Cats & Dogs
Potentially toxicConsulted 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
Pet safety reference
Mapleleaf Begonia
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.
Begonia cleopatraMapleleaf Begonia
- Light
- Bright indirect light
- Habit
- Clumping rhizomatous
- Care
- Moderate
Safety status
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
Begonia species contain soluble calcium oxalates that are toxic to cats and dogs.
Kew Plants of the World Online
botanical · 95% reliability
Accepted botanical record for Begonia cleopatra.
Questions about Mapleleaf Begonia
Is Mapleleaf Begonia toxic to cats?
Yes, Mapleleaf Begonia (Begonia cleopatra) is toxic to cats. It contains soluble calcium oxalates that cause immediate irritation to the mouth and throat, leading to oral pain, excessive drooling, difficulty swallowing, and vomiting.
What symptoms will my cat show after eating Mapleleaf Begonia?
Symptoms typically appear within 5 to 15 minutes and include pawing at the mouth, drooling, head shaking, foamy vomiting, and difficulty swallowing. Severe swelling of the tongue or throat is uncommon but possible — that's the red-flag sign requiring immediate veterinary attention.
What should I do if my cat ate a 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, then offer fresh water. Call your vet or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at (888) 426-4435 for any ingestion, especially in kittens. Go in immediately if you see facial or throat swelling, persistent drooling beyond an hour or two, or difficulty breathing.
How long does it take for a cat to recover from eating Mapleleaf Begonia?
Most cats recover fully within 24 to 48 hours with supportive care, and the prognosis is excellent when symptoms are addressed within four hours of ingestion. The calcium oxalate crystals cause immediate irritation but do not typically cause lasting organ damage.
Is Mapleleaf Begonia toxic to dogs?
Yes, Mapleleaf Begonia (Begonia cleopatra) is potentially toxic to dogs. It contains soluble calcium oxalate crystals that cause intense burning and irritation of the mouth, tongue, and lips, along with excessive drooling and vomiting if ingested.
What happens if a dog eats a Mapleleaf Begonia?
Oral signs — burning pain, drooling, pawing at the mouth, and head shaking — typically begin within minutes of chewing the plant. GI upset including vomiting, mild diarrhea, and refusal to eat often follows. Most dogs recover within 24 to 48 hours with supportive care, but facial swelling or breathing changes require immediate veterinary attention.
What should I do if my dog ate a Mapleleaf Begonia?
Rinse your dog's mouth with cool water, wipe the gums and tongue with a damp cloth, and offer fresh water. Call your vet or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at (888) 426-4435 for any begonia ingestion — do not wait for symptoms to worsen. If your dog dug up and ate the tubers, take a photo of the plant for the vet, as the tubers have the highest toxin concentration.
Which part of a Mapleleaf Begonia is most dangerous to dogs?
The tubers (underground roots) contain the highest concentration of calcium oxalate crystals, making them the most dangerous part if consumed. A small dog that digs up and eats the tubers warrants an immediate vet visit rather than a wait-and-see approach.
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
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.
Dieffenbachia
Dieffenbachia
Dieffenbachia is a popular tropical houseplant known for its large, variegated leaves. It contains insoluble calcium oxalate crystals that can cause irritation if ingested or chewed.
Potentially toxic for cats & dogs.
Same growing conditions
Plants for the same room
Lace Orchid
Odontoglossum crispum
The Lace Orchid is a popular, elegant flowering plant known for its ruffled, star-shaped blooms. It is considered non-toxic to household pets, though its fibrous nature may cause minor digestive discomfort if consumed in large quantities.
Generally safe for cats.
Not yet rated for dogs.
Lipstick Plant
Aeschynanthus humilis
The Lipstick Plant is a popular trailing houseplant known for its tubular, bright red flowers that resemble lipstick tubes. It is considered non-toxic to pets, making it a safe choice for households with cats and dogs.
Generally safe for cats & dogs.
Orange Star
Guzmania lingulata
Orange Star is a popular, vibrant bromeliad known for its long-lasting, star-shaped inflorescence. It is considered non-toxic to pets, though ingestion of plant material can occasionally cause minor digestive discomfort.
Generally safe for cats & dogs.
Phalaenopsis Orchid
Phalaenopsis sp.
Phalaenopsis orchids, commonly known as moth orchids, are popular indoor flowering plants prized for their long-lasting, elegant blooms. They are considered non-toxic to pets, though their fibrous nature may cause minor digestive upset if consumed in large quantities.
Generally safe for cats & dogs.