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Is Pelargonium odoratissimum toxic to cats?

Pelargonium odoratissimum

Toxic to cats

Yes — pelargonium odoratissimum 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. Toxic principles are the essential oils geraniol and linalool, causing vomiting, anorexia, depression and dermatitis; cats are most sensitive and larger exposures may cause ataxia, muscle weakness and hypothermia. Keep away from pets and contact a vet on ingestion.

What to do if your cat ate pelargonium odoratissimum

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

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

Is pelargonium odoratissimum toxic to cats? — FAQ

Is pelargonium odoratissimum toxic to cats?

Yes — pelargonium odoratissimum 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. Toxic principles are the essential oils geraniol and linalool, causing vomiting, anorexia, depression and dermatitis; cats are most sensitive and larger exposures may cause ataxia, muscle weakness and hypothermia. Keep away from pets and contact a vet on ingestion.

What are the symptoms if a cat eats pelargonium odoratissimum?

The ASPCA lists scented geranium (Pelargonium sp.) as toxic to cats and dogs. Toxic principles are the essential oils geraniol and linalool, causing vomiting, anorexia, depression and dermatitis; cats are most sensitive and larger exposures may cause ataxia, muscle weakness and hypothermia. Keep away from pets and contact a vet on ingestion. 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 odoratissimum.

What should I do if my cat ate pelargonium odoratissimum?

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 odoratissimum toxic to dogs too?

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

What is a cat-safe alternative to pelargonium odoratissimum?

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 odoratissimum pet-safety