What should I do if my cat ate Mapleleaf Begonia?

Gently rinse your cat's mouth with cool water using a syringe or small cup — aim at the inner cheeks, not the back of the throat, to flush loose crystals without causing aspiration. Wipe away any plant fragments and offer fresh water (not milk). Call your vet or ASPCA APCC (1-888-426-4435) for any ingestion, especially in kittens or cats with breathing changes. Go in immediately if you see swelling around the face or throat, persistent drooling beyond an hour or two, or any difficulty breathing.

What should I do if my dog ate Mapleleaf Begonia?

Rinse your dog's mouth with cool water to flush out crystals, wipe the gums and tongue with a damp cloth, and offer fresh water (not milk). Call your vet before giving any medication. If your dog dug up the tubers, take a photo of the plant for the vet. Call your vet or Pet Poison Helpline (1-800-213-6680) for any begonia ingestion. Go in immediately for facial swelling, breathing changes, persistent vomiting, or if a small dog dug up and ate the tubers (highest toxin concentration).

Mapleleaf Begonia — George E. Koronaios — Photo by George E. KoronaiosWikimedia CommonsCC BY-SA 2.0

Photo by George E. KoronaiosWikimedia CommonsCC BY-SA 2.0

Pet safety reference

Mapleleaf Begonia

Q: Is Mapleleaf Begonia safe for cats?

Mapleleaf Begonia is potentially toxic to cats. The plant contains soluble calcium oxalates which cause immediate irritation to the mouth and throat. If your cat has ingested a significant amount, please contact your veterinarian.

Q: Is Mapleleaf Begonia safe for dogs?

Mapleleaf Begonia is potentially toxic to dogs. Ingestion typically results in immediate discomfort due to calcium oxalate crystals. Consult your veterinarian if you suspect your dog has consumed this plant.

Begonia cleopatra

Begonia cleopatra is a popular ornamental houseplant known for its striking, maple-shaped foliage. It contains soluble calcium oxalates that can cause irritation if ingested by pets.

Check a list

Begonia cleopatraMapleleaf Begonia

Light: Bright indirect light
Habit: Clumping rhizomatous
Care: Moderate

Safety status

Cats & Dogs

Potentially toxic

Consulted references classify the plant as toxic or irritating for that pet type.

Verified against ASPCA/provenance audit 2026-05-06 on May 6, 2026.

Sources

ASPCA Toxic Plant List

If a pet has chewed or swallowed plant material and is showing symptoms, contact a veterinarian or poison resource immediately. This product is for structured reference, not diagnosis.

Cats — concern notes

Common signs

Oral irritation, excessive drooling, difficulty swallowing, and vomiting.

Escalation note

The plant contains soluble calcium oxalates which cause immediate irritation to the mouth and throat. If your cat has ingested a significant amount, please contact your veterinarian.

Dogs — concern notes

Common signs

Intense burning and irritation of the mouth, tongue, and lips, excessive drooling, and vomiting.

Escalation note

Ingestion typically results in immediate discomfort due to calcium oxalate crystals. Consult your veterinarian if you suspect your dog has consumed this plant.

Safer alternatives

No hand-picked alternatives for this plant yet. You can still pick your own using the Compare button on any other plant.

Source evidence

ASPCA Toxic Plant List

toxicology · 99% reliability

Open source

Begonia species contain soluble calcium oxalates that are toxic to cats and dogs.

Kew Plants of the World Online

botanical · 95% reliability

Open source

Accepted botanical record for Begonia cleopatra.

cats safety page My cat ate Mapleleaf Begonia dogs safety page My dog ate Mapleleaf Begonia

Often compared with

Commonly confused with

Same Begonia genus.

Begonia

Begonia spp.

Begonias are popular ornamental plants known for their diverse foliage and vibrant flowers. They contain soluble calcium oxalates which can cause irritation if ingested by pets.

Potentially toxic for cats & dogs.

Same Begonia genus.

Rex Begonia

Begonia rex

The Peace Begonia is a popular ornamental houseplant prized for its vibrant, patterned foliage. It contains soluble calcium oxalates that can cause irritation if ingested by pets.

Potentially toxic for cats & dogs.

Same Begonia genus.

Metallic Leaf Begonia

Begonia metallica

Begonia metallica is a popular ornamental houseplant known for its textured, metallic-sheen foliage. It contains soluble calcium oxalates that can cause irritation if ingested by pets.

Potentially toxic for cats & dogs.

Same genus

More from the Begonia genus

Wax Begonia

Begonia semperflorens

The Pink Pearl is a popular cultivar of wax begonia known for its waxy, succulent-like leaves and delicate pink flowers. It contains soluble calcium oxalates that can cause irritation if ingested by pets.

Potentially toxic for cats & dogs.

Same safety verdict

Other plants with the same verdict

Monstera

Monstera deliciosa

Monstera deliciosa is a popular tropical houseplant known for its large, fenestrated leaves and vining growth habit. It contains insoluble calcium oxalate crystals that can cause irritation if ingested by pets.

Potentially toxic for cats & dogs.

Snake Plant

Dracaena trifasciata

Dracaena trifasciata is a popular, hardy houseplant known for its stiff, sword-like leaves with striking yellow margins. It is widely appreciated for its air-purifying qualities and ability to thrive in various indoor conditions.

Potentially toxic for cats & dogs.

Philodendron

Philodendron spp.

Philodendrons are popular tropical foliage plants known for their lush, heart-shaped or split leaves. They contain insoluble calcium oxalate crystals that can cause irritation if ingested.

Potentially toxic for cats & dogs.

Peace Lily

Spathiphyllum

The Mauna Loa Peace Lily is a popular indoor plant known for its elegant white spathes and lush foliage. It contains insoluble calcium oxalate crystals that can cause irritation upon contact or ingestion.

Potentially toxic for cats & dogs.

Same growing conditions

Plants for the same room

Asparagus Fern

Asparagus densiflorus

The Asparagus Fern is a popular, feathery houseplant that is actually a member of the lily family. Despite its delicate appearance, it contains toxic compounds that can cause irritation if ingested by pets.

Potentially toxic for cats & dogs.

Cirrhopetalum

Bulbophyllum appendiculatum

Cirrhopetalum is a unique, exotic orchid known for its intricate, fan-like flower structures. It is generally considered safe for households with pets, though its fibrous nature may cause minor digestive discomfort if consumed in large quantities.

Generally safe for cats & dogs.

Cocktail Orchid

Cattleya forbesii

The Cocktail Orchid is a popular epiphytic orchid known for its unique, fragrant blooms and ease of care in indoor environments. It is considered non-toxic to pets, though its fibrous nature may cause minor digestive discomfort if consumed in large quantities.

Generally safe for cats & dogs.

Crossandra

Crossandra infundibuliformis

Crossandra is a vibrant, tropical flowering plant known for its bright orange, fan-shaped blooms and glossy foliage. It is considered safe for households with pets, though ingestion of large amounts of plant material may cause minor digestive discomfort.

Generally safe for cats & dogs.