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Is Woolly Bear Begonia toxic to cats?

Begonia leptotricha

Toxic to cats

Yes — woolly bear 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. The toxic principle is soluble calcium oxalates (most concentrated in the underground parts), causing oral burning, irritation, hypersalivation, and vomiting on ingestion.

What to do if your cat ate woolly bear begonia

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

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

Is woolly bear begonia toxic to cats? — FAQ

Is woolly bear begonia toxic to cats?

Yes — woolly bear 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. The toxic principle is soluble calcium oxalates (most concentrated in the underground parts), causing oral burning, irritation, hypersalivation, and vomiting on ingestion.

What are the symptoms if a cat eats woolly bear begonia?

The ASPCA lists the Begonia genus as toxic to cats, dogs, and horses. The toxic principle is soluble calcium oxalates (most concentrated in the underground parts), causing oral burning, irritation, hypersalivation, and vomiting on 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 woolly bear begonia.

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

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

What is a cat-safe alternative to woolly bear 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 woolly bear begonia pet-safety