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Pet safety

Is Rieger begonia toxic to cats?

Begonia × hiemalis

Toxic to cats

Yes — rieger 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., family Begoniaceae, which includes B. × hiemalis) as toxic to cats, dogs, and horses. The toxic principle is soluble calcium oxalates, and the most toxic part is underground (tubers, rhizomes, and roots). Ingestion can cause vomiting and salivation in cats and dogs, and kidney failure in grazing animals; keep it away from pets and contact your vet if eaten.

What to do if your cat ate rieger begonia

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

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

Is rieger begonia toxic to cats? — FAQ

Is rieger begonia toxic to cats?

Yes — rieger 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., family Begoniaceae, which includes B. × hiemalis) as toxic to cats, dogs, and horses. The toxic principle is soluble calcium oxalates, and the most toxic part is underground (tubers, rhizomes, and roots). Ingestion can cause vomiting and salivation in cats and dogs, and kidney failure in grazing animals; keep it away from pets and contact your vet if eaten.

What are the symptoms if a cat eats rieger begonia?

The ASPCA lists Begonia (Begonia spp., family Begoniaceae, which includes B. × hiemalis) as toxic to cats, dogs, and horses. The toxic principle is soluble calcium oxalates, and the most toxic part is underground (tubers, rhizomes, and roots). Ingestion can cause vomiting and salivation in cats and dogs, and kidney failure in grazing animals; keep it away from pets and contact your vet if eaten. 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 rieger begonia.

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

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

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