Iron Cross Begonia

Yes, Iron Cross Begonia (Begonia masoniana) is potentially toxic to cats. It contains soluble calcium oxalates that cause immediate irritation to the mouth and throat upon contact, leading to symptoms like oral irritation, excessive drooling, difficulty swallowing, and vomiting.

Symptoms typically start within minutes of chewing because the calcium oxalate crystals act on contact. Watch for drooling, retching, pawing at the mouth or face, and vomiting. Loss of appetite for a meal or two is common. Severe systemic illness is rare from leaf chewing, but risk is higher if your cat chewed the tuber or root.

Wipe out any visible plant pieces from your cat's mouth with a soft cloth and rinse with lukewarm water if she will tolerate it. 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) right away, especially if your cat chewed the tuber.

The tuber (root) poses a higher risk than the leaves — if your cat got into the pot and chewed the root, call your vet or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (888-426-4435) immediately rather than waiting to see how she does. Leaf chewing typically causes self-limiting oral irritation that settles within a few hours, while GI upset usually resolves within 24 hours.

Yes, Iron Cross Begonia (Begonia masoniana) is 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, vomiting, and difficulty swallowing.

Symptoms start within minutes of contact because the calcium oxalate crystals irritate on touch. Expect heavy drooling, head shaking or pawing at the muzzle, retching, and vomiting. Some dogs refuse food for several hours. Oral signs typically settle within hours and GI signs within 24 hours, but swelling around the mouth or throat that affects breathing — while uncommon — is serious.

Remove the plant and take any remaining leaf pieces out of your dog's mouth, then offer cool fresh water to help rinse out the crystals. Do not induce vomiting unless directed by a vet or poison control. Call the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at (888) 426-4435 or your vet before giving anything else.

The tuber (the underground storage organ) is the most concerning part — if your dog dug up and chewed the tuber, call your vet or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (888-426-4435) immediately. The leaves also contain calcium oxalate crystals and will cause oral irritation, but a brief leaf chew in an otherwise normal dog can often be monitored at home for several hours.