Begonia is a genus name for over 1800 perennial flowering plant species belonging to the family Begoniaceae native to tropical and subtropical moisty climates. However, in colder temperatures, they make perfect indoor houseplants, or you can cultivate them during summers.
Depending on the species and variety, they may have maroon, bronze, green leaves and very attractive white, rose, yellow, pink, or scarlet flowers.
Are they poisonous?
While they are quite charming and very alluring, begonias are toxic to cats. All species and hybrids, including Rieger begonias, Begonia Tiger Kitten, Strawberry begonia, Begonia maculata, and wax begonia, are toxic to cats, dogs, and horses.
Additionally, all parts of begonias are poisonous to cats, with the most toxic ones being the tubers. They are harmful or dangerous because they have soluble oxalates which, when ingested, may result in the following symptoms:
- Drooling or salvation
- Vomiting
- Kindy damage (commonly noted in horses or grazing animals)
- Reduce appetite
- Difficulties in swallowing
- Swollen mouth and tongue
- Redness around their mouth and lips
For starters, when the oxalate will embed themselves in various tissues resulting in irritation, they can also be broken down to oxalic acid. When oxalic acid is absorbed into the body, it will encourage urinal and bladder crystals (struvite and calcium oxalates uroliths) formation, which will damage the kidneys.
How to prevent cats from eating begonias
While the leaves are not as toxic as the part under the ground, cats are still not safe. Therefore, besides not planting them, other ways to ensure these animals don’t eat your begonias include:
- Plating them inside an enclosed plant terrarium
- Using various indoor repellents as well as homemade ones such as chili pepper sprays. Placing a few peels of lemons on your begonia planter or pot will help repel your felines.
- For outdoors, there are repellents and deterrents, such as those that sprinkle water or flashlights. Try Orbit 62100 Yard Enforcer Motion-Activated Sprinkler with Day & Night Detection Modes, Black.
In addition to the above ways, consider giving your cats alternative safer plants to eat if they love grazing, teaching them not to eat plants, reducing boredom by having some toys, and so on.
More toxic plants
Besides begonias, other houseplants and ornamentals that are toxic to your feline pal include the following:
- Aloe vera
- Azalea
- Cala lily
- Chrysanthemum
- Cyclamen
- Daffodils
- English ivy
- Jade plants
- Mistletoe
- Peace lily
- Sago palm
- Snake plants
- Tulips
- Holly
- Begonia
- Oleander