What should I do if my cat ate Iron Cross Begonia?

Wipe out any visible plant pieces from your cat's mouth (a soft cloth works) and rinse with lukewarm water if she will tolerate it. Per VCA Animal Hospitals' guidance for toxic-plant exposure with drooling, offering a small amount of milk may help dilute the irritation. Do not try to induce vomiting in cats at home. Call your vet or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (888-426-4435) before giving anything else. Call the same day for any vomiting that doesn't stop after one episode, persistent drooling beyond an hour, or refusal to eat for more than 12 hours. Tuber/root ingestion is higher-risk — call your vet or ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (888-426-4435) immediately. Mouth swelling that affects breathing is a 911-level emergency.

What should I do if my dog ate Iron Cross Begonia?

Take the plant material away and remove any leaf pieces still in your dog's mouth. Offer cool, fresh water to help rinse the crystals out. Do not induce vomiting unless a veterinarian or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center tells you to. Call (888) 426-4435 or your vet before giving anything else. Call immediately if your dog dug up and chewed the tuber, or if you see facial/throat swelling, repeated vomiting, blood in vomit, or labored breathing. For a brief leaf chew with quick drool-and-spit and otherwise normal behavior, monitor for several hours. The ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (888-426-4435) can advise based on amount eaten.

Iron Cross Begonia — No machine-readable author provided. Mininain assumed (based on copyright claims). — Photo by No machine-readable author provided. Mininain assumed (based on copyright claims).Wikimedia CommonsCC BY-SA 3.0

Photo by No machine-readable author provided. Mininain assumed (based on copyright claims).Wikimedia CommonsCC BY-SA 3.0

Pet safety reference

Iron Cross Begonia

Q: Is Iron Cross Begonia safe for cats?

Iron Cross Begonia is potentially toxic to cats. The plant contains soluble calcium oxalates which cause immediate irritation upon contact with the mouth and throat. Please contact your veterinarian if ingestion is suspected.

Q: Is Iron Cross Begonia safe for dogs?

Iron Cross Begonia is potentially toxic to dogs. Ingestion of plant material can lead to significant oral discomfort due to calcium oxalate crystals. Always consult a veterinarian if your dog has consumed this plant.

Begonia masoniana

Begonia masoniana is a popular ornamental houseplant known for its textured, puckered leaves featuring a distinct dark brown cross pattern. It contains soluble calcium oxalates that can cause irritation if ingested by pets.

Check a list

Begonia masonianaIron Cross Begonia

Light: Bright indirect light
Habit: Rhizomatous, clumping
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 upon contact with the mouth and throat. Please contact your veterinarian if ingestion is suspected.

Dogs — concern notes

Common signs

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

Escalation note

Ingestion of plant material can lead to significant oral discomfort due to calcium oxalate crystals. Always consult a veterinarian if 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 dogs and cats.

NC State Extension Plant Toolbox

botanical · 94% reliability

Open source

Begonia masoniana is a rhizomatous begonia prized for its foliage, but it is known to be toxic to pets.

cats safety page My cat ate Iron Cross Begonia dogs safety page My dog ate Iron Cross Begonia

Often compared with

Commonly confused with

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 Begonia genus.

Elephant-Ear Begonia

Begonia scharfii

Begonia scharfii is a popular ornamental plant known for its large, fuzzy, elephant-ear-shaped leaves and delicate clusters of flowers. It contains soluble calcium oxalates which can cause irritation if ingested by pets.

Potentially toxic for cats & dogs.

Same 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 genus

More from the 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 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.