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Pet safety

Is Wax Begonia toxic to cats?

Begonia x semperflorens-cultorum

Toxic to cats

Yes — wax 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. ASPCA lists Begonia as toxic to cats and dogs; the toxic principle is soluble calcium oxalates, causing vomiting and salivation. The most toxic part is underground. Keep away from pets.

What to do if your cat ate wax begonia

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

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

Is wax begonia toxic to cats? — FAQ

Is wax begonia toxic to cats?

Yes — wax begonia is toxic to cats according to the ASPCA. Keep it well away from any cat that chews plants; reactions can be significant. ASPCA lists Begonia as toxic to cats and dogs; the toxic principle is soluble calcium oxalates, causing vomiting and salivation. The most toxic part is underground. Keep away from pets.

What are the symptoms if a cat eats wax begonia?

ASPCA lists Begonia as toxic to cats and dogs; the toxic principle is soluble calcium oxalates, causing vomiting and salivation. The most toxic part is underground. Keep away from 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 wax begonia.

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

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

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