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Is Palmate Begonia toxic to cats?

Begonia palmata

Toxic to cats

Yes — palmate 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. The toxic principle is soluble calcium oxalates, concentrated particularly in the underground rhizome and roots. Ingestion causes oral irritation, drooling, and vomiting in cats and dogs; in grazing animals the effects can include kidney failure. Keep away from pets.

What to do if your cat ate palmate begonia

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

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

Is palmate begonia toxic to cats? — FAQ

Is palmate begonia toxic to cats?

Yes — palmate 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. The toxic principle is soluble calcium oxalates, concentrated particularly in the underground rhizome and roots. Ingestion causes oral irritation, drooling, and vomiting in cats and dogs; in grazing animals the effects can include kidney failure. Keep away from pets.

What are the symptoms if a cat eats palmate begonia?

The ASPCA lists Begonia (Begonia spp.) as toxic to cats, dogs, and horses. The toxic principle is soluble calcium oxalates, concentrated particularly in the underground rhizome and roots. Ingestion causes oral irritation, drooling, and vomiting in cats and dogs; in grazing animals the effects can include kidney failure. Keep 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 palmate begonia.

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

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

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