Is Rubber Plant Toxic to Cats and Dogs? (Ficus benjamina (ASPCA ))

ASPCA Animal Poison Control (Indian Rubber Plant / Fig) lists Rubber Plant (Ficus benjamina (ASPCA )) as toxic to cats and dogs. The toxic principle is Proteolytic enzyme (ficin), psoralen (ficusin). Signs reported: Gastrointestinal and dermal irritation.

PARTIALLY VERIFIED — The plant commonly referred to as "rubber plant/rubber tree" is usually Ficus elastica, but the ASPCA database has no dedicated Ficus elastica entry — only "Indian Rubber Plant" (scientific name Ficus benjamina, i.e., weeping fig) and the non-toxic "Baby/American Rubber Plant" (Peperomia obtusifolia). This entry uses the ASPCA data for Ficus benjamina, supported by Merck's genus-level Ficus spp entry, which confirms the same toxic mechanism across related species (including weeping fig, rubber tree, climbing fig) — but no species-verified primary data was found for Ficus elastica specifically.

If a pet may have eaten a plant, contact a veterinarian, ASPCA Animal Poison Control (888) 426-4435 or Pet Poison Helpline (855) 764-7661. Note what was eaten, how much and when, and bring a photo or a piece of the plant. Do not induce vomiting or give home remedies unless a professional tells you to.

• Aloe Vera
• Azalea
• Chrysanthemum
• Cyclamen

Toxicity lists are by species, and many houseplants look alike. Photograph the whole plant, a leaf close-up and any flower in even light; the app reads the species first, then you can check it here. If the species is uncertain, act as if it were toxic.