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Pet safety

Is Gourd-leaf Begonia toxic to cats?

Begonia peponifolia

Toxic to cats

Yes — gourd-leaf 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 Begonia (Begonia spp.) as toxic to cats, dogs, and horses due to soluble calcium oxalates. The underground rhizome and roots contain the highest concentrations of the toxic principle. Ingestion in cats and dogs causes oral burning, excessive salivation, and vomiting; in grazing animals it can lead to kidney failure. Keep the plant away from pets.

What to do if your cat ate gourd-leaf begonia

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

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

Is gourd-leaf begonia toxic to cats? — FAQ

Is gourd-leaf begonia toxic to cats?

Yes — gourd-leaf 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 Begonia (Begonia spp.) as toxic to cats, dogs, and horses due to soluble calcium oxalates. The underground rhizome and roots contain the highest concentrations of the toxic principle. Ingestion in cats and dogs causes oral burning, excessive salivation, and vomiting; in grazing animals it can lead to kidney failure. Keep the plant away from pets.

What are the symptoms if a cat eats gourd-leaf begonia?

The ASPCA lists Begonia (Begonia spp.) as toxic to cats, dogs, and horses due to soluble calcium oxalates. The underground rhizome and roots contain the highest concentrations of the toxic principle. Ingestion in cats and dogs causes oral burning, excessive salivation, and vomiting; in grazing animals it can lead to kidney failure. Keep the plant away from pets. 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 gourd-leaf begonia.

What should I do if my cat ate gourd-leaf 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 gourd-leaf begonia toxic to dogs too?

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

What is a cat-safe alternative to gourd-leaf 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 gourd-leaf begonia pet-safety