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Is Bracted Begonia toxic to cats?

Begonia involucrata

Toxic to cats

Yes — bracted 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 the Begonia genus as toxic to cats, dogs, and horses. The toxic principle is soluble calcium oxalates, most concentrated in the underground parts. Ingestion causes oral irritation, intense burning of the mouth and throat, vomiting, and hypersalivation.

What to do if your cat ate bracted begonia

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

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

Is bracted begonia toxic to cats? — FAQ

Is bracted begonia toxic to cats?

Yes — bracted 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 the Begonia genus as toxic to cats, dogs, and horses. The toxic principle is soluble calcium oxalates, most concentrated in the underground parts. Ingestion causes oral irritation, intense burning of the mouth and throat, vomiting, and hypersalivation.

What are the symptoms if a cat eats bracted begonia?

The ASPCA lists the Begonia genus as toxic to cats, dogs, and horses. The toxic principle is soluble calcium oxalates, most concentrated in the underground parts. Ingestion causes oral irritation, intense burning of the mouth and throat, vomiting, and hypersalivation. 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 bracted begonia.

What should I do if my cat ate bracted 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 bracted begonia toxic to dogs too?

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

What is a cat-safe alternative to bracted 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 bracted begonia pet-safety