Pet emergency
My cat ate Geum 'Scarlet Tempest' — what to do
Step by step
- Take geum 'scarlet tempest' 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 geum 'scarlet tempest' — FAQ
Is geum 'scarlet tempest' poisonous to cats?
Yes — the ASPCA lists Geum 'Scarlet Tempest' (Geum 'Scarlet Tempest') as mildly toxic to cats. Geum is not individually listed on the ASPCA Toxic and Non-Toxic Plants database, so its pet status is unconfirmed; treat with caution and verify with a vet. As an ornamental perennial, ingestion may cause mild gastrointestinal upset, so keep pets from grazing the foliage and flowers.
How serious is it if my cat ate geum 'scarlet tempest'?
Geum 'Scarlet Tempest' 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. Geum is not individually listed on the ASPCA Toxic and Non-Toxic Plants database, so its pet status is unconfirmed; treat with caution and verify with a vet. As an ornamental perennial, ingestion may cause mild gastrointestinal upset, so keep pets from grazing the foliage and flowers. 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 geum 'scarlet tempest' well out of reach, or swap it for an ASPCA non-toxic plant — see the best cats-safe plants list.
Related
- Is geum 'scarlet tempest' toxic to cats? — full toxicity detail
- Geum 'Scarlet Tempest' and pets — the complete ASPCA pet-safety guide