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Is Thelma's Begonia toxic to cats?

Begonia thelmae

Toxic to cats

Yes — thelma's 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. Begonia species are listed as toxic to cats and dogs by the ASPCA; the toxic compounds are soluble calcium oxalates, which are most concentrated in the roots and rhizomes. Ingestion causes intense oral burning, excessive salivation, vomiting, and difficulty swallowing.

What to do if your cat ate thelma's begonia

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

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

Is thelma's begonia toxic to cats? — FAQ

Is thelma's begonia toxic to cats?

Yes — thelma's begonia is toxic to cats according to the ASPCA. Keep it well away from any cat that chews plants; reactions can be significant. Begonia species are listed as toxic to cats and dogs by the ASPCA; the toxic compounds are soluble calcium oxalates, which are most concentrated in the roots and rhizomes. Ingestion causes intense oral burning, excessive salivation, vomiting, and difficulty swallowing.

What are the symptoms if a cat eats thelma's begonia?

Begonia species are listed as toxic to cats and dogs by the ASPCA; the toxic compounds are soluble calcium oxalates, which are most concentrated in the roots and rhizomes. Ingestion causes intense oral burning, excessive salivation, 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 thelma's begonia.

What should I do if my cat ate thelma's 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 thelma's begonia toxic to dogs too?

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

What is a cat-safe alternative to thelma's 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 thelma's begonia pet-safety