Pet emergency
My cat ate Geranium macrorrhizum 'Spessart' — what to do
Step by step
- Take geranium macrorrhizum 'spessart' away and remove any plant material from your cat's mouth so they cannot eat more.
- Note roughly how much was eaten and when — this helps the vet judge the risk.
- Do NOT induce vomiting unless a vet or poison-control specialist tells you to.
- Call your vet or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center on (888) 426-4435 (a consultation fee may apply) and follow their advice.
- 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 geranium macrorrhizum 'spessart' — FAQ
Is geranium macrorrhizum 'spessart' poisonous to cats?
Yes — the ASPCA lists Geranium macrorrhizum 'Spessart' (Geranium macrorrhizum 'Spessart') as mildly toxic to cats. The ASPCA's 'Geranium' and 'Scented Geranium' toxic listings refer to Pelargonium species (toxic principles geraniol and linalool), NOT to true hardy cranesbills in the genus Geranium. Geranium macrorrhizum is not individually listed by the ASPCA; horticultural and veterinary sources widely regard true cranesbills as non-toxic, but absent a specific ASPCA non-toxic listing it is rated mildly-toxic out of caution. Verify with a vet and keep curious pets from grazing the aromatic foliage.
How serious is it if my cat ate geranium macrorrhizum 'spessart'?
Geranium macrorrhizum 'Spessart' is mildly toxic, so most cats get short-lived mouth irritation, drooling, and vomiting rather than a life-threatening reaction. It is still worth a vet call to be safe, especially if your cat ate a lot or symptoms persist.
What symptoms should I watch for?
Signs usually appear soon after chewing: drooling, pawing at the mouth, vomiting, loss of appetite, or unusual lethargy. The ASPCA's 'Geranium' and 'Scented Geranium' toxic listings refer to Pelargonium species (toxic principles geraniol and linalool), NOT to true hardy cranesbills in the genus Geranium. Geranium macrorrhizum is not individually listed by the ASPCA; horticultural and veterinary sources widely regard true cranesbills as non-toxic, but absent a specific ASPCA non-toxic listing it is rated mildly-toxic out of caution. Verify with a vet and keep curious pets from grazing the aromatic foliage. 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 geranium macrorrhizum 'spessart' well out of reach, or swap it for an ASPCA non-toxic plant — see the best cats-safe plants list.
Related
- Is geranium macrorrhizum 'spessart' toxic to cats? — full toxicity detail
- Geranium macrorrhizum 'Spessart' and pets — the complete ASPCA pet-safety guide