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Is Bedding Begonia toxic to cats?

Begonia semperflorens

Toxic to cats

Yes — bedding begonia is toxic to cats according to the ASPCA. Keep it well away from any cat that chews plants; reactions can be significant. This classification follows the ASPCA Toxic and Non-Toxic Plant List. ASPCA lists Begonia as toxic to cats, dogs and horses. The greatest concentration of toxic insoluble oxalates is in the underground tubers, but ingestion can cause oral irritation, intense burning of the mouth, drooling, vomiting and difficulty swallowing.

What to do if your cat ate bedding begonia

  1. Remove any plant material from your cat's mouth and move bedding begonia out of reach.
  2. Note how much was eaten and when, and watch for drooling, vomiting, or lethargy.
  3. Do not induce vomiting unless a vet or poison-control specialist instructs you to.
  4. Call your vet or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center on (888) 426-4435 and follow their advice.
  5. Bring a leaf or photo of bedding begonia to the appointment so it can be treated correctly.

General guidance, not veterinary advice. If you think your cat has eaten bedding begonia, contact your vet or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center on (888) 426-4435 — do not wait for symptoms to worsen.

Is bedding begonia toxic to cats? — FAQ

Is bedding begonia toxic to cats?

Yes — bedding begonia is toxic to cats according to the ASPCA. Keep it well away from any cat that chews plants; reactions can be significant. ASPCA lists Begonia as toxic to cats, dogs and horses. The greatest concentration of toxic insoluble oxalates is in the underground tubers, but ingestion can cause oral irritation, intense burning of the mouth, drooling, vomiting and difficulty swallowing.

What are the symptoms if a cat eats bedding begonia?

ASPCA lists Begonia as toxic to cats, dogs and horses. The greatest concentration of toxic insoluble oxalates is in the underground tubers, but ingestion can cause oral irritation, intense burning of the mouth, drooling, vomiting and difficulty swallowing. Signs usually appear soon after chewing rather than hours later — watch for drooling, pawing at the mouth, vomiting, loss of appetite, or unusual lethargy after your cat has had access to bedding begonia.

What should I do if my cat ate bedding begonia?

Stay calm. Remove any plant from your cat's mouth and take the plant away. Note how much was eaten and when, and do not induce vomiting unless told to. Call your vet or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center on (888) 426-4435 and follow their advice; a leaf or photo helps the vet treat it correctly.

Is bedding begonia toxic to dogs too?

The ASPCA classification Growli uses applies to both cats and dogs: Bedding Begonia is toxic to dogs as well. See the full bedding begonia pet-safety guide for both species.

What is a cat-safe alternative to bedding begonia?

For a similar look without the risk, see the best cats-safe plants list — every plant there is ASPCA non-toxic to cats and dogs.

Full bedding begonia pet-safety