Pet safety
Is Geranium sanguineum 'Max Frei' toxic to cats?
Geranium sanguineum 'Max Frei'
Mildly. The ASPCA lists geranium sanguineum 'max frei' 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 toxic 'Geranium' / 'Scented Geranium' listings apply to Pelargonium (geraniol and linalool), not to true cranesbills. Geranium sanguineum is not individually listed by the ASPCA; hardy geraniums are broadly considered non-toxic to cats and dogs, but without a specific ASPCA non-toxic listing 'Max Frei' is rated mildly-toxic as a precaution. Verify with a vet and prevent pets from grazing the foliage.
What to do if your cat ate geranium sanguineum 'max frei'
- Remove any plant material from your cat's mouth and move geranium sanguineum 'max frei' 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 sanguineum 'max frei' to the appointment so it can be treated correctly.
General guidance, not veterinary advice. If you think your cat has eaten geranium sanguineum 'max frei', contact your vet or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center on (888) 426-4435 — do not wait for symptoms to worsen.
Is geranium sanguineum 'max frei' toxic to cats? — FAQ
Is geranium sanguineum 'max frei' toxic to cats?
Mildly. The ASPCA lists geranium sanguineum 'max frei' 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 toxic 'Geranium' / 'Scented Geranium' listings apply to Pelargonium (geraniol and linalool), not to true cranesbills. Geranium sanguineum is not individually listed by the ASPCA; hardy geraniums are broadly considered non-toxic to cats and dogs, but without a specific ASPCA non-toxic listing 'Max Frei' is rated mildly-toxic as a precaution. Verify with a vet and prevent pets from grazing the foliage.
What are the symptoms if a cat eats geranium sanguineum 'max frei'?
The ASPCA toxic 'Geranium' / 'Scented Geranium' listings apply to Pelargonium (geraniol and linalool), not to true cranesbills. Geranium sanguineum is not individually listed by the ASPCA; hardy geraniums are broadly considered non-toxic to cats and dogs, but without a specific ASPCA non-toxic listing 'Max Frei' is rated mildly-toxic as a precaution. Verify with a vet and prevent pets from grazing the foliage. 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 sanguineum 'max frei'.
What should I do if my cat ate geranium sanguineum 'max frei'?
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 sanguineum 'max frei' toxic to dogs too?
The ASPCA classification Growli uses applies to both cats and dogs: Geranium sanguineum 'Max Frei' is mildly toxic to dogs as well. See the full geranium sanguineum 'max frei' pet-safety guide for both species.
What is a cat-safe alternative to geranium sanguineum 'max frei'?
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 sanguineum 'max frei' pet-safety
- Is geranium sanguineum 'max frei' toxic to cats and dogs? — the full guide for both pets
- Is geranium sanguineum 'max frei' toxic to dogs?
- My cat ate geranium sanguineum 'max frei' — emergency steps
- Best cats-safe plants — the full ASPCA non-toxic list
- Complete geranium sanguineum 'max frei' care guide