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Is Escargot Begonia toxic to cats?

Begonia rex-cultorum 'Escargot'

Toxic to cats

Yes — escargot 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 individually lists Rex Begonia (Begonia rex) as toxic to cats, dogs, and horses, with soluble calcium oxalates as the toxic principle. Ingestion causes vomiting and salivation in cats and dogs (kidney failure in grazing animals); the underground rhizome/tubers are the most toxic part. Keep this cultivar out of pets' reach.

What to do if your cat ate escargot begonia

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

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

Is escargot begonia toxic to cats? — FAQ

Is escargot begonia toxic to cats?

Yes — escargot 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 individually lists Rex Begonia (Begonia rex) as toxic to cats, dogs, and horses, with soluble calcium oxalates as the toxic principle. Ingestion causes vomiting and salivation in cats and dogs (kidney failure in grazing animals); the underground rhizome/tubers are the most toxic part. Keep this cultivar out of pets' reach.

What are the symptoms if a cat eats escargot begonia?

The ASPCA individually lists Rex Begonia (Begonia rex) as toxic to cats, dogs, and horses, with soluble calcium oxalates as the toxic principle. Ingestion causes vomiting and salivation in cats and dogs (kidney failure in grazing animals); the underground rhizome/tubers are the most toxic part. Keep this cultivar out of pets' reach. 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 escargot begonia.

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

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

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