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Is Begonia 'Illumination Orange' toxic to cats?

Begonia × tuberhybrida 'Illumination Orange'

Toxic to cats

Yes — begonia 'illumination orange' 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. As a Begonia, 'Illumination Orange' falls under the ASPCA listing of Begonia as toxic to cats, dogs, and horses. The toxic principle is soluble calcium oxalates, most concentrated in the tuber. Ingestion can cause oral burning, drooling, vomiting, and difficulty swallowing. The stored tubers are the most hazardous part; keep plants and tubers away from pets and consult a vet if eaten.

What to do if your cat ate begonia 'illumination orange'

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

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

Is begonia 'illumination orange' toxic to cats? — FAQ

Is begonia 'illumination orange' toxic to cats?

Yes — begonia 'illumination orange' is toxic to cats according to the ASPCA. Keep it well away from any cat that chews plants; reactions can be significant. As a Begonia, 'Illumination Orange' falls under the ASPCA listing of Begonia as toxic to cats, dogs, and horses. The toxic principle is soluble calcium oxalates, most concentrated in the tuber. Ingestion can cause oral burning, drooling, vomiting, and difficulty swallowing. The stored tubers are the most hazardous part; keep plants and tubers away from pets and consult a vet if eaten.

What are the symptoms if a cat eats begonia 'illumination orange'?

As a Begonia, 'Illumination Orange' falls under the ASPCA listing of Begonia as toxic to cats, dogs, and horses. The toxic principle is soluble calcium oxalates, most concentrated in the tuber. Ingestion can cause oral burning, drooling, vomiting, and difficulty swallowing. The stored tubers are the most hazardous part; keep plants and tubers away from pets and consult a vet if eaten. 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 'illumination orange'.

What should I do if my cat ate begonia 'illumination orange'?

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 'illumination orange' toxic to dogs too?

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

What is a cat-safe alternative to begonia 'illumination orange'?

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 'illumination orange' pet-safety