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Is Pelargonium 'Fragrans Variegatum' toxic to cats?

Pelargonium 'Fragrans Variegatum'

Toxic to cats

Yes — pelargonium 'fragrans variegatum' 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 scented geranium (Pelargonium sp.) as toxic to cats and dogs. Its essential oils, geraniol and linalool, cause vomiting, anorexia, depression and dermatitis; cats are most sensitive and may show ataxia, weakness and hypothermia in larger exposures. Keep this variegated nutmeg geranium away from pets and seek veterinary care if eaten.

What to do if your cat ate pelargonium 'fragrans variegatum'

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

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

Is pelargonium 'fragrans variegatum' toxic to cats? — FAQ

Is pelargonium 'fragrans variegatum' toxic to cats?

Yes — pelargonium 'fragrans variegatum' 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 scented geranium (Pelargonium sp.) as toxic to cats and dogs. Its essential oils, geraniol and linalool, cause vomiting, anorexia, depression and dermatitis; cats are most sensitive and may show ataxia, weakness and hypothermia in larger exposures. Keep this variegated nutmeg geranium away from pets and seek veterinary care if eaten.

What are the symptoms if a cat eats pelargonium 'fragrans variegatum'?

The ASPCA lists scented geranium (Pelargonium sp.) as toxic to cats and dogs. Its essential oils, geraniol and linalool, cause vomiting, anorexia, depression and dermatitis; cats are most sensitive and may show ataxia, weakness and hypothermia in larger exposures. Keep this variegated nutmeg geranium away from pets and seek veterinary care if eaten. 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 'fragrans variegatum'.

What should I do if my cat ate pelargonium 'fragrans variegatum'?

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 'fragrans variegatum' toxic to dogs too?

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

What is a cat-safe alternative to pelargonium 'fragrans variegatum'?

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 'fragrans variegatum' pet-safety