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Is Sun-Changing Begonia toxic to cats?

Begonia solimutata

Toxic to cats

Yes — sun-changing 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.) as toxic to cats, dogs, and horses, with soluble calcium oxalates as the toxic principle; ingestion can cause vomiting and salivation, and the underground rhizome is the most toxic part. Keep it out of reach of pets and contact a vet if any part is eaten.

What to do if your cat ate sun-changing begonia

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

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

Is sun-changing begonia toxic to cats? — FAQ

Is sun-changing begonia toxic to cats?

Yes — sun-changing 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.) as toxic to cats, dogs, and horses, with soluble calcium oxalates as the toxic principle; ingestion can cause vomiting and salivation, and the underground rhizome is the most toxic part. Keep it out of reach of pets and contact a vet if any part is eaten.

What are the symptoms if a cat eats sun-changing begonia?

The ASPCA lists Begonia (Begonia spp.) as toxic to cats, dogs, and horses, with soluble calcium oxalates as the toxic principle; ingestion can cause vomiting and salivation, and the underground rhizome is the most toxic part. Keep it out of reach of pets and contact a vet if any part is eaten. 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 sun-changing begonia.

What should I do if my cat ate sun-changing 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 sun-changing begonia toxic to dogs too?

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

What is a cat-safe alternative to sun-changing 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 sun-changing begonia pet-safety