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Is Geranium (pelargonium) toxic to cats?

Pelargonium × hortorum

Toxic to cats

Yes — geranium (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 as toxic to cats, dogs, and horses due to geraniol and linalool. Symptoms include vomiting, depression, and dermatitis. True hardy geraniums (Geranium) are not toxic.

What to do if your cat ate geranium (pelargonium)

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

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

Is geranium (pelargonium) toxic to cats? — FAQ

Is geranium (pelargonium) toxic to cats?

Yes — geranium (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 as toxic to cats, dogs, and horses due to geraniol and linalool. Symptoms include vomiting, depression, and dermatitis. True hardy geraniums (Geranium) are not toxic.

What are the symptoms if a cat eats geranium (pelargonium)?

ASPCA lists Pelargonium as toxic to cats, dogs, and horses due to geraniol and linalool. Symptoms include vomiting, depression, and dermatitis. True hardy geraniums (Geranium) are not toxic. 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 geranium (pelargonium).

What should I do if my cat ate geranium (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 geranium (pelargonium) toxic to dogs too?

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

What is a cat-safe alternative to geranium (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 geranium (pelargonium) pet-safety