Weeping Fig Toxic?

Updated 2026-03-06| 2 min read| 4,768 found this helpful

Confirmed toxic to cats and dogs, while toxicity risk to horses remains unconfirmed

All parts of the plant contain toxic compounds including ficin enzymes and psoralens

Ingestion typically causes vomiting and diarrhea, with seizures/paralysis possible for large doses

FAQ

Is Weeping Fig toxic to Humans?

Mild gastrointestinal irritation (vomiting, diarrhea) if ingested; sap may trigger allergic skin reactions; severe effects are rare unless large quantities are consumed (Low)

Is Weeping Fig toxic to Cats?

Vomiting, diarrhea; seizures and paralysis are possible if large amounts of the plant are eaten (Low)

Is Weeping Fig toxic to Dogs?

Vomiting, diarrhea; seizures and paralysis are possible if large amounts of the plant are eaten (Low)

Is Weeping Fig toxic to Horses?

Toxicity risk is unconfirmed, no consistent clinical symptoms have been formally reported in horses (Unknown)

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Toxicity Details

Humans

Low

Mild gastrointestinal irritation (vomiting, diarrhea) if ingested; sap may trigger allergic skin reactions; severe effects are rare unless large quantities are consumed

Cats

Low

Vomiting, diarrhea; seizures and paralysis are possible if large amounts of the plant are eaten

Dogs

Low

Vomiting, diarrhea; seizures and paralysis are possible if large amounts of the plant are eaten

Horses

Unknown

Toxicity risk is unconfirmed, no consistent clinical symptoms have been formally reported in horses

Toxicity Snapshot

Toxic PartsWhole plant

Exposure RouteIngestion of plant tissue, direct skin contact with plant sap

Toxic CompoundsFicin (proteolytic enzyme, including isoforms A, B, C, D1, D2); Psoralen (ficusin); Triterpenes; Serrat-3-on; Pentacontanyldecanoat; Friedelin; β-sitosterol

First Aid & Prevention

First 30 Minutes

• Rinse mouth thoroughly to remove remaining plant material if ingested
• Wash affected area with soap and water immediately if sap contacts skin
• Do not induce vomiting unless explicitly instructed by a medical/veterinary professional

Contact Vet Immediately

• If your pet exhibits persistent vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy, or neurological symptoms (seizures, paralysis) after exposure
• If large quantities of the plant were ingested by any animal or human
• If significant skin irritation or allergic reaction develops after sap contact

Prevention

• Keep the plant out of reach of children, cats, and dogs
• Wear gloves when handling the plant to avoid contact with irritant sap
• Avoid planting in grazing areas for horses until toxicity risk is confirmed

Treatment & Prognosis

• Decontamination (e.g. activated carbon administration for recent ingestion) as directed by a professional
• Symptomatic supportive care including fluid therapy for dehydration from vomiting/diarrhea
• Anti-seizure medication if neurological symptoms develop

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Professional Toxicology

Scientific NameFicus benjamina

AliasesFig、Weeping Fig

Toxicity Grade

HumansLow

CatsLow

DogsLow

HorsesUnknown

Target Organs

Gastrointestinal tractSkinNervous system

Mechanism of Action

• Ficin enzymes irritate gastrointestinal mucosa, leading to vomiting and diarrhea upon ingestion

• Psoralen compounds can cause phototoxic skin reactions following contact with plant sap

• High ingested doses of toxic compounds may disrupt neurological function, leading to seizures and paralysis

Other Species Risk (CliniTox)

Information from CliniTox veterinary text.

Horse: Toxicity is unconfirmed; no formal studies or verified poisoning reports are available to date

Small companion mammals (rabbits, guinea pigs, hamsters): Expected to trigger similar gastrointestinal symptoms as seen in cats and dogs if ingested

Confusion Risk

The following plants look similar and may be confused:

Common Edible Fig Ficus carica

Both are Ficus genus species with similar leaf morphology; Ficus carica produces edible mature fruit, while Ficus benjamina is grown primarily as an ornamental houseplant

Rubber Plant Ficus elastica

Both are common ornamental Ficus houseplants with glossy foliage; Ficus elastica has thicker, wider, more upright leaves compared to the narrow, drooping leaves of Ficus benjamina

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Related Toxic Plants

Common Edible Fig

Ficus carica

Low toxicity (sap and unripe fruit cause skin and gastrointestinal irritation)

Rubber Plant

Ficus elastica

Low toxicity (sap causes skin irritation, ingestion triggers gastrointestinal symptoms)

Osage Orange

Maclura pomifera

Moderate toxicity (ingestion causes severe gastrointestinal distress in pets and humans)

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Data Sources

1. ASPCA Animal Poison Control

2. CliniTox (Universität Zürich)

This information is for reference only and does not constitute medical advice. If ingestion or poisoning is suspected, seek medical or veterinary attention immediately.