Safety verdict
Consulted references classify the plant as toxic or irritating for that pet type.
Pet ingestion lookup
My cat ate Geranium - what should I do?
Pelargonium species
Potentially toxic
Contact your veterinarian or an animal poison-control resource now, especially if any amount was chewed or swallowed.
Verified against ASPCA/provenance audit 2026-05-06 on May 6, 2026.
Signs to watch for
Vomiting, anorexia, depression, and dermatitis.
Escalation note
Ingestion typically results in gastrointestinal upset. If your cat has ingested any part of this plant, please contact your veterinarian or a pet poison control center.
What to watch for
Vomiting and loss of appetite are the most common signs. Cats may also develop depression (unusual quietness or hiding) and dermatitis — red, itchy skin or fur loss where the plant brushed against them or where they groomed sap off their coat. ASPCA notes larger exposures can progress to ataxia, muscle weakness, or hypothermia.
Time window
Specific timing is not well documented for geranium. GI signs from essential-oil-containing plants in cats typically begin within a few hours of exposure and resolve in 24–48 hours with supportive care; dermatitis can take longer to fully clear.
When to call the vet
Call if vomiting persists past one or two episodes, if your cat won't eat for more than 12 hours, if you see skin redness spreading, or any sign of weakness, wobbliness, or low body temperature (cool ears and paws, shivering). Concentrated geranium essential oil exposure — not just plant chewing — should be treated as urgent.
What this means for your cat
Cats: geranium (Pelargonium) is toxic. ASPCA names the essential oils geraniol and linalool as the toxic principles, and notes cats are the most sensitive species. Most exposures are uncomfortable rather than life-threatening, but the same essential oils that make this plant smell like lemon or rose are the part cats can't metabolize well.
Sources: ASPCA (no specific first-aid guidance).
Source references
Poison-control resources
This page summarizes source-bound plant-safety information and is not veterinary advice.