What to do if your pet ate it
Contact your vet or a poison line right away, report how much begonia was eaten and your pet's weight, and keep any packaging or leftovers. Do not induce vomiting unless your vet tells you to.
Signs to watch for
- Vomiting and diarrhoea
- Lethargy and weakness
- Loss of appetite
- Severe: tremors, breathing trouble, collapse
If your pet shows vomiting, lethargy or any unusual behaviour after eating begonia, go to the nearest emergency vet immediately.
Dogs and cats carry the same rating (Do not feed), so the notes below hold for either pet.
Other foods that are toxic or dangerous
The full A–Z food list groups every food by verdict for each species.
Frequently asked questions
Can cats eat begonia?
NO — do not feed. Begonia leaves, stems, and flowers contain calcium oxalate crystals. If a dog or cat chews any part, the sharp crystals irritate the mouth and gastrointestinal tract, leading to drooling, pawing at the mouth, vomiting, and difficulty swallowing. Monitor for these signs and seek veterinary care promptly.
What if my cat already ate begonia?
Call your vet or a poison line now with the amount of begonia eaten and your cat's weight, and do not induce vomiting unless a vet tells you to. If begonia was eaten and you then see vomiting, lethargy, tremors or breathing changes, go straight to the nearest emergency clinic.
Is there a safe amount of begonia for cats?
There is no accepted safe dose of begonia for cats; it is classed as toxic or dangerous, and reactions vary with the individual animal, so it is not something to feed at any amount.
How often can cats have begonia?
begonia is not something to feed at any interval; it stays off the menu entirely.
What are safer treats than begonia for cats?
Pick from the safe list instead — Cantaloupe melon or Cauliflower carry none of the risk that begonia does, and they work better as an everyday treat.