# Are Begonias Toxic to Cats? Types and Symptoms Is begonia harmful to cats? Yes. Most begonia varieties contain soluble calcium oxalates, and the ASPCA classifies Begonia spp. as toxic to cats, dogs, and horses [1]. Eating any part of the plant can cause vomiting and drooling, and the underground portion (roots and tubers) is the most toxic part [1]. This article is educational and is not a substitute for veterinary diagnosis or treatment. ## Quick Answer - Begonia spp. is listed as toxic to cats by the ASPCA, with soluble calcium oxalates as the toxic principle [1]. - Rex begonia, peace begonia, and other named varieties carry the same toxicity listing [2][3]. - The most toxic part of the plant is underground, meaning roots and tubers [1]. - Typical signs in cats are vomiting and salivation, not the kidney failure seen in grazing animals [1]. - If your cat chewed a begonia, call your veterinarian, the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at (888) 426-4435, or Pet Poison Helpline at (855) 764-7661. Do not make your cat vomit unless a veterinarian tells you to. ## Which Begonias Are Toxic to Cats? The short answer is that the whole genus is on the toxic list. Begonia includes over 1,000 species and 10,000 hybrids, and the ASPCA lists the genus Begonia spp. as toxic to cats [1]. That means the answer does not change much from one variety to the next. ### Is Begonia Maculata Toxic to Cats? Yes. Begonia maculata (the polka dot begonia) belongs to the same genus covered by the ASPCA toxicity listing for Begonia spp. [1]. The spotted leaves that make it popular are exactly the kind of dangling foliage cats bat at and chew. Treat it the same as any other begonia in your home. ### Is Rex Begonia Toxic to Cats? Yes. The ASPCA has a specific record for Rex begonia (Begonia rex) and lists it as toxic to cats, dogs, and horses, with soluble calcium oxalates as the toxic principle [3]. There is also a separate record for a rex cultivar called peace begonia (Begonia rex 'peace'), which carries the same toxicity listing and the same clinical signs [2]. So both the standard rex begonia and its named cultivars are risky. ### Is Wax Begonia Toxic to Cats? Wax begonia is a common name used for bedding begonias in the genus Begonia. Because the ASPCA listing covers Begonia spp. as a whole, wax begonias fall under the same toxic classification [1]. These are often grown outdoors in summer and brought inside in fall, which is when cats tend to notice them. ### Is Strawberry Begonia Toxic to Cats? This one is a naming trap. Strawberry begonia (Saxifraga stolonifera) is not a true begonia at all. It is a different plant that picked up the begonia name because of its look. The ASPCA begonia record covers Begonia spp., not Saxifraga [1]. If you are unsure which plant you have, ask your veterinarian or a poison control service before assuming it is safe. ### Is Spotted Begonia Toxic to Cats? Spotted begonia is another common name that usually refers to Begonia maculata or similar spotted-leaf begonias. Those plants are in the Begonia genus, so the toxic listing applies [1]. ### Is Rieger Begonia Toxic to Cats? Rieger begonia (also called elatior begonia) is a hybrid in the Begonia genus. It is covered by the same genus-level toxicity listing as other begonias [1]. These are popular winter-flowering houseplants, so they sit right at cat height on windowsills and tables. ## What Makes Begonias Toxic? The toxic principle in begonias is soluble calcium oxalate [1][2][3]. Oxalate is a natural compound found in many plants, and it is the reason a long list of houseplants, including begonias, cause mouth pain when chewed. When a cat bites into a begonia leaf or stem, the plant cells break open and release oxalate crystals. In soluble form, these compounds irritate the moist tissues of the mouth, tongue, and throat. That irritation is what triggers the drooling and pawing at the mouth that owners often notice first. The insoluble oxalate crystals found in plants like peace lilies and pothos cause a more mechanical, needle-like irritation. Begonias are different because their oxalates are soluble, which means they can be absorbed instead of just causing surface pain [1]. This difference matters for how serious the exposure is. In grazing animals that eat large amounts of oxalate-containing plants over time, the absorbed oxalate can bind calcium and lead to kidney failure [1]. That is why the ASPCA listing mentions kidney failure in grazing animals but lists vomiting and salivation as the signs seen in dogs and cats [1]. A cat nibbling a houseplant is not the same as a sheep grazing a pasture, and that is good news for your cat. Plant poisonings in pets are often mild, and many exposures need no treatment at all [4]. That said, some plants are severely toxic and small amounts can cause rapid death [4]. Begonias sit on the toxic list, so they deserve a phone call, but they are not in the same category as the most dangerous plants. If you want a broader picture of what to watch for, see [Plants Toxic To Cats](/knowledge/veterinary-medicine/toxicology-and-food-safety/plants-toxic-to-cats) and [What Kind Of Plants Are Harmful To Cats](/knowledge/veterinary-medicine/toxicology-and-food-safety/what-kind-of-plants-are-harmful-to-cats). ## Symptoms of Begonia Poisoning in Cats The ASPCA lists vomiting and salivation as the clinical signs of begonia toxicity in dogs and cats [1][2][3]. In practice, owners often see a cluster of related behaviors that all point to mouth irritation. Watch for: - Drooling or foamy saliva - Pawing at the mouth or face - Repeated lip licking or swallowing - Vomiting - Refusing food or water - Hiding or acting uncomfortable The drooling tends to start soon after chewing, often within minutes to a couple of hours. Vomiting may follow. Because the underground parts of the plant are the most toxic, a cat that digs in a pot and chews a tuber or root may have a more significant exposure than one that nibbles a single leaf [1]. ### Signs That Mean Emergency Care Now Most begonia exposures cause mouth irritation and stomach upset. Call for emergency help right away if your cat: - Collapses, trembles, or seems weak - Breathes fast or with effort - Vomits repeatedly and cannot keep water down - Has a swollen tongue, face, or throat - Stops producing urine or seems unable to urinate Urinary problems in cats are serious on their own and are not a begonia-specific sign. Conditions like urinary stones and kidney disease are common in cats and need their own veterinary workup [5]. Do not assume a urinary change is related to a plant. Get it checked. ## What to Do Right Now 1. Move your cat away from the plant and take the plant out of reach. 2. Look in your cat's mouth for leaves, stems, or pieces of root. Remove anything you can see easily, but do not put your fingers deep into the throat. 3. Note what part was chewed and roughly how much. Save the chewed pieces or a photo of the plant. 4. Call your veterinarian, the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at (888) 426-4435, or Pet Poison Helpline at (855) 764-7661. 5. Do not induce vomiting unless a veterinarian tells you to. That last point matters. Making a cat vomit at home is risky, and it is not the right move for every plant or every exposure. Let the veterinarian decide. If your cat is drooling but otherwise bright and comfortable, a phone call is still the right first step. Poison control staff and veterinarians can tell you whether you need to come in or whether you can monitor at home. ## How Veterinarians Treat Begonia Poisoning Treatment depends on what your cat ate and how it looks when you arrive. For mild exposures, care is often supportive. Your veterinarian may: - Rinse or examine the mouth for irritation and leftover plant material - Give fluids under the skin or into a vein if your cat is dehydrated from vomiting - Give medication to settle nausea and stomach upset - Give something to coat and soothe the stomach lining - Run blood work if the exposure was large or your cat has other health problems There is no antidote that reverses begonia toxicity. Care is aimed at relieving symptoms and supporting your cat while the plant material passes. Any medication dose is calculated by your veterinarian based on your cat's weight and health, so never give human medications at home without asking first. If your cat has an underlying kidney or urinary condition, your veterinarian may want to check blood work and urine. Cats with renal disease and cats that form calcium oxalate stones have measurable differences in their urine chemistry [5]. That does not mean begonias cause those conditions, but it does mean a cat with a pre-existing urinary problem deserves a closer look after any plant exposure. ## Outlook After Eating a Begonia The outlook is generally good for cats that chew a small amount of begonia. The expected signs are drooling and vomiting, and these usually settle with supportive care [1]. Most plant poisonings in pets are mild and need no treatment at all [4]. The situation is more concerning if a cat eats a large amount, especially roots or tubers, since that is the most toxic part of the plant [1]. Cats that vomit for hours can become dehydrated, and dehydration is what usually drives the need for fluids and a longer visit. The key factor is how quickly you act. Call early, follow the advice you get, and bring your cat in if signs are severe or not improving. ## Prevention and Safer Alternatives The simplest prevention is to keep begonias out of your cat's reach. That can mean hanging them high, putting them in a room your cat cannot enter, or skipping them entirely. If you have a determined plant chewer, choose plants that are not on the toxic list. The ASPCA maintains a searchable plant guide that lists toxic and non-toxic options, and it is a good place to check before you buy [1]. You can also read [What Plants Can Be Toxic To Cats](/knowledge/veterinary-medicine/toxicology-and-food-safety/what-plants-can-be-toxic-to-cats) for a wider list. A few practical habits help: - Keep pots off low shelves, windowsills, and floor stands - Cover soil with decorative stones or a screen so digging is less rewarding - Offer cat grass or another safe chew option - Move outdoor begonias out of reach before bringing them inside for winter - Check every new plant against a reliable toxic plant list before it comes home Some plants are far more dangerous than begonias. Lilies, for example, are a well-known emergency in cats. If you keep lilies or are unsure, read [Are Lilies Toxic to Cats?](/knowledge/veterinary-medicine/toxicology-and-food-safety/are-lilies-toxic-to-cats). ## Limitations and When to Contact a Veterinarian No article can tell you how your individual cat will respond. The amount eaten, the part of the plant, your cat's size, and any existing health problems all change the picture. Individual cases need a veterinarian. Call the same day if your cat chewed a begonia and is drooling, vomiting once or twice, or seems mildly uncomfortable. Call immediately, day or night, if your cat is vomiting repeatedly, cannot keep water down, is weak or wobbly, is breathing oddly, or has swelling around the mouth or throat. Call for a routine visit if your cat had a mild exposure and seems fine now, but you want a checkup. Also call if your cat has a history of kidney disease or urinary stones and had any plant exposure, since those cats may need blood work and a urine check [5]. ## Frequently Asked Questions ### Will my cat die from eating a begonia? Most cats that chew a small amount of begonia do not die. The expected signs are drooling and vomiting, and these usually improve with supportive care [1]. Death is not the typical outcome, but a large exposure or a cat with other health problems needs veterinary care. ### How long do begonia poisoning symptoms last in cats? Drooling often starts within minutes to a couple of hours after chewing. Vomiting may follow and can last for several hours. If signs are still going strong after a day, or your cat cannot keep water down, call your veterinarian. ### Should I make my cat throw up after eating a begonia? No, not unless a veterinarian tells you to. Inducing vomiting at home can cause its own problems, and it is not right for every exposure. Call your veterinarian or a poison control line and follow their instructions. ### Are all begonia varieties toxic to cats? The ASPCA lists the genus Begonia spp. as toxic, which covers the vast majority of begonias sold as houseplants and bedding plants [1]. Rex begonia and peace begonia have their own toxic records as well [2][3]. One plant called strawberry begonia is not a true begonia, so do not assume it carries the same risk. ### Can I keep begonias if I have a cat? You can, if you can keep the plant completely out of your cat's reach. Hanging baskets, closed rooms, and high shelves work for many homes. If your cat climbs and chews everything, choosing non-toxic plants is the safer path. ## Related Articles - [Plants Toxic To Cats](/knowledge/veterinary-medicine/toxicology-and-food-safety/plants-toxic-to-cats) - [Are Lilies Toxic to Cats?](/knowledge/veterinary-medicine/toxicology-and-food-safety/are-lilies-toxic-to-cats) - [What Kind Of Plants Are Harmful To Cats](/knowledge/veterinary-medicine/toxicology-and-food-safety/what-kind-of-plants-are-harmful-to-cats) - [What Plants Can Be Toxic To Cats](/knowledge/veterinary-medicine/toxicology-and-food-safety/what-plants-can-be-toxic-to-cats) - [Are Snake Plants Toxic To Cats](/knowledge/veterinary-medicine/toxicology-and-food-safety/are-snake-plants-toxic-to-cats) - [What Plants Are Toxic To Cats With Pictures](/knowledge/veterinary-medicine/toxicology-and-food-safety/what-plants-are-toxic-to-cats-with-pictures) - [Are Marigolds Toxic to Cats? Types and Symptoms](/knowledge/veterinary-medicine/toxicology-and-food-safety/marigolds-toxic-cats) - [Are Calla Lilies Toxic to Cats? Symptoms and Care](/knowledge/veterinary-medicine/toxicology-and-food-safety/calla-lily-toxic-cats) - [Is Pothos Toxic to Cats? Symptoms and Safety Steps](/knowledge/veterinary-medicine/toxicology-and-food-safety/pothos-toxic-cats) ## References 1. [Toxic and Non-toxic Plants: Begonia](https://www.aspca.org/pet-care/aspca-poison-control/toxic-and-non-toxic-plants/begonia). ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center. 2. [Toxic and Non-toxic Plants: Peace Begonia](https://www.aspca.org/pet-care/aspca-poison-control/toxic-and-non-toxic-plants/peace-begonia). ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center. 3. [Toxic and Non-toxic Plants: Rex Begonia](https://www.aspca.org/pet-care/aspca-poison-control/toxic-and-non-toxic-plants/rex-begonia). ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center. 4. [Poisonous plants](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/20358683/). EXS, 2010. 5. [Urine metabolomic changes in cats with renal disease or calcium oxalate uroliths](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40824970/). PloS one, 2025. ## Further Reading - [ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center](https://www.aspca.org/pet-care/animal-poison-control) - [ASPCA: People Foods to Avoid Feeding Your Pets](https://www.aspca.org/pet-care/aspca-poison-control/people-foods-avoid-feeding-your-pets) - [U.S. Food and Drug Administration: Potentially Dangerous Items for Your Pet](https://www.fda.gov/animal-veterinary/animal-health-literacy/potentially-dangerous-items-your-pet)