Geranium
Pelargonium species · Geraniaceae
How it looks
Geranium is a plant with rounded leaves marked by a dark band and a strong scent when touched. The flowers cluster like balls at the branch tips in pink, red, white, and purple. It stands 12–24 in (30–60 cm) tall and is commonly grown in pots and on windowsills.
Mild caution — stomach irritation
All parts of Geranium contain irritating compounds that can cause vomiting, loss of appetite, and depression if chewed. Most cats recover on their own, but as a caution-level plant it still calls for monitoring.
Guide for parents
An occasional nibble on Geranium rarely leads to serious trouble, but its linalool and geraniol can irritate the stomach and mucous membranes, causing mild gastrointestinal upset. Make a habit of clearing away fallen leaves and broken stems the same day, and keep the pot somewhere your cat can't reach. If symptoms last more than 12 hours or your cat shows a marked loss of appetite, consult your vet.
If ingested
Contact your nearest vet immediately
- Onset
- Right away to within 2 hours of ingestion
- Symptoms
- Vomiting, anorexia, depression, dermatitis
- Action
- Rinse the mouth with water and monitor. Consult a vet if symptoms last more than 12 hours.
Details
- Scientific name
- Pelargonium species
- Common name
- Geranium
- Family
- Geraniaceae
- Toxic parts
- All parts
- Compounds
- Linalool, Geraniol
- Onset
- Right away to within 2 hours of ingestion
- Symptoms
- Vomiting, anorexia, depression, dermatitis
- Action
- Rinse the mouth with water and monitor. Consult a vet if symptoms last more than 12 hours.
- Source
- ASPCA
Related plants
Same plant family· Geraniaceae
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