Scented Geranium
Pelargonium sp. · Geraniaceae
How it looks
Scented Geranium is a geranium type whose deeply lobed or fan-shaped leaves give off various scents such as rose, lemon, or mint when touched. The flowers are smaller than those of common geraniums, commonly in pink, white, or purple. It reaches 12-24 in (30-60 cm) tall and is grown in pots.
Mild caution — stomach irritation
All parts of Scented Geranium contain irritating compounds that can cause vomiting and lethargy 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 Scented Geranium rarely leads to serious trouble, but it contains compounds — not yet clearly identified — that 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, lethargy
- Action
- Rinse the mouth with water and monitor. Consult a vet if symptoms last more than 12 hours.
Details
- Scientific name
- Pelargonium sp.
- Common name
- Scented Geranium
- Family
- Geraniaceae
- Toxic parts
- All parts
- Compounds
- Unknown
- Onset
- Right away to within 2 hours of ingestion
- Symptoms
- Vomiting, lethargy
- Action
- Rinse the mouth with water and monitor. Consult a vet if symptoms last more than 12 hours.
- Source
- ASPCA
Also known as
Related plants
Same plant family· Geraniaceae
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