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If your cat ate begonia 'maori haze' — do this now

  1. Take the plant away and clear any pieces from their mouth.
  2. Do not induce vomiting unless told to by a professional.
  3. Call your vet or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center on (888) 426-4435 now.

Begonia 'Maori Haze' is toxic to cats (ASPCA).

Pet emergency

My cat ate Begonia 'Maori Haze' — what to do

Step by step

  1. Take begonia 'maori haze' away and remove any plant material from your cat's mouth so they cannot eat more.
  2. Note roughly how much was eaten and when — this helps the vet judge the risk.
  3. Do NOT induce vomiting unless a vet or poison-control specialist tells you to.
  4. Call your vet or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center on (888) 426-4435 (a consultation fee may apply) and follow their advice.
  5. 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 'maori haze' — FAQ

Is begonia 'maori haze' poisonous to cats?

Yes — the ASPCA lists Begonia 'Maori Haze' (Begonia rex 'Maori Haze') as toxic to cats. Toxic to cats and dogs. The ASPCA individually lists Rex Begonia (Begonia rex) as toxic to both, with soluble calcium oxalates as the toxic principle, causing vomiting and salivation; the most toxic part is underground (the rhizomes/roots). Keep the plant out of pets' reach.

How serious is it if my cat ate begonia 'maori haze'?

Begonia 'Maori Haze' 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. Toxic to cats and dogs. The ASPCA individually lists Rex Begonia (Begonia rex) as toxic to both, with soluble calcium oxalates as the toxic principle, causing vomiting and salivation; the most toxic part is underground (the rhizomes/roots). Keep the plant out of pets' reach. 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 'maori haze' well out of reach, or swap it for an ASPCA non-toxic plant — see the best cats-safe plants list.

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