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Is Angel Wing Begonia toxic to cats?

Begonia coccinea

Toxic to cats

Yes — angel wing 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. The ASPCA lists Begonia (Begonia spp., family Begoniaceae), which includes Begonia coccinea, as toxic to cats, dogs, and horses. The toxic principle is soluble calcium oxalates; the underground tubers/rhizomes are the most toxic part, and ingestion can cause intense mouth irritation, drooling, and vomiting (kidney failure in grazing animals). Keep away from pets and consult a vet if eaten.

What to do if your cat ate angel wing begonia

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

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

Is angel wing begonia toxic to cats? — FAQ

Is angel wing begonia toxic to cats?

Yes — angel wing begonia is toxic to cats according to the ASPCA. Keep it well away from any cat that chews plants; reactions can be significant. The ASPCA lists Begonia (Begonia spp., family Begoniaceae), which includes Begonia coccinea, as toxic to cats, dogs, and horses. The toxic principle is soluble calcium oxalates; the underground tubers/rhizomes are the most toxic part, and ingestion can cause intense mouth irritation, drooling, and vomiting (kidney failure in grazing animals). Keep away from pets and consult a vet if eaten.

What are the symptoms if a cat eats angel wing begonia?

The ASPCA lists Begonia (Begonia spp., family Begoniaceae), which includes Begonia coccinea, as toxic to cats, dogs, and horses. The toxic principle is soluble calcium oxalates; the underground tubers/rhizomes are the most toxic part, and ingestion can cause intense mouth irritation, drooling, and vomiting (kidney failure in grazing animals). Keep away from pets and consult a vet if eaten. 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 angel wing begonia.

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

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

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