Growli
Let's go

Pet safety

Is Rex Begonia toxic to cats?

Begonia rex-cultorum

Toxic to cats

Yes — rex 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 is ASPCA-listed as toxic to cats, dogs, and horses (Rex Begonia has its own ASPCA entry). The toxic principle is soluble calcium oxalates, most concentrated in the underground rhizome. Signs include intense mouth burning and irritation, drooling, vomiting, and difficulty swallowing. Keep away from pets that chew foliage, and seek veterinary advice if ingestion is suspected.

What to do if your cat ate rex begonia

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

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

Is rex begonia toxic to cats? — FAQ

Is rex begonia toxic to cats?

Yes — rex begonia is toxic to cats according to the ASPCA. Keep it well away from any cat that chews plants; reactions can be significant. Begonia is ASPCA-listed as toxic to cats, dogs, and horses (Rex Begonia has its own ASPCA entry). The toxic principle is soluble calcium oxalates, most concentrated in the underground rhizome. Signs include intense mouth burning and irritation, drooling, vomiting, and difficulty swallowing. Keep away from pets that chew foliage, and seek veterinary advice if ingestion is suspected.

What are the symptoms if a cat eats rex begonia?

Begonia is ASPCA-listed as toxic to cats, dogs, and horses (Rex Begonia has its own ASPCA entry). The toxic principle is soluble calcium oxalates, most concentrated in the underground rhizome. Signs include intense mouth burning and irritation, drooling, vomiting, and difficulty swallowing. Keep away from pets that chew foliage, and seek veterinary advice if ingestion is suspected. 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 rex begonia.

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

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

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