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Is Begonia 'Black Velvet' toxic to cats?

Begonia rex-cultorum 'Black Velvet'

Toxic to cats

Yes — begonia 'black velvet' 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 as toxic to cats and dogs. The toxic principle is soluble calcium oxalates, most concentrated in the rhizome; ingestion can cause oral burning, hypersalivation, vomiting and trouble swallowing. Keep away from pets.

What to do if your cat ate begonia 'black velvet'

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

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

Is begonia 'black velvet' toxic to cats? — FAQ

Is begonia 'black velvet' toxic to cats?

Yes — begonia 'black velvet' 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 as toxic to cats and dogs. The toxic principle is soluble calcium oxalates, most concentrated in the rhizome; ingestion can cause oral burning, hypersalivation, vomiting and trouble swallowing. Keep away from pets.

What are the symptoms if a cat eats begonia 'black velvet'?

The ASPCA lists Begonia as toxic to cats and dogs. The toxic principle is soluble calcium oxalates, most concentrated in the rhizome; ingestion can cause oral burning, hypersalivation, vomiting and trouble swallowing. Keep away from pets. 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 'black velvet'.

What should I do if my cat ate begonia 'black velvet'?

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 'black velvet' toxic to dogs too?

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

What is a cat-safe alternative to begonia 'black velvet'?

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 'black velvet' pet-safety