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Is Wallich's Begonia toxic to cats?

Begonia wallichiana

Toxic to cats

Yes — wallich'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. All Begonia species contain soluble oxalates concentrated in the roots and rhizomes; ingestion can cause excessive drooling, vomiting, and difficulty swallowing in cats and dogs. The ASPCA lists the Begonia genus as toxic to dogs and cats.

What to do if your cat ate wallich's begonia

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

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

Is wallich's begonia toxic to cats? — FAQ

Is wallich's begonia toxic to cats?

Yes — wallich's begonia is toxic to cats according to the ASPCA. Keep it well away from any cat that chews plants; reactions can be significant. All Begonia species contain soluble oxalates concentrated in the roots and rhizomes; ingestion can cause excessive drooling, vomiting, and difficulty swallowing in cats and dogs. The ASPCA lists the Begonia genus as toxic to dogs and cats.

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

All Begonia species contain soluble oxalates concentrated in the roots and rhizomes; ingestion can cause excessive drooling, vomiting, and difficulty swallowing in cats and dogs. The ASPCA lists the Begonia genus as toxic to dogs and cats. 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 wallich's begonia.

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

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

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