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Is Iron Cross Begonia toxic to cats?

Begonia masoniana

Toxic to cats

Yes — iron cross begonia 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 (Begonia spp., family Begoniaceae) as toxic to cats, dogs and horses. The toxic principle is soluble calcium oxalates, which cause vomiting and salivation in cats and dogs and can cause kidney failure in grazing animals; the most toxic part is underground (the rhizome/roots). The sap can also cause skin irritation in people. Keep it away from pets and children, and wear gloves when handling.

What to do if your cat ate iron cross begonia

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

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

Is iron cross begonia toxic to cats? — FAQ

Is iron cross begonia toxic to cats?

Yes — iron cross begonia 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 (Begonia spp., family Begoniaceae) as toxic to cats, dogs and horses. The toxic principle is soluble calcium oxalates, which cause vomiting and salivation in cats and dogs and can cause kidney failure in grazing animals; the most toxic part is underground (the rhizome/roots). The sap can also cause skin irritation in people. Keep it away from pets and children, and wear gloves when handling.

What are the symptoms if a cat eats iron cross begonia?

The ASPCA lists Begonia (Begonia spp., family Begoniaceae) as toxic to cats, dogs and horses. The toxic principle is soluble calcium oxalates, which cause vomiting and salivation in cats and dogs and can cause kidney failure in grazing animals; the most toxic part is underground (the rhizome/roots). The sap can also cause skin irritation in people. Keep it away from pets and children, and wear gloves when handling. 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 iron cross begonia.

What should I do if my cat ate iron cross begonia?

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 iron cross begonia toxic to dogs too?

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

What is a cat-safe alternative to iron cross begonia?

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 iron cross begonia pet-safety