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Is Begonia heracleifolia toxic to cats?

Begonia heracleifolia

Toxic to cats

Yes — begonia heracleifolia 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. ASPCA-listed as toxic to cats, dogs, and horses. The genus Begonia contains soluble calcium oxalates, most concentrated in the underground rhizome; ingestion causes oral irritation, drooling, vomiting, and kidney failure in grazing animals.

What to do if your cat ate begonia heracleifolia

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

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

Is begonia heracleifolia toxic to cats? — FAQ

Is begonia heracleifolia toxic to cats?

Yes — begonia heracleifolia is toxic to cats according to the ASPCA. Keep it well away from any cat that chews plants; reactions can be significant. ASPCA-listed as toxic to cats, dogs, and horses. The genus Begonia contains soluble calcium oxalates, most concentrated in the underground rhizome; ingestion causes oral irritation, drooling, vomiting, and kidney failure in grazing animals.

What are the symptoms if a cat eats begonia heracleifolia?

ASPCA-listed as toxic to cats, dogs, and horses. The genus Begonia contains soluble calcium oxalates, most concentrated in the underground rhizome; ingestion causes oral irritation, drooling, vomiting, and kidney failure 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 heracleifolia.

What should I do if my cat ate begonia heracleifolia?

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 heracleifolia toxic to dogs too?

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

What is a cat-safe alternative to begonia heracleifolia?

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 heracleifolia pet-safety