Pet safety
Is Eyelash Begoniatoxic to cats & dogs?
Begonia bowerae
Quick verdict — at a glance
- Toxic to cats?
- Yes — toxic
- Toxic to dogs?
- Yes — toxic
- ASPCA classification
- Toxic to pets · botanical name Begonia bowerae
Is eyelash begonia safe for cats and dogs?
No — eyelash begonia is toxic to cats and dogs. Keep it well away from any pet that chews plants; reactions can be significant. This classification follows the ASPCA Toxic and Non-Toxic Plant List, the most widely used reference for companion-animal plant safety in the US and the standard most UK vets cite as well. The ASPCA lists Begonia (Begonia spp.) as toxic to cats, dogs, and horses; the toxic principle is soluble calcium oxalates, which cause oral irritation, vomiting and salivation, with the tubers/rhizome (the underground part) being the most toxic. Keep this plant out of reach of pets and contact a vet or the ASPCA poison line (888-426-4435) if ingestion is suspected.
| Pet | Toxic? | Per ASPCA |
|---|---|---|
| Cats | Yes | Toxic to pets |
| Dogs | Yes | Toxic to pets |
What happens if a pet eats eyelash begonia?
The ASPCA lists Begonia (Begonia spp.) as toxic to cats, dogs, and horses; the toxic principle is soluble calcium oxalates, which cause oral irritation, vomiting and salivation, with the tubers/rhizome (the underground part) being the most toxic. Keep this plant out of reach of pets and contact a vet or the ASPCA poison line (888-426-4435) if ingestion is suspected. Signs usually appear soon after chewing rather than hours later. If you see drooling, pawing at the mouth, head-shaking, vomiting, loss of appetite, or unusual lethargy after your pet has had access to eyelash begonia, treat it as a suspected ingestion and act on the steps below.
What to do if your pet ate eyelash begonia
- Remove any plant material from your pet's mouth and move eyelash begonia out of reach.
- Note how much was eaten and when, and watch for drooling, vomiting, or lethargy.
- Do not induce vomiting unless a vet or poison-control specialist instructs you to.
- Call your vet or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center on (888) 426-4435 and follow their advice.
- Bring a leaf or photo of eyelash begonia to the appointment so it can be treated correctly.
This page is general guidance, not veterinary advice. Pets vary, and a reaction may be to soil, fertiliser, or pesticide rather than the plant. If you are worried, always contact a vet or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center on (888) 426-4435 — do not wait for symptoms to worsen.
Pet-safe alternatives to eyelash begonia
Want the same look without the risk? These plants are listed as non-toxic to cats and dogs by the ASPCA and have similar care needs:
- Peperomia — non-toxic to cats and dogs (care guide)
- Cast iron plant — non-toxic to cats and dogs (care guide)
- Spider plant — non-toxic to cats and dogs (care guide)
- Ponytail palm — non-toxic to cats and dogs (care guide)
Eyelash Begonia and pets — frequently asked questions
Is eyelash begonia toxic to cats?
Eyelash Begonia (Begonia bowerae) is toxic to pets to cats according to the ASPCA. The ASPCA lists Begonia (Begonia spp.) as toxic to cats, dogs, and horses; the toxic principle is soluble calcium oxalates, which cause oral irritation, vomiting and salivation, with the tubers/rhizome (the underground part) being the most toxic. Keep this plant out of reach of pets and contact a vet or the ASPCA poison line (888-426-4435) if ingestion is suspected. Keep it out of reach and contact your vet or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center on (888) 426-4435 if your cat chews it.
Is eyelash begonia toxic to dogs?
The ASPCA lists the same toxicity status for dogs as for cats: Eyelash Begonia is toxic to pets. Dogs often chew more enthusiastically than cats, so a toxic plant like eyelash begonia is best removed from the floor and low shelves entirely.
What happens if my pet eats eyelash begonia?
The ASPCA lists Begonia (Begonia spp.) as toxic to cats, dogs, and horses; the toxic principle is soluble calcium oxalates, which cause oral irritation, vomiting and salivation, with the tubers/rhizome (the underground part) being the most toxic. Keep this plant out of reach of pets and contact a vet or the ASPCA poison line (888-426-4435) if ingestion is suspected. Signs usually appear soon after chewing rather than hours later. If you see drooling, pawing at the mouth, head-shaking, vomiting, loss of appetite, or unusual lethargy after your pet has had access to eyelash begonia, treat it as a suspected ingestion and act on the steps below.
What should I do if my cat or dog ate eyelash begonia?
Stay calm. Remove any remaining plant material from your pet's mouth and take the plant away so they cannot eat more. Note roughly how much was eaten and when. Do not make your pet vomit 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. Bringing a photo or a leaf of eyelash begonia to the appointment helps the vet treat it correctly.
What are pet-safe alternatives to eyelash begonia?
If you want a similar look without the risk, good non-toxic swaps include peperomia, cast iron plant, spider plant, ponytail palm. All of these are listed as non-toxic to cats and dogs by the ASPCA, so they suit a home where pets have access to your plants.
Full eyelash begonia care
Pet-safety is one piece of the picture. For light, watering, soil, and troubleshooting, see the complete eyelash begonia care guide, or browse the full pet-safe plant library to check another plant before you buy it.