toxicity risk. Do not induce vomiting unless a veterinary professional specifically tells you to.

Evidence and identity

Scientific name used on this page: Ficus lyrata

Source scientific name: Ficus (genus-level poison entry; fiddle-leaf fig is listed as an alternate name)

Source notes: Irritating Ficus sap and plant material

Source

Pet Poison Helpline plant safety entry for Fiddle Leaf Fig

Source reviewed for Batch 30 on August 3, 2026.

Emergency contacts

ASPCA Animal Poison Control: (888) 426-4435

Pet Poison Helpline: (855) 764-7661

If your pet is having trouble breathing, collapsing, having seizures, or otherwise appears critically ill, seek emergency veterinary care immediately.