Cats
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.
cat safety reference
Is Metallic Leaf Begonia safe for cats?
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.
Begonia metallicaMetallic Leaf Begonia
- Light
- Bright indirect light
- Habit
- Upright, shrubby
- Care
- Moderate
Safety status
What this means for your cat
Cats should not chew on metallic leaf begonia. ASPCA lists it as toxic to cats because of soluble calcium oxalates throughout the plant — the highest concentration sits underground in the tubers, so a curious cat that digs into a pot can get a worse exposure than one that nibbles a leaf.
What to watch for
Most common: vomiting and salivation. Cats may also paw at the mouth, swallow repeatedly, or refuse food because of the burning sensation. Severity is usually mild-to-moderate from a leaf bite; ingestion of tuber tissue can cause more pronounced GI upset.
Time window
Oral burning and salivation typically begin within minutes of chewing. ASPCA does not specify a recovery window; uncomplicated cases generally resolve over 24–48 hours with supportive care.
When to call the vet
Call your vet or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (888-426-4435) if your cat is drooling persistently, vomits more than once, refuses water, or chewed on the tuber/roots rather than just a leaf. A brief nibble with no follow-up signs can usually be monitored at home.
Sources: ASPCA (no first-aid guidance).
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 oxalate crystals which cause immediate tissue irritation upon contact. If your cat has ingested this plant, please contact your veterinarian for guidance.
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
Kew Plants of the World Online
botanical · 95% reliability
Accepted botanical name for Begonia metallica W.G.Sm.
Questions about Metallic Leaf Begonia
Is Metallic Leaf Begonia toxic to cats?
Yes, Metallic Leaf Begonia (Begonia metallica) is toxic to cats. It contains soluble calcium oxalate crystals that cause immediate irritation to the mouth and digestive tract upon contact.
What symptoms will my cat show after eating Metallic Leaf Begonia?
Symptoms include oral irritation, excessive drooling, difficulty swallowing, and vomiting. You may also see your cat pawing at its mouth, repeatedly swallowing, or refusing food due to the burning sensation. Signs typically begin within minutes of chewing.
What should I do if my cat ate a Metallic Leaf Begonia?
A brief nibble with no follow-up symptoms can usually be monitored at home. Call your vet or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at (888) 426-4435 if your cat drools persistently, vomits more than once, refuses water, or chewed on the tuber or roots rather than just a leaf. Uncomplicated cases generally resolve within 24–48 hours with supportive care.
Is the whole Metallic Leaf Begonia plant equally dangerous to cats, or are some parts worse?
The tuber and roots are more concerning than the leaves — ingestion of tuber tissue can cause more pronounced GI upset compared to a leaf bite, which typically produces mild-to-moderate symptoms. The calcium oxalate crystals are present throughout the plant, so any part that is chewed can cause immediate oral burning and irritation.
Same cat verdict
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