Pet safety
Is Pelargonium capitatumtoxic to cats & dogs?
Pelargonium capitatum
Quick verdict — at a glance
- Toxic to cats?
- Yes — toxic
- Toxic to dogs?
- Yes — toxic
- ASPCA classification
- Toxic to pets · botanical name Pelargonium capitatum
Is pelargonium capitatum safe for cats and dogs?
Toxic — the ASPCA lists pelargonium capitatum as a clear no for cats and dogs. The painful part for the pet is usually quick and intense; the right move is to keep it out of any room a pet roams unsupervised. This classification follows the ASPCA Toxic and Non-Toxic Plant List, the most widely used reference for companion-animal plant safety in the US and the standard most UK vets cite as well. The ASPCA lists scented geranium (Pelargonium sp.) as toxic to cats and dogs. The essential oils geraniol and linalool cause vomiting, anorexia, depression and dermatitis; cats are most sensitive and may develop ataxia, muscle weakness and hypothermia after larger exposures. Keep this rose-scented species away from pets and contact a vet if ingested.
| Pet | Toxic? | Per ASPCA |
|---|---|---|
| Cats | Yes | Toxic to pets |
| Dogs | Yes | Toxic to pets |
What happens if a pet eats pelargonium capitatum?
The ASPCA lists scented geranium (Pelargonium sp.) as toxic to cats and dogs. The essential oils geraniol and linalool cause vomiting, anorexia, depression and dermatitis; cats are most sensitive and may develop ataxia, muscle weakness and hypothermia after larger exposures. Keep this rose-scented species away from pets and contact a vet if ingested. Signs usually appear soon after chewing rather than hours later. If you see drooling, pawing at the mouth, head-shaking, vomiting, loss of appetite, or unusual lethargy after your pet has had access to pelargonium capitatum, treat it as a suspected ingestion and act on the steps below.
What to do if your pet ate pelargonium capitatum
- Remove any plant material from your pet's mouth and move pelargonium capitatum out of reach.
- Note how much was eaten and when, and watch for drooling, vomiting, or lethargy.
- Do not induce vomiting unless a vet or poison-control specialist instructs you to.
- Call your vet or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center on (888) 426-4435 and follow their advice.
- Bring a leaf or photo of pelargonium capitatum to the appointment so it can be treated correctly.
This page is general guidance, not veterinary advice. Pets vary, and a reaction may be to soil, fertiliser, or pesticide rather than the plant. If you are worried, always contact a vet or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center on (888) 426-4435 — do not wait for symptoms to worsen.
Pet-safe alternatives to pelargonium capitatum
Want the same look without the risk? These plants are listed as non-toxic to cats and dogs by the ASPCA and have similar care needs:
- Basil — non-toxic to cats and dogs (care guide)
- Herb garden — non-toxic to cats and dogs (care guide)
- Rosemary — non-toxic to cats and dogs (care guide)
- Thyme — non-toxic to cats and dogs (care guide)
Pelargonium capitatum and pets — frequently asked questions
Is pelargonium capitatum toxic to cats?
Pelargonium capitatum (Pelargonium capitatum) is toxic to cats according to the ASPCA. The ASPCA lists scented geranium (Pelargonium sp.) as toxic to cats and dogs. The essential oils geraniol and linalool cause vomiting, anorexia, depression and dermatitis; cats are most sensitive and may develop ataxia, muscle weakness and hypothermia after larger exposures. Keep this rose-scented species away from pets and contact a vet if ingested. Keep it out of reach and contact your vet or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center on (888) 426-4435 if your cat chews it.
Is pelargonium capitatum toxic to dogs?
Per the ASPCA, Pelargonium capitatum (Pelargonium capitatum) is toxic to dogs. Dogs often chew more enthusiastically than cats, so a toxic plant like pelargonium capitatum is best removed from the floor and low shelves entirely.
What happens if my pet eats pelargonium capitatum?
The ASPCA lists scented geranium (Pelargonium sp.) as toxic to cats and dogs. The essential oils geraniol and linalool cause vomiting, anorexia, depression and dermatitis; cats are most sensitive and may develop ataxia, muscle weakness and hypothermia after larger exposures. Keep this rose-scented species away from pets and contact a vet if ingested. Signs usually appear soon after chewing rather than hours later. If you see drooling, pawing at the mouth, head-shaking, vomiting, loss of appetite, or unusual lethargy after your pet has had access to pelargonium capitatum, treat it as a suspected ingestion and act on the steps below.
What should I do if my cat or dog ate pelargonium capitatum?
Stay calm. Remove any remaining plant material from your pet's mouth and take the plant away so they cannot eat more. Note roughly how much was eaten and when. Do not make your pet vomit 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. Bringing a photo or a leaf of pelargonium capitatum to the appointment helps the vet treat it correctly.
What are pet-safe alternatives to pelargonium capitatum?
If you want a similar look without the risk, good non-toxic swaps include basil, herb garden, rosemary, thyme. All of these are listed as non-toxic to cats and dogs by the ASPCA, so they suit a home where pets have access to your plants.
Full pelargonium capitatum care
Pet-safety is one piece of the picture. For light, watering, soil, and troubleshooting, see the complete pelargonium capitatum care guide, or browse the full pet-safe plant library to check another plant before you buy it.