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Is Begonia 'Tiny Gem' toxic to cats?

Begonia × 'Tiny Gem'

Toxic to cats

Yes — begonia 'tiny gem' 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 damage. Keep this small, accessible plant out of reach of pets.

What to do if your cat ate begonia 'tiny gem'

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

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

Is begonia 'tiny gem' toxic to cats? — FAQ

Is begonia 'tiny gem' toxic to cats?

Yes — begonia 'tiny gem' 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 damage. Keep this small, accessible plant out of reach of pets.

What are the symptoms if a cat eats begonia 'tiny gem'?

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 damage. Keep this small, accessible plant out of reach of 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 'tiny gem'.

What should I do if my cat ate begonia 'tiny gem'?

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 'tiny gem' toxic to dogs too?

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

What is a cat-safe alternative to begonia 'tiny gem'?

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 'tiny gem' pet-safety