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Is Pelargonium x asperum toxic to cats?

Pelargonium x asperum

Toxic to cats

Yes — pelargonium x asperum 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 despite culinary use of its leaves. The ASPCA classifies Scented Geranium (Pelargonium sp.) as toxic, the toxic principle being essential oils (geraniol and linalool). Signs are primarily GI upset, with ataxia, muscle weakness, depression or hypothermia in larger exposures; cats are most sensitive. Keep away from pets.

What to do if your cat ate pelargonium x asperum

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

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

Is pelargonium x asperum toxic to cats? — FAQ

Is pelargonium x asperum toxic to cats?

Yes — pelargonium x asperum 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 despite culinary use of its leaves. The ASPCA classifies Scented Geranium (Pelargonium sp.) as toxic, the toxic principle being essential oils (geraniol and linalool). Signs are primarily GI upset, with ataxia, muscle weakness, depression or hypothermia in larger exposures; cats are most sensitive. Keep away from pets.

What are the symptoms if a cat eats pelargonium x asperum?

Toxic to cats and dogs despite culinary use of its leaves. The ASPCA classifies Scented Geranium (Pelargonium sp.) as toxic, the toxic principle being essential oils (geraniol and linalool). Signs are primarily GI upset, with ataxia, muscle weakness, depression or hypothermia in larger exposures; cats are most sensitive. Keep 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 x asperum.

What should I do if my cat ate pelargonium x asperum?

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 x asperum toxic to dogs too?

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

What is a cat-safe alternative to pelargonium x asperum?

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 x asperum pet-safety