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Is Begonia foliosa toxic to cats?

Begonia foliosa

Toxic to cats

Yes — begonia foliosa 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 portions; ingestion typically causes oral irritation, drooling, and vomiting, with kidney failure possible in grazing animals.

What to do if your cat ate begonia foliosa

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

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

Is begonia foliosa toxic to cats? — FAQ

Is begonia foliosa toxic to cats?

Yes — begonia foliosa 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 portions; ingestion typically causes oral irritation, drooling, and vomiting, with kidney failure possible in grazing animals.

What are the symptoms if a cat eats begonia foliosa?

The ASPCA lists Begonia as toxic to cats, dogs, and horses. The toxic principle is soluble calcium oxalates, most concentrated in the underground portions; ingestion typically causes oral irritation, drooling, and vomiting, with kidney failure possible in grazing animals. 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 foliosa.

What should I do if my cat ate begonia foliosa?

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 foliosa toxic to dogs too?

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

What is a cat-safe alternative to begonia foliosa?

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 foliosa pet-safety