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Is Begonia 'Senator White' toxic to cats?

Begonia semperflorens 'Senator White'

Toxic to cats

Yes — begonia 'senator white' 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 parts; ingestion can cause intense oral burning and irritation, drooling, vomiting and difficulty swallowing. Keep away from pets.

What to do if your cat ate begonia 'senator white'

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

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

Is begonia 'senator white' toxic to cats? — FAQ

Is begonia 'senator white' toxic to cats?

Yes — begonia 'senator white' 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 parts; ingestion can cause intense oral burning and irritation, drooling, vomiting and difficulty swallowing. Keep away from pets.

What are the symptoms if a cat eats begonia 'senator white'?

The ASPCA lists Begonia as toxic to cats, dogs and horses. The toxic principle is soluble calcium oxalates, most concentrated in the underground parts; ingestion can cause intense oral burning and irritation, drooling, vomiting and difficulty swallowing. 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 'senator white'.

What should I do if my cat ate begonia 'senator white'?

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 'senator white' toxic to dogs too?

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

What is a cat-safe alternative to begonia 'senator white'?

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 'senator white' pet-safety