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Is Rhizomatous Begonia 'Cleopatra' toxic to cats?

Begonia × 'Cleopatra'

Toxic to cats

Yes — rhizomatous begonia 'cleopatra' 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. The genus Begonia contains soluble calcium oxalates, most concentrated in the underground/rhizome tissue; ingestion causes oral irritation, salivation, vomiting, and kidney failure in grazing animals.

What to do if your cat ate rhizomatous begonia 'cleopatra'

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

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

Is rhizomatous begonia 'cleopatra' toxic to cats? — FAQ

Is rhizomatous begonia 'cleopatra' toxic to cats?

Yes — rhizomatous begonia 'cleopatra' 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. The genus Begonia contains soluble calcium oxalates, most concentrated in the underground/rhizome tissue; ingestion causes oral irritation, salivation, vomiting, and kidney failure in grazing animals.

What are the symptoms if a cat eats rhizomatous begonia 'cleopatra'?

ASPCA-listed as toxic to cats, dogs, and horses. The genus Begonia contains soluble calcium oxalates, most concentrated in the underground/rhizome tissue; ingestion causes oral irritation, salivation, vomiting, and kidney failure in grazing animals. 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 rhizomatous begonia 'cleopatra'.

What should I do if my cat ate rhizomatous begonia 'cleopatra'?

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 rhizomatous begonia 'cleopatra' toxic to dogs too?

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

What is a cat-safe alternative to rhizomatous begonia 'cleopatra'?

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 rhizomatous begonia 'cleopatra' pet-safety