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Pet safety

Is Stiff Begonia toxic to cats?

Begonia rigida

Toxic to cats

Yes — stiff 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 species (Begonia spp., family Begoniaceae) as toxic to cats, dogs, and horses. The toxic principle is soluble calcium oxalates, which cause oral irritation, excessive salivation, and vomiting; the underground portions carry the highest concentration. Keep away from pets and children.

What to do if your cat ate stiff begonia

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

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

Is stiff begonia toxic to cats? — FAQ

Is stiff begonia toxic to cats?

Yes — stiff 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 species (Begonia spp., family Begoniaceae) as toxic to cats, dogs, and horses. The toxic principle is soluble calcium oxalates, which cause oral irritation, excessive salivation, and vomiting; the underground portions carry the highest concentration. Keep away from pets and children.

What are the symptoms if a cat eats stiff begonia?

The ASPCA lists Begonia species (Begonia spp., family Begoniaceae) as toxic to cats, dogs, and horses. The toxic principle is soluble calcium oxalates, which cause oral irritation, excessive salivation, and vomiting; the underground portions carry the highest concentration. Keep away from pets and children. 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 stiff begonia.

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

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

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