Pet emergency
My cat ate Begonia 'Nonstop Joy White' — what to do
Step by step
- Take begonia 'nonstop joy white' 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 'nonstop joy white' — FAQ
Is begonia 'nonstop joy white' poisonous to cats?
Yes — the ASPCA lists Begonia 'Nonstop Joy White' (Begonia × tuberhybrida 'Nonstop Joy White') as toxic to cats. The ASPCA lists Begonia as toxic to cats, dogs and horses. The toxic principle is soluble calcium oxalates, most concentrated in the underground tubers, which are large and prominent in tuberous begonias. Ingestion causes oral irritation, hypersalivation, vomiting and difficulty swallowing; large amounts can cause kidney failure in grazing animals.
How serious is it if my cat ate begonia 'nonstop joy white'?
Begonia 'Nonstop Joy White' 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 as toxic to cats, dogs and horses. The toxic principle is soluble calcium oxalates, most concentrated in the underground tubers, which are large and prominent in tuberous begonias. Ingestion causes oral irritation, hypersalivation, vomiting and difficulty swallowing; large amounts can cause kidney failure in grazing animals. 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 'nonstop joy white' well out of reach, or swap it for an ASPCA non-toxic plant — see the best cats-safe plants list.
Related
- Is begonia 'nonstop joy white' toxic to cats? — full toxicity detail
- Begonia 'Nonstop Joy White' and pets — the complete ASPCA pet-safety guide