Growli
Let's go

Pet safety

Is Fischer's Begonia toxic to cats?

Begonia fischeri

Toxic to cats

Yes — fischer's 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. Begonia fischeri is listed under the genus Begonia by the ASPCA as toxic to cats and dogs. The toxic principles are soluble calcium oxalates, which cause immediate oral irritation, hypersalivation, pawing at the mouth, nausea, and vomiting; the underground portions contain the highest concentrations.

What to do if your cat ate fischer's begonia

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

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

Is fischer's begonia toxic to cats? — FAQ

Is fischer's begonia toxic to cats?

Yes — fischer's begonia is toxic to cats according to the ASPCA. Keep it well away from any cat that chews plants; reactions can be significant. Begonia fischeri is listed under the genus Begonia by the ASPCA as toxic to cats and dogs. The toxic principles are soluble calcium oxalates, which cause immediate oral irritation, hypersalivation, pawing at the mouth, nausea, and vomiting; the underground portions contain the highest concentrations.

What are the symptoms if a cat eats fischer's begonia?

Begonia fischeri is listed under the genus Begonia by the ASPCA as toxic to cats and dogs. The toxic principles are soluble calcium oxalates, which cause immediate oral irritation, hypersalivation, pawing at the mouth, nausea, and vomiting; the underground portions contain the highest concentrations. 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 fischer's begonia.

What should I do if my cat ate fischer's 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 fischer's begonia toxic to dogs too?

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

What is a cat-safe alternative to fischer's 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 fischer's begonia pet-safety