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Is Begonia dichroa toxic to cats?

Begonia dichroa

Toxic to cats

Yes — begonia dichroa 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, dogs, and horses. The toxic principle is soluble calcium oxalates, most concentrated in the underground parts. Signs are vomiting and oral irritation/salivation in cats and dogs, with kidney failure possible in grazing animals. Keep away from pets.

What to do if your cat ate begonia dichroa

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

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

Is begonia dichroa toxic to cats? — FAQ

Is begonia dichroa toxic to cats?

Yes — begonia dichroa 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, dogs, and horses. The toxic principle is soluble calcium oxalates, most concentrated in the underground parts. Signs are vomiting and oral irritation/salivation in cats and dogs, with kidney failure possible in grazing animals. Keep away from pets.

What are the symptoms if a cat eats begonia dichroa?

The ASPCA lists Begonia as toxic to cats, dogs, and horses. The toxic principle is soluble calcium oxalates, most concentrated in the underground parts. Signs are vomiting and oral irritation/salivation in cats and dogs, with kidney failure possible in grazing animals. 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 dichroa.

What should I do if my cat ate begonia dichroa?

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 dichroa toxic to dogs too?

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

What is a cat-safe alternative to begonia dichroa?

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 dichroa pet-safety