Pet safety
Is Geranium phaeum 'Album' toxic to cats?
Geranium phaeum 'Album'
Mildly. The ASPCA lists geranium phaeum 'album' as mildly toxic to cats — a chewing cat typically gets mouth irritation, drooling, and vomiting rather than a medical emergency, but it is still best kept out of reach. This classification follows the ASPCA Toxic and Non-Toxic Plant List. The ASPCA's toxic 'Geranium' / 'Scented Geranium' listings cover Pelargonium species (geraniol and linalool), not the true cranesbills. Geranium phaeum is not individually listed by the ASPCA; hardy geraniums are broadly regarded as non-toxic to cats and dogs, but absent a specific ASPCA non-toxic listing 'Album' is rated mildly-toxic as a precaution. Verify with a vet and discourage pets from grazing the leaves.
What to do if your cat ate geranium phaeum 'album'
- Remove any plant material from your cat's mouth and move geranium phaeum 'album' 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 geranium phaeum 'album' to the appointment so it can be treated correctly.
General guidance, not veterinary advice. If you think your cat has eaten geranium phaeum 'album', contact your vet or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center on (888) 426-4435 — do not wait for symptoms to worsen.
Is geranium phaeum 'album' toxic to cats? — FAQ
Is geranium phaeum 'album' toxic to cats?
Mildly. The ASPCA lists geranium phaeum 'album' as mildly toxic to cats — a chewing cat typically gets mouth irritation, drooling, and vomiting rather than a medical emergency, but it is still best kept out of reach. The ASPCA's toxic 'Geranium' / 'Scented Geranium' listings cover Pelargonium species (geraniol and linalool), not the true cranesbills. Geranium phaeum is not individually listed by the ASPCA; hardy geraniums are broadly regarded as non-toxic to cats and dogs, but absent a specific ASPCA non-toxic listing 'Album' is rated mildly-toxic as a precaution. Verify with a vet and discourage pets from grazing the leaves.
What are the symptoms if a cat eats geranium phaeum 'album'?
The ASPCA's toxic 'Geranium' / 'Scented Geranium' listings cover Pelargonium species (geraniol and linalool), not the true cranesbills. Geranium phaeum is not individually listed by the ASPCA; hardy geraniums are broadly regarded as non-toxic to cats and dogs, but absent a specific ASPCA non-toxic listing 'Album' is rated mildly-toxic as a precaution. Verify with a vet and discourage pets from grazing the leaves. 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 phaeum 'album'.
What should I do if my cat ate geranium phaeum 'album'?
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 phaeum 'album' toxic to dogs too?
The ASPCA classification Growli uses applies to both cats and dogs: Geranium phaeum 'Album' is mildly toxic to dogs as well. See the full geranium phaeum 'album' pet-safety guide for both species.
What is a cat-safe alternative to geranium phaeum 'album'?
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 phaeum 'album' pet-safety
- Is geranium phaeum 'album' toxic to cats and dogs? — the full guide for both pets
- Is geranium phaeum 'album' toxic to dogs?
- My cat ate geranium phaeum 'album' — emergency steps
- Best cats-safe plants — the full ASPCA non-toxic list
- Complete geranium phaeum 'album' care guide