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Is Pelargonium carnosum toxic to cats?

Pelargonium carnosum

Toxic to cats

Yes — pelargonium carnosum 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. Toxic to cats and dogs. The ASPCA classifies Geranium and Scented Geranium (Pelargonium sp.) as toxic, with essential oils (geraniol and linalool) as the toxic principle. Expect GI upset and, in larger exposures, ataxia, muscle weakness, depression or hypothermia; cats are most sensitive.

What to do if your cat ate pelargonium carnosum

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

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

Is pelargonium carnosum toxic to cats? — FAQ

Is pelargonium carnosum toxic to cats?

Yes — pelargonium carnosum is toxic to cats according to the ASPCA. Keep it well away from any cat that chews plants; reactions can be significant. Toxic to cats and dogs. The ASPCA classifies Geranium and Scented Geranium (Pelargonium sp.) as toxic, with essential oils (geraniol and linalool) as the toxic principle. Expect GI upset and, in larger exposures, ataxia, muscle weakness, depression or hypothermia; cats are most sensitive.

What are the symptoms if a cat eats pelargonium carnosum?

Toxic to cats and dogs. The ASPCA classifies Geranium and Scented Geranium (Pelargonium sp.) as toxic, with essential oils (geraniol and linalool) as the toxic principle. Expect GI upset and, in larger exposures, ataxia, muscle weakness, depression or hypothermia; 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 pelargonium carnosum.

What should I do if my cat ate pelargonium carnosum?

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 pelargonium carnosum toxic to dogs too?

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

What is a cat-safe alternative to pelargonium carnosum?

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 pelargonium carnosum pet-safety