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Pet safety

Is Nutmeg Geranium toxic to cats?

Pelargonium x fragrans

Toxic to cats

Yes — nutmeg geranium 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. The ASPCA classifies geranium (Pelargonium spp.) as toxic to cats, dogs and horses due to geraniol and linalool; signs include vomiting, anorexia, depression and skin dermatitis, with cats most sensitive. Site it out of reach of pets.

What to do if your cat ate nutmeg geranium

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

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

Is nutmeg geranium toxic to cats? — FAQ

Is nutmeg geranium toxic to cats?

Yes — nutmeg geranium is toxic to cats according to the ASPCA. Keep it well away from any cat that chews plants; reactions can be significant. The ASPCA classifies geranium (Pelargonium spp.) as toxic to cats, dogs and horses due to geraniol and linalool; signs include vomiting, anorexia, depression and skin dermatitis, with cats most sensitive. Site it out of reach of pets.

What are the symptoms if a cat eats nutmeg geranium?

The ASPCA classifies geranium (Pelargonium spp.) as toxic to cats, dogs and horses due to geraniol and linalool; signs include vomiting, anorexia, depression and skin dermatitis, with cats most sensitive. Site it out of reach of pets. 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 nutmeg geranium.

What should I do if my cat ate nutmeg geranium?

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 nutmeg geranium toxic to dogs too?

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

What is a cat-safe alternative to nutmeg geranium?

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 nutmeg geranium pet-safety