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Is Equal-Wing Begonia toxic to cats?

Begonia isoptera

Toxic to cats

Yes — equal-wing 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. Soluble calcium oxalates are the toxic principle (most concentrated underground) and cause oral irritation, intense burning of the mouth, hypersalivation, and vomiting upon ingestion.

What to do if your cat ate equal-wing begonia

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

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

Is equal-wing begonia toxic to cats? — FAQ

Is equal-wing begonia toxic to cats?

Yes — equal-wing 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. Soluble calcium oxalates are the toxic principle (most concentrated underground) and cause oral irritation, intense burning of the mouth, hypersalivation, and vomiting upon ingestion.

What are the symptoms if a cat eats equal-wing begonia?

The ASPCA lists the Begonia genus as toxic to cats, dogs, and horses. Soluble calcium oxalates are the toxic principle (most concentrated underground) and cause oral irritation, intense burning of the mouth, hypersalivation, and vomiting upon ingestion. 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 equal-wing begonia.

What should I do if my cat ate equal-wing 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 equal-wing begonia toxic to dogs too?

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

What is a cat-safe alternative to equal-wing 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 equal-wing begonia pet-safety