What should I do if my cat ate Geranium?

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 should I do if my dog ate Geranium?

Call your vet or ASPCA Animal Poison Control (888-426-4435) if vomiting is repeated, if appetite hasn't returned in 24 hours, if skin lesions worsen or spread, or if a small dog or puppy has eaten more than a leaf or two. Exposure to geranium essential oil (not just the plant) should prompt a same-day call.

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

Photo by (c) Matt Berger, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Matt BergeriNaturalistCC BY

Pet safety reference

Geranium

Q: Is Geranium safe for cats?

Geranium is potentially toxic to cats. 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.

Q: Is Geranium safe for dogs?

Geranium is potentially toxic to dogs. Symptoms are generally mild to moderate but can cause significant discomfort. Always consult with a veterinarian if you suspect your dog has consumed this plant.

Pelargonium species

Geraniums are popular flowering plants known for their vibrant blooms and fragrant foliage. While they are common garden and container plants, they contain essential oils that can cause adverse reactions if ingested by pets.

Check a list

GeraniumPelargoniumPelargonium speciesStorksbill

Light: Full sun to partial shade
Habit: Mounded 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.

Sources

ASPCA Toxic Plant List

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.

Cats — concern notes

Common signs

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.

Dogs — concern notes

Common signs

Vomiting, anorexia, depression, and skin irritation.

Escalation note

Symptoms are generally mild to moderate but can cause significant discomfort. Always consult with a veterinarian if you suspect your dog has consumed this plant.

Safer alternatives

Safer pick

African Violet

Saintpaulia spp.

African violet is a pet-safer flowering plant without geranium's essential-oil irritation.

Generally safe for cats & dogs.

Gerbera daisy is a pet-safer way to bring saturated petal color indoors.

Generally safe for cats & dogs.

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Source evidence

ASPCA Toxic Plant List

toxicology · 99% reliability

Open source

Geraniums contain geraniol and linalool, which can cause vomiting, anorexia, depression, and dermatitis in dogs and cats.

NC State Extension Plant Toolbox

botanical · 94% reliability

Open source

Pelargonium is a genus of flowering plants which includes about 200 species of perennials, succulents, and shrubs.

cats safety page My cat ate Geranium dogs safety page My dog ate Geranium

Often compared with

Geranium vs Scented Geranium

Same safety verdict

Other plants with the same verdict

Madagascar Periwinkle

Catharanthus roseus

Catharanthus roseus is a flowering plant known for its vibrant blooms, but it contains alkaloids that are harmful if ingested by pets. It is commonly grown as an annual bedding plant or a container specimen.

Potentially toxic for cats & dogs.

Monstera

Monstera deliciosa

Monstera deliciosa is a popular tropical houseplant known for its large, fenestrated leaves and vining growth habit. It contains insoluble calcium oxalate crystals that can cause irritation if ingested by pets.

Potentially toxic for cats & dogs.

Snake Plant

Dracaena trifasciata

Dracaena trifasciata is a popular, hardy houseplant known for its stiff, sword-like leaves with striking yellow margins. It is widely appreciated for its air-purifying qualities and ability to thrive in various indoor conditions.

Potentially toxic for cats & dogs.

Philodendron

Philodendron spp.

Philodendrons are popular tropical foliage plants known for their lush, heart-shaped or split leaves. They contain insoluble calcium oxalate crystals that can cause irritation if ingested.

Potentially toxic for cats & dogs.

Same growing conditions

Plants for the same room

China Aster

Callistephus chinensis

China Aster is a popular annual flowering plant known for its daisy-like blooms and vibrant colors. It is considered non-toxic to household pets, though ingestion of large amounts of plant material may cause minor digestive discomfort.

Generally safe for cats & dogs.

Red Lily

Lilium umbellatum

Red Lily is a bulbous perennial known for its vibrant, upward-facing blooms. It is highly significant in veterinary toxicology due to the severe risk it poses to feline health.

Potentially toxic for cats.

Uncertain for dogs.

Black Nightshade

Solanum nigrum

Black Nightshade is an herbaceous plant in the Solanaceae family containing solanine alkaloids that are harmful if ingested. It is widely considered a weed and is not typically cultivated as an indoor houseplant.

Potentially toxic for cats & dogs.

Meadow Buttercup

Ranunculus acris

Ranunculus acris is a perennial herbaceous plant known for its bright yellow flowers and presence in meadows. It contains compounds that can cause irritation upon contact or ingestion.

Potentially toxic for cats & dogs.