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Is Heavy Begonia toxic to cats?

Begonia ponderosa

Toxic to cats

Yes — heavy 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 species (Begonia spp., family Begoniaceae) as toxic to cats, dogs, and horses. The toxic principle is soluble calcium oxalates, which cause oral irritation, excessive salivation, and vomiting in cats and dogs; the highest concentration of oxalates is in the underground rhizome. Keep the plant out of reach of pets and children.

What to do if your cat ate heavy begonia

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

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

Is heavy begonia toxic to cats? — FAQ

Is heavy begonia toxic to cats?

Yes — heavy 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 species (Begonia spp., family Begoniaceae) as toxic to cats, dogs, and horses. The toxic principle is soluble calcium oxalates, which cause oral irritation, excessive salivation, and vomiting in cats and dogs; the highest concentration of oxalates is in the underground rhizome. Keep the plant out of reach of pets and children.

What are the symptoms if a cat eats heavy begonia?

The ASPCA lists Begonia species (Begonia spp., family Begoniaceae) as toxic to cats, dogs, and horses. The toxic principle is soluble calcium oxalates, which cause oral irritation, excessive salivation, and vomiting in cats and dogs; the highest concentration of oxalates is in the underground rhizome. Keep the plant out of reach of pets and children. 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 heavy begonia.

What should I do if my cat ate heavy 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 heavy begonia toxic to dogs too?

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

What is a cat-safe alternative to heavy 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 heavy begonia pet-safety