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Is Pelargonium citronellum toxic to cats?

Pelargonium citronellum

Toxic to cats

Yes — pelargonium citronellum 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 lists Geranium / Scented Geranium (Pelargonium spp.) as toxic to cats, dogs and horses. Toxic principles are geraniol and linalool; signs include vomiting, anorexia, depression and dermatitis, with cats most sensitive. Keep this plant away from pets.

What to do if your cat ate pelargonium citronellum

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

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

Is pelargonium citronellum toxic to cats? — FAQ

Is pelargonium citronellum toxic to cats?

Yes — pelargonium citronellum is toxic to cats according to the ASPCA. Keep it well away from any cat that chews plants; reactions can be significant. The ASPCA lists Geranium / Scented Geranium (Pelargonium spp.) as toxic to cats, dogs and horses. Toxic principles are geraniol and linalool; signs include vomiting, anorexia, depression and dermatitis, with cats most sensitive. Keep this plant away from pets.

What are the symptoms if a cat eats pelargonium citronellum?

The ASPCA lists Geranium / Scented Geranium (Pelargonium spp.) as toxic to cats, dogs and horses. Toxic principles are geraniol and linalool; signs include vomiting, anorexia, depression and dermatitis, with cats most sensitive. Keep this plant away from 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 pelargonium citronellum.

What should I do if my cat ate pelargonium citronellum?

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 citronellum toxic to dogs too?

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

What is a cat-safe alternative to pelargonium citronellum?

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 citronellum pet-safety