Pet safety
Is Begonia 'Maori Haze' toxic to cats?
Begonia rex 'Maori Haze'
Yes — begonia 'maori haze' 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. Toxic to cats and dogs. The ASPCA individually lists Rex Begonia (Begonia rex) as toxic to both, with soluble calcium oxalates as the toxic principle, causing vomiting and salivation; the most toxic part is underground (the rhizomes/roots). Keep the plant out of pets' reach.
What to do if your cat ate begonia 'maori haze'
- Remove any plant material from your cat's mouth and move begonia 'maori haze' out of reach.
- Note how much was eaten and when, and watch for drooling, vomiting, or lethargy.
- Do not induce vomiting unless a vet or poison-control specialist instructs you to.
- Call your vet or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center on (888) 426-4435 and follow their advice.
- Bring a leaf or photo of begonia 'maori haze' to the appointment so it can be treated correctly.
General guidance, not veterinary advice. If you think your cat has eaten begonia 'maori haze', contact your vet or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center on (888) 426-4435 — do not wait for symptoms to worsen.
Is begonia 'maori haze' toxic to cats? — FAQ
Is begonia 'maori haze' toxic to cats?
Yes — begonia 'maori haze' is toxic to cats according to the ASPCA. Keep it well away from any cat that chews plants; reactions can be significant. Toxic to cats and dogs. The ASPCA individually lists Rex Begonia (Begonia rex) as toxic to both, with soluble calcium oxalates as the toxic principle, causing vomiting and salivation; the most toxic part is underground (the rhizomes/roots). Keep the plant out of pets' reach.
What are the symptoms if a cat eats begonia 'maori haze'?
Toxic to cats and dogs. The ASPCA individually lists Rex Begonia (Begonia rex) as toxic to both, with soluble calcium oxalates as the toxic principle, causing vomiting and salivation; the most toxic part is underground (the rhizomes/roots). Keep the plant out of pets' reach. 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 'maori haze'.
What should I do if my cat ate begonia 'maori haze'?
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 'maori haze' toxic to dogs too?
The ASPCA classification Growli uses applies to both cats and dogs: Begonia 'Maori Haze' is toxic to dogs as well. See the full begonia 'maori haze' pet-safety guide for both species.
What is a cat-safe alternative to begonia 'maori haze'?
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 'maori haze' pet-safety
- Is begonia 'maori haze' toxic to cats and dogs? — the full guide for both pets
- Is begonia 'maori haze' toxic to dogs?
- Best cats-safe plants — the full ASPCA non-toxic list
- Complete begonia 'maori haze' care guide