# Is Citronella Plant Toxic to Cats? Geranium Risk Is citronella plant toxic to cats? It depends on which plant you mean. The plant sold as a "citronella plant" or "mosquito plant" is usually a scented geranium, and geraniums are toxic to cats [1][2]. True citronella grass is a different species, and the oil from it is used in pet products at controlled levels [3]. This article is educational and is not a substitute for veterinary diagnosis or treatment. ## Quick Answer - The common "citronella plant" sold in garden centers is a Pelargonium (scented geranium), which the ASPCA lists as toxic to cats and dogs [1][2]. - Toxic principles in geraniums include geraniol and linalool, plus other essential oils [1][2]. - True citronella grass (Cymbopogon nardus) is a separate plant. Its oil has a documented safe use level in cat feed, but that does not make the raw plant safe to chew [3]. - Signs of geranium poisoning are mostly stomach upset, with vomiting and loss of appetite being the most common [1][2]. - If your cat ate any part of a citronella geranium, call your veterinarian, the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at (888) 426-4435, or Pet Poison Helpline at (855) 764-7661. Do not make your cat vomit unless a veterinarian tells you to. ## Is Citronella Plant Toxic to Cats? The Name Problem The confusion starts at the store. A plant labeled "citronella" is often a scented geranium, Pelargonium species, bred for leaves that smell like citronella. It is not the same plant as true citronella grass. The ASPCA lists geranium (Pelargonium species) as toxic to dogs, cats, and horses [1]. The same organization lists scented geranium (Pelargonium sp.) as toxic to dogs and cats [2]. Both records name essential oils as the toxic principle, and the geranium record names geraniol and linalool specifically [1][2]. True citronella grass is Cymbopogon nardus. It is a tropical grass, not a geranium. Its essential oil is used as a mosquito repellent and has been tested for antifungal activity [4][5]. A European safety review set a safe use level for citronella oil in complete feed for cats at 2.0 mg/kg [3]. That is a measured amount in manufactured feed, not a handful of leaves from a windowsill pot. So the honest answer has two parts. If your "citronella plant" is a scented geranium, it is toxic to your cat [1][2]. If it is true citronella grass, the raw plant is not on the ASPCA toxic list, but eating a lot of any plant can still cause stomach upset, and concentrated oils are a different matter. ### Is Citronella Geranium Toxic to Cats? Yes. The citronella geranium is a Pelargonium, and Pelargonium species are toxic to cats [1][2]. This is the plant most people actually own when they say "citronella plant." ### Is Citronella Grass Toxic to Cats? True citronella grass (Cymbopogon nardus) is not the same plant as a geranium. Citronella oil from this grass has an established safe use level in cat feed at 2.0 mg/kg [3]. That finding applies to a regulated amount of oil in food, not to a cat chewing on a grass plant. Keep concentrated oils away from cats regardless. ### Is Citronella Harmful to Cats in Candles, Sprays, and Diffusers? The plant record covers the plant. Concentrated essential oils are a separate risk. Geranium rose oil, which comes from a Pelargonium species, is considered an irritant to skin and eyes and a skin and respiratory sensitizer [6]. Cats are especially sensitive to many essential oils because their liver clears certain compounds slowly. A diffuser, a spray, or a candle that puts oil into the air your cat breathes is not a safe way to use these products around a cat. ## Which Parts and Products Are a Problem Every part of a geranium plant carries the same essential oils. Leaves, stems, flowers, and roots all contain them. A cat that nibbles a leaf, bats at a flower, or digs in the soil and then grooms a paw can be exposed. Products to watch for include: - Potted citronella geraniums indoors or on a patio - Cut geranium flowers in a vase - Geranium essential oil bottles, including "rose geranium" oil - Homemade bug sprays made with geranium or citronella oil - Diffusers, room sprays, and candles with these oils - Compost or garden clippings your cat can reach If you want a broader list of plants to avoid, see [Plants Toxic To Cats](/knowledge/veterinary-medicine/toxicology-and-food-safety/plants-toxic-to-cats) and [House Plants Toxic To Cat](/knowledge/veterinary-medicine/toxicology-and-food-safety/house-plants-toxic-to-cat). ## The Toxic Principle and What It Does in the Body The ASPCA names geraniol and linalool as the toxic principles in geranium [1]. The scented geranium record lists essential oils more generally [2]. These are the same compounds that give the plant its strong smell. When a cat eats plant material, those oils contact the mouth, stomach, and intestine. That direct contact is what drives the vomiting and appetite loss seen most often [1][2]. The oils can also be absorbed, and in larger exposures the nervous system can be affected. The ASPCA notes that larger exposures could cause ataxia, muscle weakness, depression, or hypothermia, and that cats are the most sensitive species for this effect [2]. Skin contact matters too. Geranium can cause dermatitis, meaning irritated skin [1]. Geranium rose oil is classified as a skin and eye irritant and a respiratory sensitizer [6]. A cat that brushes against a crushed plant or lies in a spot where oil was sprayed can develop irritated skin or breathing irritation. ## Signs of Geranium Poisoning in Cats The most common signs are stomach and gut signs. Watch for: - Vomiting - Not eating or eating much less (anorexia) - Low energy or depression - Drooling or pawing at the mouth - Diarrhea - Irritated or red skin where contact happened With larger exposures, signs can move beyond the gut. The ASPCA lists ataxia (wobbling or poor coordination), muscle weakness, depression, and hypothermia (low body temperature) [2]. ### How Fast Do Signs Show Up? Signs usually appear within a few hours of eating the plant. Vomiting is often the first thing you notice because the oils irritate the stomach directly [1][2]. Nervous system signs tend to follow larger exposures and may take longer to show. If your cat ate a geranium and looks normal, do not assume nothing will happen. Call for advice and keep watching for at least the rest of the day. ## What to Do Right Now Stay calm and act quickly. 1. Move your cat away from the plant. Put the plant out of reach or in a closed room. 2. Check your cat's mouth. Look for plant pieces, and wipe away any visible material with a damp cloth if your cat will allow it. 3. Save the evidence. Take a photo of the plant and note how much seems to be missing. Identification helps the veterinarian. 4. Call for guidance. Reach your veterinarian, the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at (888) 426-4435, or Pet Poison Helpline at (855) 764-7661. 5. Do not induce vomiting unless a veterinarian tells you to. Making a cat vomit at home can cause choking, aspiration, or other harm. 6. Do not give food, milk, oil, or home remedies to "soak up" the plant unless a veterinarian directs it. If your cat is having trouble breathing, is collapsing, is having seizures, or cannot stand, treat it as an emergency and go to the nearest veterinary hospital now. ## How Veterinarians Treat Geranium Poisoning Treatment depends on what your cat ate, how much, and how it looks. Your veterinarian will start with a physical exam and questions about the plant and the timing. Common steps include: - Decontamination. If the exposure was recent and your cat is stable, the veterinarian may induce vomiting or give activated charcoal. This is a medical decision, not a home remedy. - Supportive care. Fluids under the skin or into a vein help with dehydration from vomiting. Anti-nausea medication and stomach protectors ease gut signs. - Symptom monitoring. If nervous system signs are present, your cat may need to stay for observation, warmth, and repeated checks. - Skin care. For dermatitis, the area is gently cleaned and treated. If oil got on the coat, a veterinarian may recommend a safe bathing method. - Blood work. This is not specific for geranium, but it helps rule out other problems and check organ function in a sick cat. The dose of any medication is calculated by your veterinarian from your cat's weight and health. Never use a dose meant for a person or a dog. ## Outlook After Exposure Most cats that eat a small amount of geranium do well with supportive care. Vomiting and appetite loss usually improve within a day or two once the plant material is out of the stomach and the cat is hydrated. The outlook is less certain with large exposures or when nervous system signs appear. The ASPCA notes that cats are the most sensitive species for effects like ataxia, weakness, depression, and hypothermia [2]. Those cases need closer monitoring and sometimes a hospital stay. Skin irritation from contact usually settles once the oil is removed and the skin is kept clean [1]. ## Prevention and Safer Alternatives The simplest prevention is to keep geraniums out of your cat's world. That means no citronella geraniums on the windowsill, the patio table, or the balcony rail if your cat goes outside. Other steps: - Skip essential oil diffusers and sprays in rooms your cat uses. Geranium rose oil is a respiratory sensitizer [6]. - Store oils in closed cabinets, not on counters. - Rinse your hands after handling geraniums or their oils. - Check new plants before you bring them home. If you are unsure of the species, look it up or ask the seller for the scientific name. - Choose cat-safe plants instead. Spider plants are a common question, and you can read more at [Are Spider Plants Toxic To Cats](/knowledge/veterinary-medicine/toxicology-and-food-safety/are-spider-plants-toxic-to-cats). If you want to identify a plant you already own, photo guides help. See [House Plants Toxic To Cats Pictures](/knowledge/veterinary-medicine/toxicology-and-food-safety/house-plants-toxic-to-cats-pictures) and [What Plants Can Be Toxic To Cats](/knowledge/veterinary-medicine/toxicology-and-food-safety/what-plants-can-be-toxic-to-cats). For mosquito control, do not rely on a plant to protect your cat. Use screens, keep standing water out of the yard, and talk to your veterinarian about cat-safe repellent options. Citronella oil has been studied as a mosquito repellent in dogs, but that work does not translate into a safe home remedy for cats [5]. ## Limitations and When to Contact a Veterinarian This article covers general information. Your cat is an individual, and only a veterinarian who examines your cat can give you a diagnosis and a treatment plan. Call your veterinarian or a poison control line the same day if: - You saw your cat eat any part of a citronella geranium - Your cat vomited once or twice, or has a poor appetite - You are not sure which plant your cat chewed - Your cat has irritated skin or eyes after contact Go to an emergency hospital now if: - Your cat is having trouble breathing - Your cat is wobbly, weak, or cannot stand - Your cat is having seizures or is unresponsive - Your cat's gums look pale or its body feels cold - Vomiting will not stop Schedule a routine visit if your cat had mild signs that have resolved, so your veterinarian can confirm a full recovery and review your home for other hazards. ## Frequently Asked Questions ### Is citronella geranium toxic to cats? Yes. The citronella geranium is a Pelargonium species, and the ASPCA lists geranium and scented geranium as toxic to cats [1][2]. Eating any part can cause vomiting, appetite loss, and depression. Larger exposures can affect coordination and body temperature. ### Is citronella harmful to cats in a diffuser? Concentrated oils are a real concern around cats. Geranium rose oil is classified as a skin and eye irritant and a respiratory sensitizer [6]. Cats also clear many essential oil compounds slowly. Keep diffusers and oil sprays out of rooms your cat uses. ### Is citronella grass toxic to cats? True citronella grass is Cymbopogon nardus, a different plant from the geranium sold as a citronella plant. Citronella oil from this grass has a documented safe use level in cat feed [3]. That does not mean a cat should chew the plant or lick concentrated oil. ### Is geranium toxic to cats and dogs? Yes. The ASPCA lists geranium as toxic to dogs, cats, and horses, and scented geranium as toxic to dogs and cats [1][2]. Signs in both species are mostly stomach upset, with nervous system signs possible in larger exposures. ### What should I do if my cat ate a citronella plant? Call your veterinarian, the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at (888) 426-4435, or Pet Poison Helpline at (855) 764-7661 right away. Do not induce vomiting unless a veterinarian tells you to. Bring a photo of the plant and note how much your cat may have eaten. ## Related Articles - [Plants Toxic To Cats](/knowledge/veterinary-medicine/toxicology-and-food-safety/plants-toxic-to-cats) - [House Plants Toxic To Cat](/knowledge/veterinary-medicine/toxicology-and-food-safety/house-plants-toxic-to-cat) - [What Plants Can Be Toxic To Cats](/knowledge/veterinary-medicine/toxicology-and-food-safety/what-plants-can-be-toxic-to-cats) - [House Plants Toxic To Cats Pictures](/knowledge/veterinary-medicine/toxicology-and-food-safety/house-plants-toxic-to-cats-pictures) - [Are Spider Plants Toxic To Cats](/knowledge/veterinary-medicine/toxicology-and-food-safety/are-spider-plants-toxic-to-cats) - [What Plants Are Toxic To Cats Indoor](/knowledge/veterinary-medicine/toxicology-and-food-safety/what-plants-are-toxic-to-cats-indoor) - [Are Geraniums Toxic to Cats?](/knowledge/veterinary-medicine/toxicology-and-food-safety/geraniums-toxic-cats) - [Is Citronella Oil Toxic to Cats? Candles and Sprays](/knowledge/veterinary-medicine/toxicology-and-food-safety/citronella-oil-toxic-cats) - [Is Pelargonium Toxic to Cats? Geranium Poisoning Signs](/knowledge/veterinary-medicine/toxicology-and-food-safety/pelargonium-toxic-cats) ## References 1. [Toxic and Non-toxic Plants: Geranium](https://www.aspca.org/pet-care/aspca-poison-control/toxic-and-non-toxic-plants/geranium). ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center. 2. [Toxic and Non-toxic Plants: Scented Geranium](https://www.aspca.org/pet-care/aspca-poison-control/toxic-and-non-toxic-plants/scented-geranium). ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center. 3. [Safety and efficacy of a feed additive consisting of an essential oil derived from the leaves of Cymbopogon nardus (L.) Rendle (citronella oil) for use in all animal species (FEFANA asbl)](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38784838/). EFSA journal. European Food Safety Authority, 2024. 4. [ANTIFUNGAL ACTIVITY OF Cymbopogon nardus (L.) Rendle (CITRONELLA) AGAINST Microsporum canis FROM ANIMALS AND HOME ENVIRONMENT](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27049705/). Revista do Instituto de Medicina Tropical de Sao Paulo, 2015. 5. [In vivo mosquito repellency effect of citronella (Cymbopogon nardus (L.) Rendle) essential oil bath bomb formulation in dogs](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39185036/). Veterinary world, 2024. 6. [Safety and efficacy of a feed additive consisting of an essential oil from the herbaceous parts of Pelargonium graveolens L'Hér. (geranium rose oil) for all animal species (FEFANA asbl)](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37522103/). EFSA journal. European Food Safety Authority, 2023. ## Further Reading - [ASPCA: Toxic and Non-Toxic Plants List](https://www.aspca.org/pet-care/aspca-poison-control/toxic-and-non-toxic-plants) - [ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center](https://www.aspca.org/pet-care/animal-poison-control) - [ASPCA: People Foods to Avoid Feeding Your Pets](https://www.aspca.org/pet-care/aspca-poison-control/people-foods-avoid-feeding-your-pets)