Rubber plants (Ficus elastica and related rubber tree varieties) can be mildly toxic to cats. If a cat chews or ingests plant material, it may cause oral irritation, drooling, vomiting, diarrhea, and lethargy. The level of risk is generally considered low to moderate, but repeated or larger ingestions can worsen symptoms. To keep a cat safe:
- Place rubber plants out of reach or in rooms the cat cannot access.
- Use bitter sprays or physical barriers to deter chewing.
- Provide safe alternatives like cat-friendly plants or toys to satisfy the chewing instinct.
- Monitor your cat for signs of trouble if ingestion occurs and contact a veterinarian promptly if symptoms arise.
If you’d like, I can help you compare rubber plants with other common houseplants in terms of feline safety or suggest pet-safe plant alternatives.
