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Is Begonia scharffii toxic to cats?

Begonia scharffii

Toxic to cats

Yes — begonia scharffii 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 and dogs. The toxic principle is soluble calcium oxalates, concentrated in the underground tubers/rhizomes; ingestion causes vomiting and salivation, and kidney failure in grazing animals. Keep away from pets.

What to do if your cat ate begonia scharffii

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

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

Is begonia scharffii toxic to cats? — FAQ

Is begonia scharffii toxic to cats?

Yes — begonia scharffii 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 and dogs. The toxic principle is soluble calcium oxalates, concentrated in the underground tubers/rhizomes; ingestion causes vomiting and salivation, and kidney failure in grazing animals. Keep away from pets.

What are the symptoms if a cat eats begonia scharffii?

The ASPCA lists Begonia as toxic to cats and dogs. The toxic principle is soluble calcium oxalates, concentrated in the underground tubers/rhizomes; ingestion causes vomiting and salivation, and kidney failure in grazing animals. Keep 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 scharffii.

What should I do if my cat ate begonia scharffii?

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 scharffii toxic to dogs too?

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

What is a cat-safe alternative to begonia scharffii?

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 scharffii pet-safety