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Pet safety

Is Coconut-Scented Geranium toxic to cats?

Pelargonium grossularioides

Toxic to cats

Yes — coconut-scented geranium is toxic to cats according to the ASPCA. Keep it well away from any cat that chews plants; reactions can be significant. This classification follows the ASPCA Toxic and Non-Toxic Plant List. The ASPCA lists geranium (Pelargonium spp.) as toxic to cats, dogs and horses, with geraniol and linalool as the toxic principles; ingestion can cause vomiting, anorexia, depression and dermatitis, and cats are especially sensitive. Keep away from pets.

What to do if your cat ate coconut-scented geranium

  1. Remove any plant material from your cat's mouth and move coconut-scented geranium out of reach.
  2. Note how much was eaten and when, and watch for drooling, vomiting, or lethargy.
  3. Do not induce vomiting unless a vet or poison-control specialist instructs you to.
  4. Call your vet or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center on (888) 426-4435 and follow their advice.
  5. Bring a leaf or photo of coconut-scented geranium to the appointment so it can be treated correctly.

General guidance, not veterinary advice. If you think your cat has eaten coconut-scented geranium, contact your vet or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center on (888) 426-4435 — do not wait for symptoms to worsen.

Is coconut-scented geranium toxic to cats? — FAQ

Is coconut-scented geranium toxic to cats?

Yes — coconut-scented geranium is toxic to cats according to the ASPCA. Keep it well away from any cat that chews plants; reactions can be significant. The ASPCA lists geranium (Pelargonium spp.) as toxic to cats, dogs and horses, with geraniol and linalool as the toxic principles; ingestion can cause vomiting, anorexia, depression and dermatitis, and cats are especially sensitive. Keep away from pets.

What are the symptoms if a cat eats coconut-scented geranium?

The ASPCA lists geranium (Pelargonium spp.) as toxic to cats, dogs and horses, with geraniol and linalool as the toxic principles; ingestion can cause vomiting, anorexia, depression and dermatitis, and cats are especially sensitive. Keep away from pets. Signs usually appear soon after chewing rather than hours later — watch for drooling, pawing at the mouth, vomiting, loss of appetite, or unusual lethargy after your cat has had access to coconut-scented geranium.

What should I do if my cat ate coconut-scented geranium?

Stay calm. Remove any plant from your cat's mouth and take the plant away. Note how much was eaten and when, and do not induce vomiting unless told to. Call your vet or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center on (888) 426-4435 and follow their advice; a leaf or photo helps the vet treat it correctly.

Is coconut-scented geranium toxic to dogs too?

The ASPCA classification Growli uses applies to both cats and dogs: Coconut-Scented Geranium is toxic to dogs as well. See the full coconut-scented geranium pet-safety guide for both species.

What is a cat-safe alternative to coconut-scented geranium?

For a similar look without the risk, see the best cats-safe plants list — every plant there is ASPCA non-toxic to cats and dogs.

Full coconut-scented geranium pet-safety