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Is Lopsided Begonia toxic to cats?

Begonia obliqua

Toxic to cats

Yes — lopsided 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. ASPCA classifies Begonia species as toxic to cats and dogs. The toxic principle is soluble calcium oxalates concentrated in the roots and tubers. Symptoms of ingestion include oral irritation, salivation, vomiting, and dysphagia.

What to do if your cat ate lopsided begonia

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

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

Is lopsided begonia toxic to cats? — FAQ

Is lopsided begonia toxic to cats?

Yes — lopsided begonia is toxic to cats according to the ASPCA. Keep it well away from any cat that chews plants; reactions can be significant. ASPCA classifies Begonia species as toxic to cats and dogs. The toxic principle is soluble calcium oxalates concentrated in the roots and tubers. Symptoms of ingestion include oral irritation, salivation, vomiting, and dysphagia.

What are the symptoms if a cat eats lopsided begonia?

ASPCA classifies Begonia species as toxic to cats and dogs. The toxic principle is soluble calcium oxalates concentrated in the roots and tubers. Symptoms of ingestion include oral irritation, salivation, vomiting, and dysphagia. 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 lopsided begonia.

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

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

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