are begonias bad for cats

Begonias are poisonous to cats because they contain toxins called soluble calcium oxalates. If sufficient quantities oxalic acid are eaten catastrophic liver failure, leading to serious illness and even death may occur.

Which are the most poisonous plants for dogs and cats?

The most toxic plants for dogs and cats include rhododendron, Begonia, Chrysanthemum, Cyclamen, Hosta, ivy, and lilies. For further information, refer to the list below:

Rhododendron: This plant can be hazardous to horses in addition to being toxic to dogs and cats. Even a small amount of leaf consumption can result in depression, diarrhea, excessive drooling, loss of appetite, and even impaired coordination. In extreme circumstances, it may result in a weak heartbeat and even death.
Begonia: A well-liked and adaptable summertime plant, these will burn and irritate dogs’ and cats’ mouths severely if consumed. Additionally, ingestion will result in vomiting, excessive drooling, and perhaps difficulty swallowing for your pet.
Chrysanthemum: Its distinct scent may attract certain dogs and cats, and sometimes eating it can result in nausea, depression, and disorientation.
Cyclamen: If your pet likes to dig and you have this plant in your garden, be on the lookout for severe vomiting because the root of this plant is highly toxic to dogs and cats. It has occasionally been known for eating to cause fatalities.

Hosta (seen above): Make sure your pet does not become attracted to them because their leaves, flowers, and roots are toxic to cats and dogs. If they do, you should anticipate depressive symptoms, which will be followed by nausea and diarrhea.
Ivy: Only a few varieties, such as English, California, Branching, Glacier, Needlepoint, Sweetheart, and Branching ivy, are harmful. Eating it will cause vomiting, hypersalivation and diarrhoea.
Lilies: Eating lilies can result in renal failure in cats because they are extremely toxic, even in small amounts. In stark contrast, they are not toxic to dogs.
Tomato plants: While eating them won’t kill your pet, they can cause severe diarrhea, drowsiness, and slow heart rate in dogs and cats. One way to tell if your pet may have eaten them is to look for dilated pupils.
Tulip: If your dog enjoys digging, be cautious around them as the plant’s bulb contains a lot of toxins. If this is consumed, convulsions and abnormalities of the heart may occur.
Daffodils: While this flower is a welcome addition to the garden in the spring, its most toxic part is the bulb, which, if consumed, can result in low blood pressure, diarrhea, and tremors.

Recovery of Begonia Poisoning in Cats

In most cases, a severe case of begonia poisoning resolves in two weeks or less, and additional appointments are usually not required during the course of the recovery process. This is because the oxalate crystals rapidly lose their potency, which means that the body’s levels of oxalic acid will gradually decline if more aren’t consumed. This is good news for cats and their owners because it minimizes the amount of time that regular feeding and exercise will be restricted. However, the veterinarian might decide to temporarily insert a feeding tube if there has been noticeable damage to the esophagus. This will stop the cat from swallowing and put stress on the injured tissues in the digestive tract, allowing them to survive on a liquid diet until they heal enough.

Begonia Poisoning Average Cost

From 232 quotes ranging from $100 – $500

Causes of Begonia Poisoning in Cats

The begonia plant has high concentrations of oxalate in its composition. After being consumed, the oxalate crystals lodge themselves in different tissues, causing irritation. They can also decompose into the highly irritating oxalic acid. The cat’s body will try to dilute the acid with saliva and vomit in an effort to prevent more irritation and damage to the digestive tract. A certain amount of the toxin will eventually enter the bloodstream and travel to the liver. This turn of events can be particularly dangerous because oxalic acid can cause catastrophic liver failure in large enough doses, which can result in serious illness or even death.

FAQ

Are all begonias toxic to cats?

Yes, unfortunately Begonia species are toxic to dogs and cats, the most toxic part being the roots but eating the leaves and/or stems may cause major issues as well.

Are begonias pet safe?

Begonia. Although its most toxic parts are underground, it’s still best to keep begonias out of reach of your pets. They cause vomiting in dogs and cats and can be even more dangerous for horses and grazing animals.

What is the most toxic flower to cats?

Cats and poisonous flowers and plants The most dangerous plant is the lily – all parts are toxic. However, there are other plants and flowers, both indoors and outdoors, that can be harmful to cats.

Are begonias toxic?

Begonias contain calcium oxalate. This crystalline substance is mildly toxic, but very irritating if ingested. Humans and other animals such as cats, dogs, and horses rarely eat more than one bite because the first taste produces an unpleasant sensation in the mouth and throat.