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Is Dragon-Shield Begonia toxic to cats?

Begonia dracopelta

Toxic to cats

Yes — dragon-shield 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. All Begonia species, including Begonia dracopelta, are listed by the ASPCA as toxic to cats and dogs due to soluble calcium oxalates. The oxalates are most concentrated in the rhizomes; ingestion causes intense oral irritation, drooling, and vomiting.

What to do if your cat ate dragon-shield begonia

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

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

Is dragon-shield begonia toxic to cats? — FAQ

Is dragon-shield begonia toxic to cats?

Yes — dragon-shield begonia is toxic to cats according to the ASPCA. Keep it well away from any cat that chews plants; reactions can be significant. All Begonia species, including Begonia dracopelta, are listed by the ASPCA as toxic to cats and dogs due to soluble calcium oxalates. The oxalates are most concentrated in the rhizomes; ingestion causes intense oral irritation, drooling, and vomiting.

What are the symptoms if a cat eats dragon-shield begonia?

All Begonia species, including Begonia dracopelta, are listed by the ASPCA as toxic to cats and dogs due to soluble calcium oxalates. The oxalates are most concentrated in the rhizomes; ingestion causes intense oral irritation, drooling, and vomiting. 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 dragon-shield begonia.

What should I do if my cat ate dragon-shield 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 dragon-shield begonia toxic to dogs too?

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

What is a cat-safe alternative to dragon-shield 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 dragon-shield begonia pet-safety