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Is Long-leaved Pelargonium toxic to cats?

Pelargonium longifolium

Toxic to cats

Yes — long-leaved 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 spp. (Geranium/Pelargonium) as toxic to cats, dogs, and horses, with geraniol and linalool identified as toxic principles. Ingestion causes vomiting, anorexia, depression, and skin/coat dermatitis; cats are most sensitive.

What to do if your cat ate long-leaved pelargonium

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

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

Is long-leaved pelargonium toxic to cats? — FAQ

Is long-leaved pelargonium toxic to cats?

Yes — long-leaved 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 spp. (Geranium/Pelargonium) as toxic to cats, dogs, and horses, with geraniol and linalool identified as toxic principles. Ingestion causes vomiting, anorexia, depression, and skin/coat dermatitis; cats are most sensitive.

What are the symptoms if a cat eats long-leaved pelargonium?

ASPCA lists Pelargonium spp. (Geranium/Pelargonium) as toxic to cats, dogs, and horses, with geraniol and linalool identified as toxic principles. Ingestion causes vomiting, anorexia, depression, and skin/coat dermatitis; cats are most sensitive. 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 long-leaved pelargonium.

What should I do if my cat ate long-leaved 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 long-leaved pelargonium toxic to dogs too?

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

What is a cat-safe alternative to long-leaved 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 long-leaved pelargonium pet-safety