Scented Geranium — (c) Matt Berger, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Matt Berger
Photo by (c) Matt Berger, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Matt BergeriNaturalistCC BY
Pet safety reference

Scented Geranium

Pelargonium sp.

Scented geraniums are popular aromatic houseplants known for their fragrant foliage and clusters of small flowers. While prized for their scent, they contain essential oils that can cause irritation if ingested by pets.

PelargoniumPelargonium sp.Rose GeraniumScented Geranium
Light
Bright direct light
Habit
Upright or trailing
Care
Moderate

Safety status

Cats & Dogs

Potentially toxic

Consulted references classify the plant as toxic or irritating for that pet type.

Verified against ASPCA/provenance audit 2026-05-06 on May 6, 2026.

If a pet has chewed or swallowed plant material and is showing symptoms, contact a veterinarian or poison resource immediately. This product is for structured reference, not diagnosis.

Catsconcern notes

Common signs

Vomiting, anorexia, depression, and potential skin irritation upon contact.

Escalation note

Ingestion typically results in mild to moderate gastrointestinal upset. Please contact your veterinarian if your cat has consumed any part of the plant.

Dogsconcern notes

Common signs

Vomiting, loss of appetite, and lethargy.

Escalation note

Symptoms are generally mild but can cause discomfort. Consult a veterinarian if you suspect your dog has ingested the plant to ensure proper monitoring.

Safer alternatives

No hand-picked alternatives for this plant yet. You can still pick your own using the Compare button on any other plant.

Source evidence

ASPCA Toxic Plant List

toxicology · 99% reliability

Open source

Geranium (Pelargonium sp.) is listed as toxic to both cats and dogs, causing vomiting, anorexia, and depression.

NC State Extension Plant Toolbox

botanical · 94% reliability

Open source

Pelargonium species are widely cultivated for their scented leaves and flowers, though they are known to be toxic to pets if ingested.

cats safety pageMy cat ate Scented Geraniumdogs safety pageMy dog ate Scented Geranium

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