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Is Geranium sylvaticum toxic to cats?

Geranium sylvaticum

Mildly toxic to cats

Mildly. The ASPCA lists geranium sylvaticum 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 true Geranium genus (hardy cranesbills) is not individually listed on the ASPCA toxic plant database; the ASPCA 'Geranium' entry actually refers to Pelargonium (scented/bedding geranium), which is toxic via geraniol and linalool. Cranesbills are widely regarded as non-toxic, but because Geranium sylvaticum is not specifically ASPCA-listed, treat with caution and verify with a vet before assuming pet-safe.

What to do if your cat ate geranium sylvaticum

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

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

Is geranium sylvaticum toxic to cats? — FAQ

Is geranium sylvaticum toxic to cats?

Mildly. The ASPCA lists geranium sylvaticum 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 true Geranium genus (hardy cranesbills) is not individually listed on the ASPCA toxic plant database; the ASPCA 'Geranium' entry actually refers to Pelargonium (scented/bedding geranium), which is toxic via geraniol and linalool. Cranesbills are widely regarded as non-toxic, but because Geranium sylvaticum is not specifically ASPCA-listed, treat with caution and verify with a vet before assuming pet-safe.

What are the symptoms if a cat eats geranium sylvaticum?

The true Geranium genus (hardy cranesbills) is not individually listed on the ASPCA toxic plant database; the ASPCA 'Geranium' entry actually refers to Pelargonium (scented/bedding geranium), which is toxic via geraniol and linalool. Cranesbills are widely regarded as non-toxic, but because Geranium sylvaticum is not specifically ASPCA-listed, treat with caution and verify with a vet before assuming pet-safe. 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 sylvaticum.

What should I do if my cat ate geranium sylvaticum?

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 sylvaticum toxic to dogs too?

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

What is a cat-safe alternative to geranium sylvaticum?

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 sylvaticum pet-safety