Pet emergency
My cat ate Begonia Amphioxus — what to do
Step by step
- Take begonia amphioxus away and remove any plant material from your cat's mouth so they cannot eat more.
- Note roughly how much was eaten and when — this helps the vet judge the risk.
- Do NOT induce vomiting unless a vet or poison-control specialist tells you to.
- Call your vet or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center on (888) 426-4435 (a consultation fee may apply) and follow their advice.
- Watch for drooling, pawing at the mouth, vomiting, loss of appetite, or lethargy, and bring a leaf or photo to the appointment.
This is general guidance, not veterinary advice. Pets vary, and a reaction may be to soil, fertiliser, or pesticide as well as the plant. When in doubt, call your vet or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center on (888) 426-4435.
My cat ate begonia amphioxus — FAQ
Is begonia amphioxus poisonous to cats?
Yes — the ASPCA lists Begonia Amphioxus (Begonia amphioxus) as toxic to cats. The ASPCA lists Begonia (Begonia spp.) as toxic to cats, dogs, and horses; the toxic principle is soluble calcium oxalates, with the tubers/underground parts being the most toxic. Ingestion can cause intense oral irritation, drooling, and vomiting (and kidney failure in grazing animals), so keep this plant out of reach of pets.
How serious is it if my cat ate begonia amphioxus?
Begonia Amphioxus is toxic to cats and reactions can be significant, so treat any ingestion as urgent. Call your vet or poison control on (888) 426-4435 straight away rather than waiting to see if symptoms develop.
What symptoms should I watch for?
Signs usually appear soon after chewing: drooling, pawing at the mouth, vomiting, loss of appetite, or unusual lethargy. The ASPCA lists Begonia (Begonia spp.) as toxic to cats, dogs, and horses; the toxic principle is soluble calcium oxalates, with the tubers/underground parts being the most toxic. Ingestion can cause intense oral irritation, drooling, and vomiting (and kidney failure in grazing animals), so keep this plant out of reach of pets. Any worsening or persistent symptoms warrant an immediate vet visit.
Should I make my cat vomit?
No — do not induce vomiting unless a vet or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center specifically tells you to. The wrong action can make things worse. Call (888) 426-4435 and follow professional advice.
How do I stop this happening again?
Keep begonia amphioxus well out of reach, or swap it for an ASPCA non-toxic plant — see the best cats-safe plants list.
Related
- Is begonia amphioxus toxic to cats? — full toxicity detail
- Begonia Amphioxus and pets — the complete ASPCA pet-safety guide