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Is Red-Silk Begonia toxic to cats?

Begonia rufosericea

Toxic to cats

Yes — red-silk 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. All Begonia species are listed by the ASPCA as toxic to cats and dogs. The toxic principles are soluble calcium oxalates concentrated in the tubers and roots; ingestion causes oral irritation, excessive drooling, vomiting, and difficulty swallowing.

What to do if your cat ate red-silk begonia

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

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

Is red-silk begonia toxic to cats? — FAQ

Is red-silk begonia toxic to cats?

Yes — red-silk begonia is toxic to cats according to the ASPCA. Keep it well away from any cat that chews plants; reactions can be significant. All Begonia species are listed by the ASPCA as toxic to cats and dogs. The toxic principles are soluble calcium oxalates concentrated in the tubers and roots; ingestion causes oral irritation, excessive drooling, vomiting, and difficulty swallowing.

What are the symptoms if a cat eats red-silk begonia?

All Begonia species are listed by the ASPCA as toxic to cats and dogs. The toxic principles are soluble calcium oxalates concentrated in the tubers and roots; ingestion causes oral irritation, excessive drooling, vomiting, and difficulty swallowing. 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 red-silk begonia.

What should I do if my cat ate red-silk 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 red-silk begonia toxic to dogs too?

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

What is a cat-safe alternative to red-silk 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 red-silk begonia pet-safety