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If your cat ate carrot-leaved pelargonium — do this now

  1. Take the plant away and clear any pieces from their mouth.
  2. Do not induce vomiting unless told to by a professional.
  3. Call your vet or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center on (888) 426-4435 now.

Carrot-leaved Pelargonium is toxic to cats (ASPCA).

Pet emergency

My cat ate Carrot-leaved Pelargonium — what to do

Step by step

  1. Take carrot-leaved pelargonium away and remove any plant material from your cat's mouth so they cannot eat more.
  2. Note roughly how much was eaten and when — this helps the vet judge the risk.
  3. Do NOT induce vomiting unless a vet or poison-control specialist tells you to.
  4. Call your vet or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center on (888) 426-4435 (a consultation fee may apply) and follow their advice.
  5. Watch for drooling, pawing at the mouth, vomiting, loss of appetite, or lethargy, and bring a leaf or photo to the appointment.

This is general guidance, not veterinary advice. Pets vary, and a reaction may be to soil, fertiliser, or pesticide as well as the plant. When in doubt, call your vet or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center on (888) 426-4435.

My cat ate carrot-leaved pelargonium — FAQ

Is carrot-leaved pelargonium poisonous to cats?

Yes — the ASPCA lists Carrot-leaved Pelargonium (Pelargonium rapaceum) as toxic to cats. ASPCA lists Pelargonium spp. as toxic to cats, dogs, and horses, with geraniol and linalool as the toxic principles. Signs of ingestion include vomiting, anorexia, depression, and contact dermatitis. The toxic risk applies to all plant parts.

How serious is it if my cat ate carrot-leaved pelargonium?

Carrot-leaved Pelargonium is toxic to cats and reactions can be significant, so treat any ingestion as urgent. Call your vet or poison control on (888) 426-4435 straight away rather than waiting to see if symptoms develop.

What symptoms should I watch for?

Signs usually appear soon after chewing: drooling, pawing at the mouth, vomiting, loss of appetite, or unusual lethargy. ASPCA lists Pelargonium spp. as toxic to cats, dogs, and horses, with geraniol and linalool as the toxic principles. Signs of ingestion include vomiting, anorexia, depression, and contact dermatitis. The toxic risk applies to all plant parts. Any worsening or persistent symptoms warrant an immediate vet visit.

Should I make my cat vomit?

No — do not induce vomiting unless a vet or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center specifically tells you to. The wrong action can make things worse. Call (888) 426-4435 and follow professional advice.

How do I stop this happening again?

Keep carrot-leaved pelargonium well out of reach, or swap it for an ASPCA non-toxic plant — see the best cats-safe plants list.

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