# Is Pelargonium Toxic to Cats? Geranium Poisoning Signs Is pelargonium toxic to cats? Yes. The plants commonly sold as garden geraniums and scented geraniums (Pelargonium species) are listed as toxic to cats, and the toxic principles are the oils geraniol and linalool [1][2]. Most exposures cause stomach upset and skin irritation, and serious problems are uncommon, but scented geraniums carry a higher risk because their leaves are loaded with essential oils [2]. This article is educational and is not a substitute for veterinary diagnosis or treatment. ## Quick Answer - All parts of Pelargonium plants (leaves, stems, flowers) are considered toxic to cats, with the leaves and stems holding most of the oil [1][2]. - Typical signs are vomiting, drooling, refusing food, low mood, and skin irritation where the plant touched the coat or mouth [1]. - Scented geraniums can cause more than stomach upset. Larger exposures may lead to wobbliness, muscle weakness, depression, or a low body temperature, and cats are the most sensitive species [2]. - Essential oils and diffusers made from geranium are a separate and often bigger risk than the plant itself, because concentrated oil is easy for a cat to inhale or lick off the coat. - If your cat ate geranium leaves, call your veterinarian, the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at (888) 426-4435, or Pet Poison Helpline at (855) 764-7661. Do not induce vomiting unless a veterinarian tells you to. ## Is Pelargonium Toxic to Cats? Yes. Pelargonium species, the plants most Americans call geraniums, are listed as toxic to cats, dogs, and horses [1]. The same is true for scented geraniums, which are also Pelargonium species and are listed as toxic to cats and dogs [2]. ### Garden Geraniums vs. Scented Geraniums Garden geraniums are the bedding plants with bright red, pink, or white flower clusters that fill window boxes and porch pots. Scented geraniums are close relatives grown for fragrant leaves that smell like rose, lemon, mint, or apple. Both belong to the genus Pelargonium, and both appear on toxic plant lists [1][2]. The difference matters for how sick a cat can get. The standard geranium record lists vomiting, loss of appetite, depression, and dermatitis as the expected signs [1]. The scented geranium record notes primarily stomach upset, but also lists wobbliness, muscle weakness, depression, or low body temperature after larger exposures, and states that cats are most sensitive [2]. ### Which Parts and Products Matter The leaves and stems contain the highest concentration of the aromatic oils, and that is where most of the risk sits. Chewing a leaf or two is the most common exposure. Flowers and roots are less likely to be eaten in quantity, though a bored cat may nibble whatever is within reach. Geranium essential oil, sometimes sold as geranium rose oil, is a concentrated product. It is classified as an irritant to skin and eyes and as a skin and respiratory sensitizer [3]. That means direct contact can inflame skin, and inhaling the vapor can irritate airways. A cat walking through a spill then grooming the oil off its paws can swallow a meaningful amount. Diffusers deserve a mention. Cats have small bodies and efficient grooming habits, so oil that settles on the coat gets swallowed. If you use geranium oil in a diffuser, keep the room ventilated and keep the bottle and the diffuser out of reach. If you are sorting through a whole windowsill of plants, [Plants Toxic To Cats](/knowledge/veterinary-medicine/toxicology-and-food-safety/plants-toxic-to-cats) and [Flowers That Are Toxic To Cats](/knowledge/veterinary-medicine/toxicology-and-food-safety/flowers-that-are-toxic-to-cats) cover other common offenders. ## What Is the Toxic Principle and What Does It Do? The toxic principles in geranium are geraniol and linalool, two fragrant alcohol compounds found in the plant's essential oil [1]. Scented geranium records list essential oils generally as the toxic principle [2]. When a cat chews a leaf, these oils contact the mouth, throat, and stomach lining. That direct irritation is what triggers drooling and vomiting. Oils that reach the skin can cause contact dermatitis, which shows up as redness, crusting, or itchiness around the muzzle, chin, and paws [1]. When a larger amount is swallowed, the oil is absorbed and can affect the nervous system. That is when wobbliness, weakness, depression, or a drop in body temperature can appear [2]. These effects are described mainly for scented geraniums and larger exposures, and cats are noted as the most sensitive species [2]. It helps to know what geranium poisoning is not. It is not the same as antifreeze poisoning, which destroys the kidneys and is often fatal, and which has been documented in cats as a cause of death in cruelty cases [4]. Geranium exposure does not cause that kind of kidney damage. It is also not in the same category as lilies, which can cause fatal kidney failure in cats after very small exposures. If you are unsure which plant your cat chewed, treat it as urgent until a veterinarian says otherwise. ## Signs of Pelargonium Poisoning in Cats Signs usually track with how much plant material was eaten and how much oil it contained. ### Common Signs - Vomiting, sometimes within minutes to a couple of hours of chewing [1] - Drooling or foamy saliva from mouth irritation [1] - Refusing food or eating less than usual (anorexia) [1] - Acting dull, quiet, or withdrawn (depression) [1] - Red, irritated, or crusty skin on the muzzle, chin, or paws after contact (dermatitis) [1] ### Signs That Need Faster Care - Wobbliness or an unsteady walk (ataxia) [2] - Muscle weakness or reluctance to stand [2] - Marked depression or unresponsiveness [2] - A body temperature that feels low to the touch (hypothermia) [2] These stronger signs are listed for scented geranium exposure and are more likely after a larger ingestion, and cats are the most sensitive species [2]. ### Timeline Vomiting and drooling tend to show up within a few hours of chewing a leaf. Skin irritation may take a day or two to become obvious, since it builds with repeated contact. Nervous system signs, when they happen, follow a larger exposure and can develop over several hours. If your cat chewed a leaf more than 12 hours ago and is eating, drinking, and acting normally, the risk of a serious problem is low, but keep watching for a full day. ## What to Do Right Now Stay calm and act in order. 1. Move your cat away from the plant and put the plant out of reach. 2. Check the mouth and coat. If leaves or oil are on the fur, wipe the area with a damp cloth and mild dish soap, then rinse. Do not scrub irritated skin. 3. Note what was eaten and when. A photo of the plant helps your veterinarian identify the species. 4. Call for advice. Reach your veterinarian, the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at (888) 426-4435, or Pet Poison Helpline at (855) 764-7661. Both poison control lines charge a consultation fee and can guide you and your vet together. 5. Do not induce vomiting unless a veterinarian tells you to. Making a cat vomit at home can cause aspiration, choke the airway, or worsen mouth irritation from the oils. If your cat is wobbling, weak, unresponsive, or breathing oddly, skip the phone call and go to the nearest emergency clinic. ## How Veterinarians Treat Geranium Poisoning in Cats Treatment is supportive and depends on what your cat is doing. Your veterinarian will ask about the plant, the amount, and the timing, then examine your cat, including the mouth and skin. If the exposure was recent and your cat is stable, the veterinarian may give a medication to control nausea and vomiting. Never give human anti-nausea drugs at home, since several are toxic to cats. If plant material is still in the stomach and your veterinarian decides it should come out, that decision and the method are made in the clinic, not at home. The dose of any medication is calculated by your veterinarian from your cat's weight and health. For skin irritation, the clinic may clean the area and send you home with instructions for gentle washing and monitoring. For nervous system signs, your cat may need intravenous fluids, warmth, and monitoring until the signs resolve. Blood work may be checked if your cat is very dull or not eating. If you are not sure whether the plant your cat chewed is a geranium, bring a cutting or a clear photo. Plant identification changes the plan, and many common house and garden plants cause very different problems. [Are Lilies Toxic to Cats?](/knowledge/veterinary-medicine/toxicology-and-food-safety/are-lilies-toxic-to-cats) is a good example of a plant where minutes matter. ## Outlook After a Cat Eats Geranium The outlook is generally good. Most cats that nibble a geranium leaf vomit once or twice, drool for a while, and feel normal again within a day. The signs listed for standard geranium exposure (vomiting, anorexia, depression, dermatitis) are typically manageable with supportive care [1]. Scented geranium exposures can be more involved because of the higher oil content, and cats are the most sensitive species [2]. Even so, the listed signs, including ataxia, weakness, depression, and hypothermia, are described as occurring with larger exposures, which suggests that small nibbles are usually mild [2]. The cats that do worst are those with heavy oil exposure, such as a cat that spills and grooms a bottle of essential oil, or a cat with a pre-existing heart, kidney, or liver condition. Your veterinarian can give you a realistic picture for your individual cat. ## Prevention and Safer Alternatives Prevention is simple and reliable. - Keep geraniums, including scented types, off windowsills, shelves, and floor pots your cat can reach. Hanging baskets help only if the cat cannot climb to them. - Treat geranium essential oil like a medication. Store bottles closed and high, and clean spills right away. - Skip diffusers in rooms your cat uses, or use them only with the cat out of the room and good ventilation. Geranium rose oil is a skin and respiratory sensitizer [3]. - Offer cat-safe greenery instead. Cat grass and catnip give your cat something legal to chew. - Check new plants before you bring them home. Indoor plant poisoning is a recognized problem in pets precisely because cats spend so much time in the same space as the plants [5], and ornamental garden and house plants are the usual culprits in documented pet poisonings [6]. If you want a broader list of safe swaps and plants to avoid, [Flowers Toxic To Cats](/knowledge/veterinary-medicine/toxicology-and-food-safety/flowers-toxic-to-cats) and [What Flowers Are Toxic To Cats](/knowledge/veterinary-medicine/toxicology-and-food-safety/what-flowers-are-toxic-to-cats) are useful starting points. ## Limitations and When to Contact a Veterinarian Individual cases need a veterinarian. The guidance here covers typical geranium exposures, and your cat's age, weight, and health can change the picture. Call your veterinarian the same day if your cat vomited after chewing the plant, is drooling, has refused one meal, or has irritated skin on the face or paws. Go to an emergency clinic now if your cat is wobbling, weak, unable to stand, very dull or unresponsive, breathing with effort, or feels cold to the touch. Also go now if you do not know what your cat ate, or if you suspect any exposure to lilies, antifreeze, or human medications. Schedule a routine visit if the skin irritation is not improving after a few days of gentle cleaning, or if your cat remains picky about food after the stomach upset settles. ## Frequently Asked Questions ### Will one bite of a geranium hurt my cat? Usually not much. A single nibble often causes drooling or one episode of vomiting, and most cats recover within a day with no treatment. Watch for weakness, wobbliness, or a drop in body temperature, and call your veterinarian if any of those appear. ### Are scented geraniums worse than regular geraniums for cats? Scented geraniums carry a higher risk because their leaves are bred for concentrated aromatic oils. The listed signs for scented geraniums go beyond stomach upset to include ataxia, muscle weakness, depression, and hypothermia after larger exposures, and cats are the most sensitive species. ### Can my cat get sick from geranium essential oil in a diffuser? Yes, that is a real risk. Geranium rose oil is classified as a skin and respiratory irritant and a skin sensitizer, so vapor and residue can bother a cat's airways and skin. Cats also groom oil off their coats, which turns a skin exposure into a swallowed one. ### How long do geranium poisoning signs last in cats? Vomiting and drooling usually ease within a few hours to a day once the plant material is out of the mouth and stomach. Skin irritation can take several days to settle. Nervous system signs from a larger exposure may need clinic care and can take longer to fully resolve. ### Should I make my cat throw up after eating a geranium? No, not unless a veterinarian tells you to. Home induction can cause choking, aspiration into the lungs, or more damage to an already irritated mouth and throat. Call your veterinarian or a poison control line and let them decide whether vomiting is even helpful in your cat's case. ## Related Articles - [Flowers That Are Toxic To Cats](/knowledge/veterinary-medicine/toxicology-and-food-safety/flowers-that-are-toxic-to-cats) - [Plants Toxic To Cats](/knowledge/veterinary-medicine/toxicology-and-food-safety/plants-toxic-to-cats) - [Flowers Toxic To Cats](/knowledge/veterinary-medicine/toxicology-and-food-safety/flowers-toxic-to-cats) - [Are Lilies Toxic to Cats?](/knowledge/veterinary-medicine/toxicology-and-food-safety/are-lilies-toxic-to-cats) - [What Flowers Are Toxic To Cats](/knowledge/veterinary-medicine/toxicology-and-food-safety/what-flowers-are-toxic-to-cats) - [What Plants And Flowers Are Toxic To Cats](/knowledge/veterinary-medicine/toxicology-and-food-safety/what-plants-and-flowers-are-toxic-to-cats) - [Are Geraniums Toxic to Cats?](/knowledge/veterinary-medicine/toxicology-and-food-safety/geraniums-toxic-cats) - [Are Geraniums Toxic to Cats? Rose, Scented, and Wild Types](/knowledge/veterinary-medicine/toxicology-and-food-safety/geranium-toxic-to-cats) - [Is Citronella Plant Toxic to Cats? Geranium Risk](/knowledge/veterinary-medicine/toxicology-and-food-safety/citronella-plant-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 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. 4. [Ethylene glycol poisoning in a free-roaming cat associated with suspected animal cruelty: a forensic veterinary case report in South Korea](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/42221951/). Frontiers in veterinary science, 2026. 5. [Indoor Companion Animal Poisoning by Plants in Europe](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32851047/). Frontiers in veterinary science, 2020. 6. [Potential plant poisonings in dogs and cats in southern Africa](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/19831265/). Journal of the South African Veterinary Association, 2009. ## Further Reading - [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) - [U.S. Food and Drug Administration: Potentially Dangerous Items for Your Pet](https://www.fda.gov/animal-veterinary/animal-health-literacy/potentially-dangerous-items-your-pet)