Are Fiddle Leaf Figs Toxic to Cats? [How to Keep Cat Safe]

If you’re a cat lover with a taste for stylish home decor, you’ve probably considered getting a Fiddle leaf fig. But before you bring one of these trendy plants into your home, you might want to ask yourself: are Fiddle leaf figs toxic to cats?

The short answer is yes; Fiddle plants are dangerous for your cats. The plant contains insoluble calcium oxalates, which can cause vomiting and gastrointestinal irritation if ingested. In severe cases, ingesting these hardy plants can lead to difficulty breathing and kidney failure.

In this blog post, we’ll take a closer look at the risks of having a Fiddles in your home if you have a cat. We’ll also provide tips on keeping your cat safe from this potentially harmful plant.

Table of Contents

Why Are Fiddle Leaf Figs Harmful to Cats?

Fiddle plants have insoluble calcium oxalates, which are crystals that can result in inflammation and vomiting if ingested. These crystals can also cause difficulty breathing and kidney failure in severe cases. When cats eat plants containing these crystals, they can experience burning and swelling of the mouth, tongue, and throat. In some cases, they may also drool excessively or vomit.

Let’s discuss each of these side effects in detail:

Burning and Swelling of the Mouth, Tongue, and Throat

Saponins present in Fiddles are toxic to cats. If a cat ingests even a tiny amount of the sap, it can cause burning and swelling of the mouth, tongue, and throat. In severe cases, it can lead to difficulty breathing and even death.

If you suspect your cat has ingested any part of the plant, it’s essential to seek medical attention immediately. The sap can cause irritation and burns, so your cat may need treatment to help ease the pain and swelling.

Excessive Drooling

There’s something about this Fiddle plant that drives cats wild. Maybe it’s the shape of the leaves or the way they wave in the breeze. Whatever it is, one thing’s for sure: if your cat sees a Fiddle plant, it will start drooling.

Excessive drooling is one of the many ways this plant can drive cats crazy. If you’ve seen a cat drooling over a plant, you know how annoying it can be. The drool is a potential hazard for your floors and furniture, but it’s also gross.

You can also try training your cat to stop drooling. With patience and perseverance, you may be able to break your cat’s drooling habit. However, it’s important to remember that some cats cannot help themselves when they see such plants. If your cat is one of those unfortunate few, the best you can do is manage the drool and hope for the best.

Vomiting

Vomiting in cats is often caused by eating something they shouldn’t have, and Fiddles are one of the most common offenders. The leaves of these plants hold toxic substances for cats and can cause them to vomit.

If your cat has eaten these plant leaves, watch for signs of vomiting and call your veterinarian immediately. Treatment will likely involve giving your cat IV fluids to prevent dehydration and monitoring for other symptoms. With prompt treatment, most cats recover quickly from plant poisoning.

Difficulty Breathing

This popular houseplant can also cause difficulty breathing in cats. The plant contains an irritant chemical, which can cause inflammation and swelling of the airways. Even worst, the plant can cause an allergic reaction and difficulty breathing.

Difficulty breathing can be a sign of a life-threatening emergency, such as an obstruction in the airway or heart failure. Do not wait to see if the problem resolves on its own, as this could be fatal for your cat. Call your veterinarian or local emergency clinic immediately to get your cat’s help.

Kidney Failure

In rare cases, Fiddles can cause kidney failure in cats. This is typically only seen in cats that have eaten a large amount of the plant or those already suffering from other health problems that make them more susceptible to kidney issues.

If you think your cat has ingested the plant, watch for signs of kidney failure, such as increased thirst, urination, lethargy, and loss of appetite. Kidney failure can be fatal if not treated promptly, so it is essential to seek medical help immediately.

How to Keep Your Cat Safe from Fiddle Leaf Figs?

If you have this plant in your home, there are several things you can do to keep your cat safe from it. Here are some tips:

Keep the Plant Out of Reach

The best way to keep your cat safe from a Fiddle is to keep the plant out of reach. This means keeping it on a high shelf or in a room your cat does not have access to. If you have an indoor cat, you may want to consider keeping the plant in a room with a door that can be closed.

If you cannot keep the plant out of reach, you can do a few other things to make it less appealing to your cat.

Cover the Pot

Covering the pot is one way to keep your cat safe from the plant. You can use a paper bag, a box, or anything else that will fit snugly over the pot and prevent your cat from getting to the plant. Be sure to check the cover regularly to make sure it hasn’t been disturbed by your cat.

It would help if you took care of a few things while covering your pot, like the pot should be big enough that you can’t tip it over. You should ensure no gaps or openings in the cover that your cat could squeeze through. If you use a paper bag, tape it closed, so it doesn’t come open and allow your cat access to the plant.

Give Your Cat Other Options

If you have a fiddle leaf fig in your home, give your cat other options for scratching and climbing. This will help keep them from trying to climb the plant. You can provide them with a scratching post or cat tree. You can also give them toys to keep them amused and distracted from the plant. The toys like crinkle balls, catnip mice, and toy lasers are good options.

How to Treat Plant Poisoning in Cats?

If you think your cat has ingested some of Fiddle leaves, it’s essential to seek veterinary care immediately. Symptoms usually appear within two hours of ingestion and can rapidly worsen. Treatment may include giving your cat intravenous fluids and administering oxygen, if necessary. Here’s how:

Intravenous Fluids Treatment

Intravenous fluids are an essential part of treatment for many sick cats. They help keep the cat hydrated and provide essential nutrients and electrolytes. Depending on the cat’s needs, fluids can be given slowly over time or more quickly.

Several types of intravenous fluids can be used depending on the cat’s condition. The most common type is saline, similar to naturally occurring bodily fluids. Other fluids may be used if the cat has specific needs, such as glucose or potassium.

Intravenous fluids are usually given through a needle placed in a vein in the leg or paw. The needle is attached to a tube leading to a fluid bag. The bag is hung above the cat so gravity can help push the fluids into the vein.

Many cats tolerate intravenous fluids, but some may be anxious or uncomfortable during the procedure. Your veterinarian can help you to choose the best type of fluids and delivery method for your cat based on its individual needs.

Administering Oxygen

You can deliver oxygen therapy to cats in a few different ways. The three most common methods of administering oxygen therapy to cats are through a mask, hood, or tent.

Masks are the most common type of oxygen delivery device used in cats. The most important thing to remember when using a mask is to ensure that it fits snugly against your cat’s face so that all of the oxygen is delivered into their lungs and not escaping out the sides.

Hoods are another type of oxygen delivery device used in cats. They cover the cat’s entire head, often used when a cat has difficulty breathing through its nose.

Another type of oxygen delivery device for cats is the tent. Tents are placed over the cage the cat is in, providing a continuous flow of oxygen into the cage. Tents are often used when a cat has difficulty breathing through its mouth or nose.

Oxygen therapy can be an effective treatment for cats with difficulty breathing. If your cat may benefit from oxygen therapy, talk to your veterinarian about the best way to administer it.

Wrapping Up

If you have these plants with a curious kitten in your home, keep them out of reach of your cat. Call your veterinarian immediately if you think your cat has ingested these plants. It’s better to be swift in the case of an emergency and rescue your pet from deadly side effects!