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Is Begonia 'Helen Teupel' toxic to cats?

Begonia rex-cultorum 'Helen Teupel'

Toxic to cats

Yes — begonia 'helen teupel' 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 (including rex begonia) as toxic to cats, dogs and horses. The toxic principle is soluble calcium oxalates, most concentrated in the underground rhizomes and tubers. Chewing causes oral irritation, hypersalivation, vomiting and pain on swallowing; large amounts may affect the kidneys in grazing animals.

What to do if your cat ate begonia 'helen teupel'

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

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

Is begonia 'helen teupel' toxic to cats? — FAQ

Is begonia 'helen teupel' toxic to cats?

Yes — begonia 'helen teupel' 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 (including rex begonia) as toxic to cats, dogs and horses. The toxic principle is soluble calcium oxalates, most concentrated in the underground rhizomes and tubers. Chewing causes oral irritation, hypersalivation, vomiting and pain on swallowing; large amounts may affect the kidneys in grazing animals.

What are the symptoms if a cat eats begonia 'helen teupel'?

The ASPCA lists Begonia (including rex begonia) as toxic to cats, dogs and horses. The toxic principle is soluble calcium oxalates, most concentrated in the underground rhizomes and tubers. Chewing causes oral irritation, hypersalivation, vomiting and pain on swallowing; large amounts may affect the kidneys 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 'helen teupel'.

What should I do if my cat ate begonia 'helen teupel'?

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 'helen teupel' toxic to dogs too?

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

What is a cat-safe alternative to begonia 'helen teupel'?

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 'helen teupel' pet-safety