Pet emergency
My cat ate Pelargonium x domesticum 'Hazel Carey' — what to do
Step by step
- Take pelargonium x domesticum 'hazel carey' 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 x domesticum 'hazel carey' — FAQ
Is pelargonium x domesticum 'hazel carey' poisonous to cats?
Yes — the ASPCA lists Pelargonium x domesticum 'Hazel Carey' (Pelargonium x domesticum 'Hazel Carey') as toxic to cats. The ASPCA classifies Pelargonium species (geranium) as toxic to cats, dogs and horses. Toxic principles are geraniol and linalool; ingestion can cause vomiting, anorexia, depression and dermatitis. Keep this plant out of pets' reach.
How serious is it if my cat ate pelargonium x domesticum 'hazel carey'?
Pelargonium x domesticum 'Hazel Carey' 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 classifies Pelargonium species (geranium) as toxic to cats, dogs and horses. Toxic principles are geraniol and linalool; ingestion can cause vomiting, anorexia, depression and dermatitis. Keep this plant out of pets' reach. 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 x domesticum 'hazel carey' well out of reach, or swap it for an ASPCA non-toxic plant — see the best cats-safe plants list.
Related
- Is pelargonium x domesticum 'hazel carey' toxic to cats? — full toxicity detail
- Pelargonium x domesticum 'Hazel Carey' and pets — the complete ASPCA pet-safety guide