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Pet safety

Is Begonia toxic to cats?

Begonia × hortensis

Mildly toxic to cats

Mildly. The ASPCA lists begonia as mildly toxic to cats — a chewing cat typically gets mouth irritation, drooling, and vomiting rather than a medical emergency, but it is still best kept out of reach. This classification follows the ASPCA Toxic and Non-Toxic Plant List. ASPCA lists Begonia species as toxic to cats and dogs due to soluble calcium oxalates, especially in the tubers. Causes oral irritation and vomiting.

What to do if your cat ate begonia

  1. Remove any plant material from your cat's mouth and move 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 begonia to the appointment so it can be treated correctly.

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

Is begonia toxic to cats? — FAQ

Is begonia toxic to cats?

Mildly. The ASPCA lists begonia as mildly toxic to cats — a chewing cat typically gets mouth irritation, drooling, and vomiting rather than a medical emergency, but it is still best kept out of reach. ASPCA lists Begonia species as toxic to cats and dogs due to soluble calcium oxalates, especially in the tubers. Causes oral irritation and vomiting.

What are the symptoms if a cat eats begonia?

ASPCA lists Begonia species as toxic to cats and dogs due to soluble calcium oxalates, especially in the tubers. Causes oral irritation and vomiting. 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 begonia.

What should I do if my cat ate 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 begonia toxic to dogs too?

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

What is a cat-safe alternative to 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 begonia pet-safety