Geranium

Yes, geraniums (Pelargonium species) are potentially toxic to cats. They contain essential oils that can cause vomiting, loss of appetite, depression, and skin irritation if ingested or if the plant contacts your cat's skin.

The most common signs are vomiting, anorexia, and unusual quietness or hiding. Cats may also develop dermatitis — red, itchy skin or fur loss where the plant touched them or where they groomed sap off their coat. Larger exposures can progress to ataxia, muscle weakness, or hypothermia.

Contact your veterinarian or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at (888) 426-4435. GI signs typically begin within a few hours and resolve in 24–48 hours with supportive care, but call your vet immediately if vomiting persists past one or two episodes, your cat won't eat for more than 12 hours, skin redness is spreading, or you see weakness or wobbliness. Concentrated geranium essential oil exposure should be treated as urgent.

The toxicity is tied to the essential oils present throughout the plant rather than one isolated part. Skin contact with foliage can cause dermatitis even without ingestion, while eating any part of the plant can trigger gastrointestinal and neurological signs in larger amounts.

Yes, geraniums (Pelargonium species) are considered potentially toxic to dogs. They contain essential oils that can cause vomiting, loss of appetite, depression, and skin irritation if ingested or if the plant contacts skin.

The most common signs are vomiting, anorexia, and low energy or withdrawal. Skin contact can cause redness, itching, or hives, and you may also see drooling or mild diarrhea. GI symptoms typically begin within a few hours and resolve within 24–48 hours; skin irritation can linger a few days longer.

Monitor your dog closely for vomiting, appetite loss, and skin irritation. Call your vet or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at (888) 426-4435 if vomiting is repeated, appetite hasn't returned within 24 hours, skin lesions worsen or spread, or a small dog or puppy ate more than a leaf or two. Exposure to geranium essential oil (not just the plant) warrants a same-day call.

Yes — geranium essential oil is considered more concerning than incidental plant ingestion, and any exposure to the oil should prompt a same-day call to your vet or ASPCA Animal Poison Control at (888) 426-4435. Symptoms from the plant itself are generally mild to moderate, but the concentrated oil raises the risk of more significant toxicity.