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Is Polka Dot Begonia toxic to cats?

Begonia maculata 'Wightii'

Toxic to cats

Yes — polka dot 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-listed as toxic to cats, dogs, and horses (Begonia genus). The toxic principle is soluble calcium oxalates, most concentrated in the tubers; ingestion causes oral irritation and intense burning, drooling, vomiting, and difficulty swallowing. Keep well away from curious pets.

What to do if your cat ate polka dot begonia

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

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

Is polka dot begonia toxic to cats? — FAQ

Is polka dot begonia toxic to cats?

Yes — polka dot begonia is toxic to cats according to the ASPCA. Keep it well away from any cat that chews plants; reactions can be significant. ASPCA-listed as toxic to cats, dogs, and horses (Begonia genus). The toxic principle is soluble calcium oxalates, most concentrated in the tubers; ingestion causes oral irritation and intense burning, drooling, vomiting, and difficulty swallowing. Keep well away from curious pets.

What are the symptoms if a cat eats polka dot begonia?

ASPCA-listed as toxic to cats, dogs, and horses (Begonia genus). The toxic principle is soluble calcium oxalates, most concentrated in the tubers; ingestion causes oral irritation and intense burning, drooling, vomiting, and difficulty swallowing. Keep well away from curious 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 polka dot begonia.

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

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

What is a cat-safe alternative to polka dot 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 polka dot begonia pet-safety