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Pet safety

Is Carmine Begonia toxic to cats?

Begonia carminea

Toxic to cats

Yes — carmine 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 genus Begonia is listed as toxic to cats, dogs, and horses by the ASPCA. Contains soluble calcium oxalates; ingestion leads to vomiting, excessive salivation, and in grazing animals can cause kidney failure.

What to do if your cat ate carmine begonia

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

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

Is carmine begonia toxic to cats? — FAQ

Is carmine begonia toxic to cats?

Yes — carmine begonia is toxic to cats according to the ASPCA. Keep it well away from any cat that chews plants; reactions can be significant. The genus Begonia is listed as toxic to cats, dogs, and horses by the ASPCA. Contains soluble calcium oxalates; ingestion leads to vomiting, excessive salivation, and in grazing animals can cause kidney failure.

What are the symptoms if a cat eats carmine begonia?

The genus Begonia is listed as toxic to cats, dogs, and horses by the ASPCA. Contains soluble calcium oxalates; ingestion leads to vomiting, excessive salivation, and in grazing animals can cause kidney failure. 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 carmine begonia.

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

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

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