Pet emergency
My cat ate Pelargonium 'Lemon Fancy' — what to do
Step by step
- Take pelargonium 'lemon fancy' 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 pelargonium 'lemon fancy' — FAQ
Is pelargonium 'lemon fancy' poisonous to cats?
Yes — the ASPCA lists Pelargonium 'Lemon Fancy' (Pelargonium 'Lemon Fancy') as toxic to cats. The ASPCA lists Scented Geranium (Pelargonium sp.) as toxic to cats and dogs, with cats most sensitive; the toxic principle is the leaf essential oils. Ingestion usually causes vomiting and reduced appetite, and larger amounts may bring on ataxia, muscle weakness or depression. Keep out of reach of pets.
How serious is it if my cat ate pelargonium 'lemon fancy'?
Pelargonium 'Lemon Fancy' 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. The ASPCA lists Scented Geranium (Pelargonium sp.) as toxic to cats and dogs, with cats most sensitive; the toxic principle is the leaf essential oils. Ingestion usually causes vomiting and reduced appetite, and larger amounts may bring on ataxia, muscle weakness or depression. Keep out of reach of pets. 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 pelargonium 'lemon fancy' well out of reach, or swap it for an ASPCA non-toxic plant — see the best cats-safe plants list.
Related
- Is pelargonium 'lemon fancy' toxic to cats? — full toxicity detail
- Pelargonium 'Lemon Fancy' and pets — the complete ASPCA pet-safety guide