Pet emergency
My cat ate Veined Begonia (Venosa) — what to do
Step by step
- Take veined begonia (venosa) 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 veined begonia (venosa) — FAQ
Is veined begonia (venosa) poisonous to cats?
Yes — the ASPCA lists Veined Begonia (Venosa) (Begonia venosa) as toxic to cats. The ASPCA lists Begonia (Begonia spp.) as toxic to cats, dogs, and horses, with soluble calcium oxalates as the toxic principle; signs include vomiting and salivation, and the underground parts (rhizomes/tubers) are the most toxic. Keep this plant away from pets and call a vet or ASPCA Poison Control (888-426-4435) if ingestion is suspected.
How serious is it if my cat ate veined begonia (venosa)?
Veined Begonia (Venosa) 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, with soluble calcium oxalates as the toxic principle; signs include vomiting and salivation, and the underground parts (rhizomes/tubers) are the most toxic. Keep this plant away from pets and call a vet or ASPCA Poison Control (888-426-4435) if ingestion is suspected. 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 veined begonia (venosa) well out of reach, or swap it for an ASPCA non-toxic plant — see the best cats-safe plants list.
Related
- Is veined begonia (venosa) toxic to cats? — full toxicity detail
- Veined Begonia (Venosa) and pets — the complete ASPCA pet-safety guide