Are Baby Rubber Plants Poisonous to Cats - Is It Safe

If you like houseplants, you probably already know that the rubber plant is the most well-liked indoor tree-like plant.

The Rubber plant has become more well-known in recent years due to its large, lush green foliage and low maintenance needs.

As a result, you might wonder if any of your pets will consent to a Rubber plant in your home.

Is your rubber plant, one of the lovely indoor plants, toxic to cats as well?

The Rubber plant is marginally toxic to cats, according to the ASPCA. Skin rashes, digestive problems, and multiple organ failure are brought on by the protein in the sap of this plant.

You might bring the Rubber plant into your home due to its alluring appearance without being aware of its toxicity.

You can manage it even with your pet running around the house.

You can find detailed information on the toxicity of the rubber plant here, including information on symptoms, treatments, and ways to avoid exposure.

Are Baby Rubber Plants Poisonous to Cats

Baby rubber plant (Peperomia obtusifolia) is a flowering plant that belongs to the pepper family Note that while bell and chili peppers are peppers, they actually belong to the nightshade family Solanaceae, which is referred to as the Piperaceae family of peppers.

This charming succulent houseplant, which is native to Mexico, Florida, and the Caribbean, has received the Royal Horticultural Society's Award of Garden Merit. There are cultivars with plain and variegated leaves.

Cat lovers should know that baby rubber plant, pepper face, or american rubber plant is non-toxic to cats. As a result, it makes for the ideal houseplant, especially for people who have cats who occasionally nibble on greenery.

You mustn't confuse baby rubber plant with Ficus benjamina, which has other common names that include weeping fig, Ficus benjamina, an Indian rubber plant, is poisonous to cats, dogs, and horses because it contains the proteolytic enzyme ficin and the psoralen ficusin.

Why should you purchase it? Numerous factors exist. The rubber plant is easy to propagate and disease resistant because it doesn't require much attention, but you must make sure the temperature doesn't drop below 15 °C (59 °F) and the humidity is high. If you want the gorgeous leathery leaves to be beautiful with intense color, make sure it receives enough light as well. However, stay away from direct sunlight because it will discolor your skin.

Why not try out this plant? We thought you might like the peperomia obtusifolia – 4" from Peperomia obtusifolia Variegata-Live Indoor Plant-Ships in 4-inch Grow Pot-Homegrown. Available from California Tropicals or the variegated Pacific Tropicals & Succulents.

Which Part of Rubber Plant is Poisonous?

There is a good chance that your cat will experience drooling, coughing, vomiting, diarrhea, and loss of appetite if it eats any Rubber plant parts.

The milky sap that rubber plants secrete, known as latex, is poisonous to cats.

Your plant must have latex because it helps move nutrients throughout the entire body of the plant.

The latex contains proteins that are antigenic to anything that might harm the plant. Whether it be cats, bugs, or pests. Cats frequently interact and play with your indoor plants, nibbling and scratching them.

The plant is safe for your cat unless there is sap because playing with it without scratching or breaking it won't release sap.

The Rubber tree gets its name from a substance called caoutchouc, also known as Rubber, that is found in its sap. Rubber plants have flexibility thanks to these chemicals.

Caoutchouc can irritate the eyes and mucous membranes despite its many advantages. If consumed, it will produce more harmful effects.

As a result, the entire plant—the roots, the leaves, the stem—is poisonous. Keeping your cat away from the lethal plant is your responsibility as a result.

A proteolytic enzyme found in proteins with the common names ficin and ficusin has the ability to be cat-antigenic.

Additionally, when it comes into contact with human skin or is ingested, it may result in allergies and digestive issues.

However, the ASPCA states that the toxicity is only mild and treatable.

Will a Rubber Plant Poisoning Kill My Cat?

Depending on how much latex your cat ingests, the outcome could be fatal.

Although the toxin won't instantly kill your cat, it may still result in fever and other symptoms that won't go away without medical care.

Therefore, rubber plant poisoning can result in the death of your cat if it consumes a lot of latex and does not receive immediate medical care.

Cats' fur serves as a safety blanket, making it uncommon for the sap from broken leaves and stems to come in contact with their skin.

Skin irritability and allergies can be avoided by simply washing the sap from the fur in the event of contact.

Even more sensitive areas for your cat, though, are the eyes, nose, and mouth.

You should take your cat to the veterinarian as soon as possible if the amount of sap is close to or greater than 2mg because this will result in poisoning symptoms.

The Symptoms of Rubber Plant Toxicity in Cats

The following symptoms will appear in the maximum of 15-20 minutes after your cat consumes rubber plant latex in doses of 2 mg or less.

Greater prominence is given to the symptoms in the mouth and digestive system.

Most allergic reactions to skin contact can be observed immediately.

Symptoms	Tips to Identify Symptoms
Dehydration	Cat's water consumption will rise. While your cat is moving, watch for confusion. Restlessness You can pull on skin to test for tenting.
Diarrhea	Check for consistency of stool Fluid like feces
Weakness/ Muscle tremors	Your cat won't act animatedly and will appear worn out. A few body parts might twitch.
Nausea/ Vomiting	Even without eating, cats will vomit. Continuous retching.
Reduced or loss of Appetite	The cat won't eat enough.
Oral Symptoms	irritation in the mouth and nose area. Cat begins foaming in the presence of White froths. increased salivation swelling around the mouth.
Tachycardia	The first symptom is rapid breathing. elevated pulse rate Increased heart rate.
High Fever	elevated core body temperature. Chills and shivering.

Your cat's life could be in danger if the poisoning is not treated. Your poisoned cat is in pain all the time in addition to the symptoms. So, they whine in pain like humans do.

Vomiting and diarrhea can cause shock, severe dehydration, and organ failure.

First Aid for Poisoned Cats

Whatever the skin contact or amount ingested, the most crucial fact is that you cannot ultimately provide a cure; as a result, you must contact your cat's veterinarian or any veterinarian who is close to where you are.

The following details should be on hand: your cat's breed, age, sex, weight, symptoms, and, if possible, the amount of toxin they ingested.

Here are some things you can do until the vet shows up or you get to them.

1. in Case of Skin Contact

The latex in the sap irritates, irritates, irritates, irritates, irritates, and irritates the skin when it comes into contact with the skin.

If your cat is exposed to sap while playing, it will behave differently. You might notice your cat rubbing against the contact area.

It will start shaking its body, head, or fur. Here are some options for what to do in this situation.

• Act accordingly and call your veterinarian.
• Wash off any latex-contaminated skin with your clean hands.
• Give your cat a bath with the same soap you use on yourself. Latex can be properly cleaned using soap water.
• Ask your vet about giving a warm bath to remove the toxin.
• Ensure adequate ventilation
• To keep your cat warm, use a blanket.
• Correctly feed and hydrate your cat as much as possible.
• Skin contact is not the same as ingesting, so never make a pet throw up without first consulting a veterinarian.

You can buy and keep one of the first aid kits shown here for such emergencies.

First Aid Kit	Brand
American Supplies Pet First Aid kit	American Pet Supplies
Pet First Aid Cat Kit	Rayco International
Certified Pet First Aid Kit	NM2
ARCA PET Cat & Dog First Aid Kit	ARCA

2. in Case of Ingestion

Expelling the poison from the body as soon as you realize your cat has consumed rubber plant sap is the best course of action to stop the poison from acting.

Hence, try inducing vomiting ONLY after consulting your vet. A small amount of saltwater can make cats queasy and make them vomit.

Other than with saltwater, it is not advised to try to induce vomiting. Inducing vomiting with fingers or other objects could harm your cat or make the situation worse.

If poisoned, your cat will begin to vomit on its own. Your cat dehydrates after experiencing several bouts of diarrhea and vomiting.

As a result, give your cat some fluids and try to keep it warm until your veterinarian gets there.

Here are some additional actions you can take in the event of poisoning to assist the patient until the veterinarian arrives.

• Wrap your cat in a warm cloth if it is cold.
• Get your cat out of the rubber plant's damaged areas.
• Make sure there is no latex in the mouth. If you see latex, try gently wiping its mouth with clean water.
• Don't let it get near your eyes or nose.
• If your veterinarian advises you to induce vomiting, try doing so with warm salt water after asking them for advice.
• If your cat is unresponsive or trembling, do not make it vomit; instead, try to keep it hydrated if your vet advises it.

Diagnosis of Rubber Plant Poisoning for Cats

Even if you are aware of the plant that caused the poisoning, you should still carry the poison with you because identifying the precise chemical and component that caused the poisoning is crucial for making the right diagnosis.

The diagnosis of rubber plant poisoning is made after a brief physical examination, blood tests, and endoscopy.

In the event of unconsciousness, your cat's heart function will be examined using an electrocardiogram.

Give the vet a brief overview of your cat's medical history. Attempt to relax and build a knowledgeable rapport with the veterinarian.

Give details about any allergies your cat may have. Try not to overlook the information if your cat was taking any medications.

Treatment of Toxicity

Following the administration of first aid, check to see if the symptoms are still present.

Since the sap is allergic, it's possible that your cat only consumed a small amount because sensitivity and swelling appear as soon as the sap touches the mouth or nose area.

Other remedies must be used, though, if your cat consumed more sap.

Here are a few of the typical medications that veterinarians around the world typically recommend for cats who have consumed rubber plant poison.

Medicines	Dosage	Purpose
Anticonvulsants	Phenobarbital:2-3 mg per pound twice a day	increases synaptic inhibition, which lowers the seizure threshold and controls the spread.
Muscle Relaxants	Methocarbamol:7-20 mg/ pound 5mg/ cat (Baclofen- causes toxicity on higher dose)	Depolarization slows down the Central Nervous System and relaxes muscles.
Antihistamines	Cetirizine:5mg/ cat Chlorpheniramine:2-4 mg / cat Diphenhydramine:0.5 mg/ kg Benadryl:1-2 mg/ pound every eight hours	Acts by binding histamines to the cell receptors decreases allergic and inflammatory reactions.
Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)	Robenacoxib:1 mg/ kg per day Meloxicam:0.2 mg/ kg per day	reduces prostaglandin synthesis and reduces pain.
Anti-diarrheal agents	Metronidazole:7.5 - 10 mg/ kg Tylosin:15 mg/ kg )	provides relief from diarrhea by reducing intestinal movement and inflammation.
Intravenous fluids	12 to 30 ml/hour for 10 pounds cat	water and electrolytes are provided.
Protectants	Sucralfate:1/4 to 1/2 gm every 6 to 8 hours	defends internal organs against toxins, acids, and enzymes.
Activated Charcoal	1-5 gm/ kg	binds with the toxin and stops it from spreading throughout the body.

According to the symptoms and circumstance, your veterinarian will administer the medications.

Recovery from Poisoning

The length of your cat's recovery period will depend on how much sap she ingested and how poor or worse her health was prior to receiving medical attention for the poisoning.

The symptoms disappear after the toxin leaves the body in about two to three days, but the entire body needs a week to recover.

Do not become alarmed if the symptoms continue even after the first week; instead, inform your veterinarian of your regular health notes.

Recovery occurs in less than a week if less than 2mg of sap was ingested. The recovery process takes 2-3 weeks if the amount of sap consumed is greater than 2mg.

Feed your cat foods that are high in liquids to make it easier on the stomach.

Until your cat fully recovers, you must check on it frequently. If your cat is eating less or is acting weak, do not force.

The body's healing process takes time.

How to Prevent Your Cat from Eating Rubber Plants?

Along with the commercially available cat repellant sprays, you can get inventive and keep your Rubber plant out of your cat's reach.

Here are some tips for keeping your greens and furball inside your home.

1. Place Your Rubber Plant Out of Reach

Keep the rubber plant out of your cat's reach for the simplest method to prevent poisoning.

When you are at home, you can play with your cat or give it a safe. For cats, it is inadvisable to keep your plants on a high stand or shelf.

Cats, on the other hand, can climb and reach just about anywhere.

Your indoor plants can be grouped, with the toxic ones going in back and the non-toxic ones in front.

Therefore, whenever your cat feels like playing and scratching your plants, it goes for the non-toxic ones first.

Your cat is probably going to spend the majority of the time indoors, so hanging some plants on the balcony has had some success.

2. Use Repellant Sprays

Numerous sprays are available for purchase that, when sprayed, will keep your cat away from plants or furniture.

These sprays' overpowering scent keeps your cat away from the rubber plant.

3. Keep Cat-friendly Chewing Grass

Like children, your pets are playful and inquisitive. Anything, including shoes, clothing, and plants, is nibbled by cats.

Therefore, you can prevent cats from damaging your Rubber plants by keeping cat-friendly chewing grass inside your home.

Cat grass, basil, mint, catnip, lavender, cat thyme, and mint are some examples of chewable plants.

4. Add Coffee Grounds to the Potting Mix

Cats are kept away from the pot when you add coffee grounds because they repel animals.

Cat avoids your Rubber plant because of the smell. Additionally, coffee grounds are organic fertilizers.

5. Use Homemade Natural Repellants

Citrus and their smell are abhorrent to cats. As a result, use citrus that is easily accessible, like lemon.

Lemon juice can be diluted and sprayed on toxic plants like the rubber plant.

The cat can be deterred using the chilly powder as well. The mouth and stomach of your cat, however, may burn temporarily from ingesting such repellents.

Vinegar can also be used by diluting it. Cats are easily deterred by the potent aroma of peppermints.

Try teaching your cat to keep its distance from the houseplants as positive reinforcement, though it might not yield results right away.

Are Any Varieties of Rubber Plants Safe for Cats?

Despite this, all varieties of rubber plants are poisonous because they all release sap when broken.

However, American Rubber Plant is considered a safe houseplant for cats and dogs.

In addition to being safe for cats, the American Rubber plant purges airborne impurities.

Baby Rubber Plant is another name for the American Rubber plant. For easier identification, its scientific name is Peperomia Obtusifolia.

Conclusion

It is best to always be knowledgeable about your houseplants' toxicity to your pets.

Once they consume poisonous plants, you do not want to witness your furry friends in agony. Therefore, with a little help, you can live in peace with your cat and Rubber plants.

In the event that this occurs, be aware of how to handle a poisoned cat. One of the simple plants to maintain and one that adds beauty to your decor thanks to its thick leaves are rubber plants.

Being aware of the toxic side is therefore always best for you and your furry friends!