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Is Fiddle-leaf Pelargonium toxic to cats?

Pelargonium panduriforme

Toxic to cats

Yes — fiddle-leaf pelargonium 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. ASPCA lists Pelargonium species as toxic to cats, dogs, and horses. Geraniol and linalool are the toxic principles; signs of ingestion include vomiting, anorexia, depression, and dermatitis. Keep P. panduriforme away from all pets.

What to do if your cat ate fiddle-leaf pelargonium

  1. Remove any plant material from your cat's mouth and move fiddle-leaf pelargonium 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 fiddle-leaf pelargonium to the appointment so it can be treated correctly.

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

Is fiddle-leaf pelargonium toxic to cats? — FAQ

Is fiddle-leaf pelargonium toxic to cats?

Yes — fiddle-leaf pelargonium is toxic to cats according to the ASPCA. Keep it well away from any cat that chews plants; reactions can be significant. ASPCA lists Pelargonium species as toxic to cats, dogs, and horses. Geraniol and linalool are the toxic principles; signs of ingestion include vomiting, anorexia, depression, and dermatitis. Keep P. panduriforme away from all pets.

What are the symptoms if a cat eats fiddle-leaf pelargonium?

ASPCA lists Pelargonium species as toxic to cats, dogs, and horses. Geraniol and linalool are the toxic principles; signs of ingestion include vomiting, anorexia, depression, and dermatitis. Keep P. panduriforme away from all 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 fiddle-leaf pelargonium.

What should I do if my cat ate fiddle-leaf pelargonium?

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 fiddle-leaf pelargonium toxic to dogs too?

The ASPCA classification Growli uses applies to both cats and dogs: Fiddle-leaf Pelargonium is toxic to dogs as well. See the full fiddle-leaf pelargonium pet-safety guide for both species.

What is a cat-safe alternative to fiddle-leaf pelargonium?

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 fiddle-leaf pelargonium pet-safety