What should I do if my cat ate Wax Begonia?

Gently rinse the cat's mouth with cool water if it will tolerate it, and offer milk or yogurt — calcium can bind soluble oxalates and ease the burn. Pet Poison Helpline emphasizes that there is no safe way to induce vomiting at home in cats and that hydrogen peroxide should never be given to cats. Call your veterinarian or ASPCA Animal Poison Control (888-426-4435) before doing anything else. Call immediately if your cat has dug into the pot or eaten anything underground, if drooling and vomiting persist beyond a few minutes, or if you see swelling of the mouth, tongue, or throat. For a brief leaf nibble with mild drooling that fades quickly, a phone consult with ASPCA Animal Poison Control (888-426-4435) is the right next step.

What should I do if my dog ate Wax Begonia?

Wipe out any plant residue from your dog's mouth with a damp cloth and offer fresh water. Pet Poison Helpline advises that you should not induce vomiting or give hydrogen peroxide without speaking to a poison-control specialist first. Call your veterinarian or ASPCA Animal Poison Control (888-426-4435) before attempting any home treatment. Call immediately if your dog has eaten root or tuber material, if vomiting is repeated or contains blood, or if you see swelling around the mouth or difficulty swallowing. For a single leaf-nibble with brief drooling, a call to ASPCA Animal Poison Control (888-426-4435) is the right next step.

Wax 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

Wax Begonia

Q: Is Wax Begonia safe for cats?

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

Q: Is Wax Begonia safe for dogs?

Wax Begonia is potentially toxic to dogs. Ingestion typically results in localized irritation due to oxalate crystals. While rarely fatal, it is uncomfortable; please consult a veterinarian if you suspect your dog has consumed the plant.

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.

Check a list

Begonia semperflorensPink PearlWax Begonia

Light: Bright indirect light
Habit: Mounded
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. 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 localized irritation due to oxalate crystals. While rarely fatal, it is uncomfortable; please consult a veterinarian if you suspect your dog has consumed the 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 semperflorens is a fibrous-rooted begonia often used as a bedding plant or container specimen.

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

Often compared with

Commonly confused with

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.

Iron Cross Begonia

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.

Potentially toxic for cats & dogs.

Same Begonia genus.

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.

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.

Same growing conditions

Plants for the same room

Cyclamen

Cyclamen spp

Cyclamen is a popular flowering tuberous plant known for its upswept petals and patterned foliage. It contains triterpenoid saponins which are concentrated in the roots and can cause significant irritation if ingested by pets.

Potentially toxic for cats & dogs.

Hyacinth

Hyacinthus orientalis

Hyacinthus orientalis is a popular spring-flowering bulb known for its fragrant, dense clusters of bell-shaped flowers. It contains calcium oxalate crystals and alkaloids that can cause irritation if ingested by pets.

Potentially toxic for cats & dogs.