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Is Looking Glass Begonia toxic to cats?

Begonia 'Looking Glass'

Toxic to cats

Yes — looking glass 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 'Looking Glass' belongs to the Begonia genus, which the ASPCA lists as toxic to cats and dogs. The plant contains soluble oxalates, especially concentrated in the roots, that cause oral irritation, excessive salivation, vomiting, and difficulty swallowing if ingested.

What to do if your cat ate looking glass begonia

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

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

Is looking glass begonia toxic to cats? — FAQ

Is looking glass begonia toxic to cats?

Yes — looking glass begonia is toxic to cats according to the ASPCA. Keep it well away from any cat that chews plants; reactions can be significant. Begonia 'Looking Glass' belongs to the Begonia genus, which the ASPCA lists as toxic to cats and dogs. The plant contains soluble oxalates, especially concentrated in the roots, that cause oral irritation, excessive salivation, vomiting, and difficulty swallowing if ingested.

What are the symptoms if a cat eats looking glass begonia?

Begonia 'Looking Glass' belongs to the Begonia genus, which the ASPCA lists as toxic to cats and dogs. The plant contains soluble oxalates, especially concentrated in the roots, that cause oral irritation, excessive salivation, vomiting, and difficulty swallowing if ingested. 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 looking glass begonia.

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

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

What is a cat-safe alternative to looking glass 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 looking glass begonia pet-safety