Highly toxic to cats and other pets
The white sap of a weeping fig contains various toxins such as furocoumarins, flavonides, resin and rubber. In this combination, even small amounts are enough to cause considerable discomfort to your velvety housemate:
- Increased salivation
- Staggering, disorientation
- Vomit
- diarrhea
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If the cat eats several leaves of a Benjamini, paralysis and even circulatory collapse can occur. These sequelae also occur in dogs, rabbits, hamsters and guinea pigs. While the milky sap of a Ficus benjamina is non-toxic for birds in tropical habitats, this does not apply to domesticated budgerigars and other species. If they fly around freely in the apartment, there should not be a weeping fig as a landing place in it.
If you suspect, go to the vet immediately
If you have noticed that your cat has eaten the leaves, please consult a veterinarian immediately. A visit to the veterinary can save the life of your domestic tiger at the latest when the symptoms mentioned occur. If possible, take a sample of the ficus leaves with you. The more specifically the doctor can diagnose the poisoning, the more effective the treatment will be.
Tips
The weeping fig is considered slightly poisonous for young children. If the toxins get into the stomach in large quantities, they cause nausea and vomiting. In view of the bitter taste, the little ones usually spit out a leaf in disgust. For reasons of caution, however, a Benjamini should be placed out of the reach of babies and young children.
