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
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.
Begonia spp.Rex BegoniaTuberous BegoniaWax Begonia
- Light
- Bright indirect light
- Habit
- Mounding or trailing
- 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
Excessive drooling, vomiting, difficulty swallowing, and oral irritation.
Escalation note
The tubers are the most toxic part of the plant. If your cat has ingested any part of a begonia, please contact your veterinarian or a pet poison control center immediately.
Dogs — concern notes
Common signs
Drooling, vomiting, decreased appetite, and irritation of the mouth, tongue, and lips.
Escalation note
Ingestion of the plant, particularly the underground tubers, can cause significant oral discomfort. Consult your veterinarian if you suspect your dog has consumed this plant.
Safer alternatives
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Source evidence
ASPCA Toxic Plant List
toxicology · 99% reliability
Begonia species contain soluble calcium oxalates that are toxic to dogs and cats.
NC State Extension Plant Toolbox
botanical · 94% reliability
Begonia is a large genus of perennial flowering plants in the family Begoniaceae.
Questions about Begonia
Are begonias toxic to cats?
Yes, begonias are toxic to cats. They contain soluble calcium oxalates that cause oral irritation, excessive drooling, vomiting, and difficulty swallowing. The tubers are the most toxic part of the plant.
What symptoms will my cat show after eating a begonia?
Expect salivation, drooling, and vomiting within minutes to a few hours of chewing. You may also see your cat pawing at its mouth, shaking its head, or refusing food — all signs of oral irritation from calcium oxalate crystals. Tuber ingestion can cause more pronounced GI upset.
What should I do if my cat ate a begonia?
Contact your veterinarian or ASPCA Animal Poison Control at (888) 426-4435, especially if you suspect the cat chewed a tuber. Call right away if you see persistent drooling, repeated vomiting, swelling around the mouth, or refusal to eat. Uncomplicated cases involving leaves or stems generally resolve within 24 hours, but tuber ingestion warrants immediate attention.
Which part of a begonia is most dangerous to cats?
The tubers (the underground root-like structures) are the most toxic part of the begonia. Chewing leaves or stems typically causes immediate oral irritation from calcium oxalate crystals, but ingesting a tuber can produce significantly more pronounced gastrointestinal symptoms.
Are begonias toxic to dogs?
Yes, begonias are toxic to dogs. They contain soluble calcium oxalates that cause irritation of the mouth, tongue, and lips, along with drooling, vomiting, and decreased appetite if ingested.
What part of a begonia is most dangerous to dogs?
The underground tubers are the most dangerous part — ingestion of the tubers can cause significant oral discomfort beyond what a leaf nibble would. Keep dogs away from freshly dug or potted begonias where tubers are accessible.
What symptoms will my dog show after eating a begonia?
Expect drooling, vomiting, and decreased appetite within minutes to a couple of hours of ingestion. Some dogs paw at the mouth from oral irritation. The sap can also cause skin redness or scratching if leaves contacted the muzzle, paws, or belly.
What should I do if my dog ate a begonia?
Rinse your dog's mouth with water to reduce oral irritation, then monitor closely. Call your vet right away if your dog dug up a tuber, vomits more than once, refuses food for more than a few hours, or develops swelling around the mouth. You can also reach the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at (888) 426-4435. Uncomplicated leaf-ingestion cases generally improve within 24 hours.
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
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.