Growli
Let's go

Pet safety

Is Begonia pavonina toxic to cats?

Begonia pavonina

Toxic to cats

Yes — begonia pavonina 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 lists Begonia as toxic to cats, dogs and horses. The toxic principle is soluble calcium oxalates, most concentrated in the underground rhizome. Ingestion causes mouth irritation, drooling and vomiting; grazing animals risk kidney injury. Although usually kept enclosed in a terrarium, keep it away from pets.

What to do if your cat ate begonia pavonina

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

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

Is begonia pavonina toxic to cats? — FAQ

Is begonia pavonina toxic to cats?

Yes — begonia pavonina is toxic to cats according to the ASPCA. Keep it well away from any cat that chews plants; reactions can be significant. ASPCA lists Begonia as toxic to cats, dogs and horses. The toxic principle is soluble calcium oxalates, most concentrated in the underground rhizome. Ingestion causes mouth irritation, drooling and vomiting; grazing animals risk kidney injury. Although usually kept enclosed in a terrarium, keep it away from pets.

What are the symptoms if a cat eats begonia pavonina?

ASPCA lists Begonia as toxic to cats, dogs and horses. The toxic principle is soluble calcium oxalates, most concentrated in the underground rhizome. Ingestion causes mouth irritation, drooling and vomiting; grazing animals risk kidney injury. Although usually kept enclosed in a terrarium, keep it away from pets. 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 pavonina.

What should I do if my cat ate begonia pavonina?

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 pavonina toxic to dogs too?

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

What is a cat-safe alternative to begonia pavonina?

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 pavonina pet-safety