Fiddle leaf figs are going by means of one thing of a recognition surge in the mean time.
It’s arduous to flick by means of a stylish dwelling decor journal or web site with out seeing one in all these magnificent crops within the dwelling.
In case you have pets within the dwelling, nonetheless, you at all times have to test {that a} plant doesn’t pose a well being danger to your pets.
As a result of let’s be trustworthy – and that is significantly true within the case of curious cats – you by no means know when they’ll try to eat the leaves or flowers of a plant.
So, I believed I’d take a better take a look at the fiddle leaf fig for you. And, extra importantly, if the fiddle leaf fig is toxic or poisonous to cats in any approach.
What Are Fiddle Leaf Figs?
The fiddle leaf fig is also called; Horsehead Philodendron, Panda Plant, Fruit Salad Plant, and Saddle Leaf to call a number of of its different names.
It has grow to be a well-liked home plant as a result of it’s a big, exotic-looking plant that doesn’t require a lot daylight or maintenance.
Picked from the tropical jungles of West Africa, it’s a surprising plant. And whereas it seems innocent sufficient, as I’ll clarify in additional element on this article – this couldn’t be farther from the reality.
Are Fiddle Leaf Figs Toxic to Cats?
The reply to this query is sure. Fiddle leaf figs comprise a toxin that may trigger irritation and burning to a cat or canine’s mouth and digestive tract in the event that they lick or eat any of the plant.
In accordance with the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty (ASPCA), fiddle leaf figs comprise insoluble calcium oxalates.
These are crystals which can be discovered in additional than 100 completely different crops and are answerable for inflicting some significantly disagreeable signs.
If a cat licks, chews or bites a fiddle leaf fig, for instance, it is going to launch these crystals. The signs can embody or vary from:
- Extreme drooling
- Ache, soreness, and burning round their mouth, lips, and tongue
- Vomiting
- Problem consuming and consuming
It’s actually fairly distressing to see. A cat will paw at their mouth in confusion. Whereas I haven’t felt the feeling myself (I’m not foolish sufficient to try to eat this plant) I can solely think about it’s extremely uncomfortable.
What Ought to I Do If My Cat Bit a Fiddle Leaf Fig?
The very first thing is to not panic. It’s necessary to know that this plant releases toxins as a approach of defending itself within the wild. It’s not out to take over your property and hurt your pets.
With that stated, nonetheless, it’s toxin is robust sufficient to trigger a cat, canine, and another family pet some critical points.
It’s not going to be deadly – not less than I couldn’t discover a recorded case of it inflicting a fatality.
One of the best factor you are able to do to assist them is to try to get them to drink slightly milk. I do know, milk isn’t good for cats, however on this occasion it’s medicinal!
Very similar to milk helps us if we eat one thing too spicy, it’ll assist neutralize the consequences of the burning sensation slightly.
The following factor to do is to get on the telephone to your vet. It’s best to know precisely how a lot they’ve ingested if any, and you’ll describe their precise signs to them.
One of the best factor you are able to do is act on their recommendation at this level. Nobody likes taking a visit to the vet’s workplace, however that is doubtlessly a critical difficulty if their throat swells up and so they can’t eat or drink.
I’m certain your cat can be wonderful. Chalk it as much as a lesson discovered, and do one thing to keep away from them coming into contact along with your fiddle fig once more.
I want I may say that every one cats would be taught a lesson from a painful expertise like this. However as cat homeowners, we all know there aren’t any ensures. It’s greatest to place preventative measures in place!
In Abstract – Are Fiddle Leaf Figs Toxic to Cats?
Sure, fiddle leaf figs are toxic to cats and it is best to do every part you may to make sure they don’t cross paths.
I’ve to confess, they make beautiful trying indoor crops. I can’t fault you for desirous to have one, it’s simply not definitely worth the danger that your cat will lick or chew it because the signs are fairly critical.
The subject of crops which can be and aren’t protected for cats is an in depth and prolonged one. To get you began, check out Spider Vegetation, Bamboo, and Staghorn Ferns for cat-safe frequent home crops.
Keep away from Aloe Vera, Snake Vegetation, Lilies, and Weeping Fig Bushes to say a number of of the frequent family crops which can be poisonous to kitties.
