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Is Begonia 'Looking Glass' toxic to cats?

Begonia rex-cultorum 'Looking Glass'

Toxic to cats

Yes — begonia 'looking glass' 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 'looking glass'

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

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

Is begonia 'looking glass' toxic to cats? — FAQ

Is begonia 'looking glass' toxic to cats?

Yes — begonia 'looking glass' 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 'looking glass'?

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 'looking glass'.

What should I do if my cat ate begonia 'looking glass'?

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 'looking glass' toxic to dogs too?

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

What is a cat-safe alternative to begonia 'looking glass'?

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 'looking glass' pet-safety