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Is Grape-Vine Begonia toxic to cats?

Begonia vitifolia

Toxic to cats

Yes — grape-vine 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. As a Begonia species, Begonia vitifolia is toxic to cats and dogs per ASPCA guidance. The toxic principle is soluble calcium oxalates concentrated in the roots and tubers. Ingestion causes immediate oral pain and irritation, excessive drooling, nausea, vomiting, and difficulty swallowing.

What to do if your cat ate grape-vine begonia

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

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

Is grape-vine begonia toxic to cats? — FAQ

Is grape-vine begonia toxic to cats?

Yes — grape-vine begonia is toxic to cats according to the ASPCA. Keep it well away from any cat that chews plants; reactions can be significant. As a Begonia species, Begonia vitifolia is toxic to cats and dogs per ASPCA guidance. The toxic principle is soluble calcium oxalates concentrated in the roots and tubers. Ingestion causes immediate oral pain and irritation, excessive drooling, nausea, vomiting, and difficulty swallowing.

What are the symptoms if a cat eats grape-vine begonia?

As a Begonia species, Begonia vitifolia is toxic to cats and dogs per ASPCA guidance. The toxic principle is soluble calcium oxalates concentrated in the roots and tubers. Ingestion causes immediate oral pain and irritation, excessive drooling, nausea, 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 grape-vine begonia.

What should I do if my cat ate grape-vine 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 grape-vine begonia toxic to dogs too?

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

What is a cat-safe alternative to grape-vine 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 grape-vine begonia pet-safety