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Is Sharp-lobed Begonia toxic to cats?

Begonia oxyloba

Toxic to cats

Yes — sharp-lobed 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.) as toxic to cats, dogs, and horses. The toxic principle is soluble calcium oxalates; the highest concentrations are in the underground roots and rhizomes. Ingestion causes oral irritation, intense burning and tingling of the mouth and tongue, drooling, and vomiting in cats and dogs, and can cause kidney failure in grazing animals. Keep out of reach of pets.

What to do if your cat ate sharp-lobed begonia

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

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

Is sharp-lobed begonia toxic to cats? — FAQ

Is sharp-lobed begonia toxic to cats?

Yes — sharp-lobed 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.) as toxic to cats, dogs, and horses. The toxic principle is soluble calcium oxalates; the highest concentrations are in the underground roots and rhizomes. Ingestion causes oral irritation, intense burning and tingling of the mouth and tongue, drooling, and vomiting in cats and dogs, and can cause kidney failure in grazing animals. Keep out of reach of pets.

What are the symptoms if a cat eats sharp-lobed begonia?

The ASPCA lists Begonia (Begonia spp.) as toxic to cats, dogs, and horses. The toxic principle is soluble calcium oxalates; the highest concentrations are in the underground roots and rhizomes. Ingestion causes oral irritation, intense burning and tingling of the mouth and tongue, drooling, and vomiting in cats and dogs, and can cause kidney failure in grazing animals. Keep out of reach of pets. 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 sharp-lobed begonia.

What should I do if my cat ate sharp-lobed 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 sharp-lobed begonia toxic to dogs too?

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

What is a cat-safe alternative to sharp-lobed 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 sharp-lobed begonia pet-safety