Is Ficus Bonsai Poisonous to Cats? (Symptoms & Treatment)
Yes, Ficus bonsai can be poisonous to cats as it contains a toxic compound called oxalate. The leaves and stems of the Ficus bonsai contain oxalates that can cause irritation or burning of the mouth, tongue and throat as well as vomiting and diarrhea if eaten.
If cats are exposed to the sap of a Ficus bonsai, they may experience skin irritation or even an allergic reaction. Therefore, it is important to keep cats away from ficus bonsai and not allow them to ingest any part of the plant.
Here in this blog post, I’ll discuss the toxicity of Ficus bonsai and how it can affect cats as well as provide tips on keeping them away from this potentially toxic plant. I will also provide advice on what to do if your cat has ingested a Ficus bonsai.
With this knowledge, you can keep your cats safe and ensure that they don’t come into contact with this potentially harmful plant. So let’s dive in!
Why Ficus Bonsai is Poisonous to Cats?
Ficus bonsai is a popular ornamental tree that has become increasingly popular among plant hobbyists and gardeners due to its unique shape, long-lasting beauty, and low maintenance.
Unfortunately, this seemingly harmless plant can be highly toxic to cats if they ingest any part of it. This is because Ficus bonsai contains oxalate crystals which are poisonous to cats when ingested in large quantities.
In recent years, there have been numerous studies conducted on the toxicity of Ficus bonsai towards cats. The University of California Veterinary Medical Center conducted a study that found that if cats eat Ficus bonsai, they can get very sick. They might drool, vomit, have a stomachache, or have diarrhea. If they eat a lot of the plant, they could have trouble breathing and might even die.
Another study conducted at the University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine concluded that ingestion of any part of Ficus bonsai can cause serious medical problems in cats. Symptoms such as depression, anorexia, and lethargy were noted within 1-2 hours after ingestion and could last for days or even weeks depending on how much was consumed. The study also noted that symptoms could become more severe with continued ingestion or if a large amount was consumed initially.
Additionally, long-term damage to the gastrointestinal tract may occur if Ficus bonsai is ingested regularly over an extended period of time.
Also Read: Are Bay Leaves Toxic To Cats? (Symptoms & Treatments)
Diagnosis of Ficus Bonsai Poisoning in Cats
If your cat has been exposed to Ficus bonsai, it is critical to check for symptoms of poisoning. Many behavioral changes might occur if you are unsure of how much was ingested, so it is important to observe your cat closely.
By observing your cat behaviourally and talking to your veterinarian, you can determine the amount of Ficus bonsai that was ingested and the severity of the symptoms.
1. Behavior or Physical Diagnosis
Within 1-2 hours of consuming Ficus bonsai, you will gradually begin to notice changes in your cat’s behavior or physical appearance.
Symptoms of Bay Leaves Poisoning in Cats
Some of the most common symptoms associated with Ficus bonsai poisoning in cats include:
- If you find your cat drooling or having difficulty swallowing, this can be an indication that the cat has ingested Ficus bonsai.
- If you notice changes in your cat’s behavior such as depression, lethargy, or anorexia, this could be a result of Ficus bonsai poisoning.
- Vomiting and diarrhea are also common symptoms associated with Ficus bonsai ingestion.
- Gastrointestinal issues such as abdominal pain and loss of appetite can also occur.
2. Medical Diagnosis
If your cat shows any of the above symptoms and/or you suspect that they have ingested Ficus bonsai, it is important to seek medical attention right away.
Your veterinarian will examine your cat and run a series of tests to determine the extent of the poisoning.
Tests might include a complete blood count (CBC), chemistry profile, urinalysis, and electrolyte panel. You may also need to provide a sample of what your cat ingested for further testing.
Once the tests are completed, your vet will be able to determine the severity of the poisoning and recommend a course of treatment. This may include monitoring vital signs, intravenous fluids, and medications such as antiemetics and corticosteroids.
If left untreated, Ficus bonsai poisoning can result in severe injury to the gastrointestinal tract, kidney failure, and even death.
First Aid and Treatment for Ficus Bonsai Poisoning
If you suspect that your cat has ingested Ficus bonsai, it is important to seek medical attention right away. In the meantime, there are steps you can take to help your cat while they await medical treatment as it’ll help reduce the severity of symptoms.
1. First Aid Treatment
- Be ready by wearing a pair of gloves and placing your cat on a soft surface.
- Remove any plant parts that might still be stuck in the cat’s mouth.
- Gently flush out your cat’s mouth with warm water to help remove any remaining plant material.
- Give your cat a small amount of milk to drink which will help soothe the burning sensation in the mouth.
- Keep your cat warm and comfortable while they are waiting to receive medical attention.
- Monitor your cat closely for any changes in behavior or physical appearance.
2. Medical Treatment
Now that you have taken the necessary steps to help your cat, it is time to seek medical attention.
To determine the severity of your cat’s Ficus bonsai poisoning, your veterinarian will run a series of tests and recommend a corresponding treatment. For clarification, I’ll list some of the medicine used to treat this condition.
| Medicines | Dosage | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| Amoxicillin | 10-20 mg/kg orally, every 12 hours | Helps to fight bacterial infections |
| Metronidazole | 7.5-15 mg/kg orally, twice daily | Helps to reduce inflammation and pain in the gastrointestinal tract |
| Famotidine | 0.25-0.5 mg/kg orally, three times a day | Reduces stomach acid production and helps prevent vomiting |
| Corticosteroids | 5-10 mg/kg orally, once daily | Used to reduce inflammation and swelling |
Please keep in mind that it is essential to speak with your veterinarian prior to giving your cat any medication. Note that the following article is not meant as medical advice.
Your veterinarian may also recommend supportive care such as intravenous fluids and oxygen supplementation if needed.
In severe cases of poisoning, your vet may need to perform surgery in order to remove any damaged tissue from the gastrointestinal tract.
Recover Stages for Ficus Bonsai Poisoning in Cats
If your cat is able to receive timely medical attention, the prognosis for recovery can be very good.
It is important to keep in mind that the recovery process can take some time and your cat may need to be monitored closely for several days or weeks.
Your veterinarian will likely recommend follow-up appointments to ensure that your cat’s symptoms are improving.
During the recovery stage, it is important to provide your cat with a balanced diet and plenty of water in order to help them regain their strength.
Your vet may also recommend supplements such as vitamin B, C and E as well as antioxidants for an added boost.
Finally, it is important to keep your cat away from any other plants or vegetation that could potentially cause further harm.
How to Prevent Ficus Bonsai Poisoning in Cats?
I know it can be difficult to keep your cat away from plants. So here are some tips on how to prevent Ficus bonsai poisoning in cats:
1. Make Ficus Bonsai Plants Unattractive to Cats
You can make Ficus bonsai plants less attractive to cats by adding a few drops of citrus essential oil or lemon juice to the soil.
This will make the plant smell unappealing to cats and hopefully discourage them from exploring it further.
2. Keep Ficus Bonsai Plants Out of Reach
The best way to ensure that your cat does not ingest any part of the plant is to keep it out of their reach.
If possible, it is best to keep them in a room that your cat does not have access to.
3. Provide Alternatives for Your Cat
Providing your cat with plenty of toys and scratching posts can help give them an alternative outlet for their curiosity.
You can also introduce other plants or vegetation that are safe for cats and encourage them to explore those instead.
4. Monitor Your Cat
Finally, it is important to keep an eye on your cat at all times to make sure that they are not getting into any trouble.
If you notice that your cat is showing signs of illness, seek medical attention right away.
My Final Thoughts
Ficus bonsai poisoning in cats is a serious condition that can have potentially life-threatening consequences.
It is important to be aware of the signs and symptoms of Ficus bonsai poisoning in cats, as well as the steps you can take to prevent it.
If you think your cat has been poisoned, it is essential to seek immediate medical attention.
By following the tips provided above and consulting with your veterinarian, you can help keep your cat safe from Ficus bonsai poisoning.
Good luck!
