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Is Smooth Cane Begonia toxic to cats?

Begonia glabra

Toxic to cats

Yes — smooth cane 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 the Begonia genus as toxic to cats, dogs, and horses via soluble calcium oxalates, causing oral burning, profuse salivation, and vomiting upon ingestion.

What to do if your cat ate smooth cane begonia

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

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

Is smooth cane begonia toxic to cats? — FAQ

Is smooth cane begonia toxic to cats?

Yes — smooth cane 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 the Begonia genus as toxic to cats, dogs, and horses via soluble calcium oxalates, causing oral burning, profuse salivation, and vomiting upon ingestion.

What are the symptoms if a cat eats smooth cane begonia?

The ASPCA lists the Begonia genus as toxic to cats, dogs, and horses via soluble calcium oxalates, causing oral burning, profuse salivation, and vomiting upon ingestion. 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 smooth cane begonia.

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

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

What is a cat-safe alternative to smooth cane 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 smooth cane begonia pet-safety