Pet safety
Is Begonia 'Maori Haze'toxic to cats & dogs?
Begonia rex 'Maori Haze'
Quick verdict — at a glance
- Toxic to cats?
- Yes — toxic
- Toxic to dogs?
- Yes — toxic
- ASPCA classification
- Toxic to pets · botanical name Begonia rex 'Maori Haze'
Is begonia 'maori haze' safe for cats and dogs?
Toxic — the ASPCA lists begonia 'maori haze' as a clear no for cats and dogs. The painful part for the pet is usually quick and intense; the right move is to keep it out of any room a pet roams unsupervised. 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. 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.
| Pet | Toxic? | Per ASPCA |
|---|---|---|
| Cats | Yes | Toxic to pets |
| Dogs | Yes | Toxic to pets |
What happens if a pet eats begonia 'maori haze'?
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. 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 begonia 'maori haze', treat it as a suspected ingestion and act on the steps below.
What to do if your pet ate begonia 'maori haze'
- Remove any plant material from your pet's mouth and move begonia 'maori haze' 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 begonia 'maori haze' 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 begonia 'maori haze'
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)
Begonia 'Maori Haze' and pets — frequently asked questions
Is begonia 'maori haze' toxic to cats?
Begonia 'Maori Haze' (Begonia rex 'Maori Haze') is toxic to pets to cats according to the ASPCA. 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. 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 begonia 'maori haze' toxic to dogs?
The ASPCA lists the same toxicity status for dogs as for cats: Begonia 'Maori Haze' is toxic to pets. Dogs often chew more enthusiastically than cats, so a toxic plant like begonia 'maori haze' is best removed from the floor and low shelves entirely.
What happens if my pet eats begonia 'maori haze'?
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. 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 begonia 'maori haze', treat it as a suspected ingestion and act on the steps below.
What should I do if my cat or dog ate begonia 'maori haze'?
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 begonia 'maori haze' to the appointment helps the vet treat it correctly.
What are pet-safe alternatives to begonia 'maori haze'?
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 begonia 'maori haze' care
Pet-safety is one piece of the picture. For light, watering, soil, and troubleshooting, see the complete begonia 'maori haze' care guide, or browse the full pet-safe plant library to check another plant before you buy it.