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Is Pelargonium quercifolium toxic to cats?

Pelargonium quercifolium

Toxic to cats

Yes — pelargonium quercifolium 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, with cats most sensitive; the toxic principle is the leaf essential oils. Ingestion usually causes vomiting and anorexia, with muscle weakness, depression or hypothermia in larger exposures. Keep out of reach of pets.

What to do if your cat ate pelargonium quercifolium

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

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

Is pelargonium quercifolium toxic to cats? — FAQ

Is pelargonium quercifolium toxic to cats?

Yes — pelargonium quercifolium 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, with cats most sensitive; the toxic principle is the leaf essential oils. Ingestion usually causes vomiting and anorexia, with muscle weakness, depression or hypothermia in larger exposures. Keep out of reach of pets.

What are the symptoms if a cat eats pelargonium quercifolium?

The ASPCA lists Scented Geranium (Pelargonium sp.) as toxic to cats and dogs, with cats most sensitive; the toxic principle is the leaf essential oils. Ingestion usually causes vomiting and anorexia, with muscle weakness, depression or hypothermia in larger exposures. Keep 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 pelargonium quercifolium.

What should I do if my cat ate pelargonium quercifolium?

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 quercifolium toxic to dogs too?

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

What is a cat-safe alternative to pelargonium quercifolium?

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 quercifolium pet-safety