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Is Begonia 'Pin Up Flame' toxic to cats?

Begonia × tuberhybrida 'Pin Up Flame'

Toxic to cats

Yes — begonia 'pin up flame' 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 as toxic to cats, dogs and horses. The toxic principle is soluble calcium oxalates, most concentrated in the underground tubers, which are large in tuberous begonias. Ingestion causes oral irritation, drooling, vomiting and difficulty swallowing; large amounts can cause kidney failure in grazing animals.

What to do if your cat ate begonia 'pin up flame'

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

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

Is begonia 'pin up flame' toxic to cats? — FAQ

Is begonia 'pin up flame' toxic to cats?

Yes — begonia 'pin up flame' 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 as toxic to cats, dogs and horses. The toxic principle is soluble calcium oxalates, most concentrated in the underground tubers, which are large in tuberous begonias. Ingestion causes oral irritation, drooling, vomiting and difficulty swallowing; large amounts can cause kidney failure in grazing animals.

What are the symptoms if a cat eats begonia 'pin up flame'?

The ASPCA lists Begonia as toxic to cats, dogs and horses. The toxic principle is soluble calcium oxalates, most concentrated in the underground tubers, which are large in tuberous begonias. Ingestion causes oral irritation, drooling, vomiting and difficulty swallowing; large amounts can cause 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 'pin up flame'.

What should I do if my cat ate begonia 'pin up flame'?

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 'pin up flame' toxic to dogs too?

The ASPCA classification Growli uses applies to both cats and dogs: Begonia 'Pin Up Flame' is toxic to dogs as well. See the full begonia 'pin up flame' pet-safety guide for both species.

What is a cat-safe alternative to begonia 'pin up flame'?

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 'pin up flame' pet-safety