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Is Begonia ferox toxic to cats?

Begonia ferox

Toxic to cats

Yes — begonia ferox 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 classifies Begonia as toxic to cats, dogs and horses. The toxic principle is soluble calcium oxalates, most concentrated in the rhizome; chewing can cause oral burning, drooling, vomiting and difficulty swallowing. Keep this collector's plant away from pets.

What to do if your cat ate begonia ferox

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

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

Is begonia ferox toxic to cats? — FAQ

Is begonia ferox toxic to cats?

Yes — begonia ferox is toxic to cats according to the ASPCA. Keep it well away from any cat that chews plants; reactions can be significant. The ASPCA classifies Begonia as toxic to cats, dogs and horses. The toxic principle is soluble calcium oxalates, most concentrated in the rhizome; chewing can cause oral burning, drooling, vomiting and difficulty swallowing. Keep this collector's plant away from pets.

What are the symptoms if a cat eats begonia ferox?

The ASPCA classifies Begonia as toxic to cats, dogs and horses. The toxic principle is soluble calcium oxalates, most concentrated in the rhizome; chewing can cause oral burning, drooling, vomiting and difficulty swallowing. Keep this collector's plant 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 ferox.

What should I do if my cat ate begonia ferox?

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 ferox toxic to dogs too?

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

What is a cat-safe alternative to begonia ferox?

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 ferox pet-safety