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Pet safety

Is Cathedral Begonia toxic to cats?

Begonia 'Cathedral'

Toxic to cats

Yes — cathedral 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. ASPCA lists Begonia species as toxic to cats and dogs via soluble calcium oxalate crystals concentrated in the rhizome. Ingestion causes oral burning, drooling, vomiting, and difficulty swallowing.

What to do if your cat ate cathedral begonia

  1. Remove any plant material from your cat's mouth and move cathedral 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 in the US, or Animal PoisonLine on 01202 509 000 in the UK and follow their advice.
  5. Bring a leaf or photo of cathedral begonia to the appointment so it can be treated correctly.

General guidance, not veterinary advice. If you think your cat has eaten cathedral begonia, contact your vet or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center on (888) 426-4435 in the US, or Animal PoisonLine on 01202 509 000 in the UK — do not wait for symptoms to worsen.

Is cathedral begonia toxic to cats? — FAQ

Is cathedral begonia toxic to cats?

Yes — cathedral begonia 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 species as toxic to cats and dogs via soluble calcium oxalate crystals concentrated in the rhizome. Ingestion causes oral burning, drooling, vomiting, and difficulty swallowing.

What are the symptoms if a cat eats cathedral begonia?

ASPCA lists Begonia species as toxic to cats and dogs via soluble calcium oxalate crystals concentrated in the rhizome. Ingestion causes oral burning, drooling, vomiting, and difficulty swallowing. 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 cathedral begonia.

What should I do if my cat ate cathedral 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 in the US, or Animal PoisonLine on 01202 509 000 in the UK and follow their advice; a leaf or photo helps the vet treat it correctly.

Is cathedral begonia toxic to dogs too?

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

What is a cat-safe alternative to cathedral 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.

Type any plant to see what the ASPCA says about it and your cat.

Full cathedral begonia pet-safety

Writing about plant safety? Embed our free pet-toxicity checker on your site — ASPCA-grounded verdicts for 11,000+ plants, no sign-up.