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Pet safety

Is Rough-Leaf Begonia toxic to cats?

Begonia muricata

Toxic to cats

Yes — rough-leaf 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 identifies Begonia as toxic to cats and dogs due to soluble calcium oxalates concentrated especially in the roots and tubers. Ingestion causes oral burning, drooling, vomiting, and difficulty swallowing.

What to do if your cat ate rough-leaf begonia

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

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

Is rough-leaf begonia toxic to cats? — FAQ

Is rough-leaf begonia toxic to cats?

Yes — rough-leaf begonia is toxic to cats according to the ASPCA. Keep it well away from any cat that chews plants; reactions can be significant. ASPCA identifies Begonia as toxic to cats and dogs due to soluble calcium oxalates concentrated especially in the roots and tubers. Ingestion causes oral burning, drooling, vomiting, and difficulty swallowing.

What are the symptoms if a cat eats rough-leaf begonia?

ASPCA identifies Begonia as toxic to cats and dogs due to soluble calcium oxalates concentrated especially in the roots and tubers. Ingestion causes oral burning, 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 rough-leaf begonia.

What should I do if my cat ate rough-leaf 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 rough-leaf begonia toxic to dogs too?

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

What is a cat-safe alternative to rough-leaf 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 rough-leaf begonia pet-safety