The Scented Geranium (Pelargonium sp.), also known as Geraniums, is a popular houseplant that can be toxic to cats if ingested. This plant contains essential oils like geraniol and linalool which can cause gastrointestinal upset and other serious symptoms in felines. Scented Geraniums are commonly found as indoor plants or in outdoor gardens.
Ingestion may cause mild gastrointestinal upset, but is generally not life-threatening.
Ingestion can result in mild symptoms like vomiting, diarrhea, or drooling. Rarely fatal but may require veterinary care.
Eating these plants can lead to more pronounced symptoms like abdominal pain, lethargy, or difficulty breathing. Veterinary intervention may be necessary.
Ingesting even small amounts can cause severe symptoms like organ damage, seizures, or cardiac failure without rapid treatment.
All parts of these plants are extremely poisonous to cats and can quickly lead to death, even with immediate veterinary care.
** Please note: Please note that toxicity level can vary based on the amount ingested and the specific cat. It's always best to keep these plants completely inaccessible to cats and seek immediate veterinary care or call the poison hotline if you suspect your cat has ingested any part of a toxic plant.
If your cat has ingested any part of a Scented Geranium plant, they may experience symptoms of toxicity. Common signs include:
Symptoms typically appear within a few hours of ingestion. The severity depends on the amount of plant material consumed. Cats are particularly sensitive to Scented Geranium toxicity compared to other animals.
If you suspect your cat has eaten Scented Geranium, take them to the vet immediately. Your veterinarian will likely perform the following steps to diagnose plant toxicity:
Based on the exam findings and lab results, your vet can confirm if Scented Geranium ingestion is the cause of your cat’s illness.
A: Yes, the Scented Geranium plant is harmful to cats. It contains essential oils like geraniol and linalool, which can cause skin irritation, vomiting, and lethargy if ingested.
A: Symptoms of Scented Geranium poisoning in cats include vomiting, drooling, and skin redness or swelling. If your cat displays any of these symptoms, seek veterinary care immediately.
A: The Scented Geranium plant is moderately toxic to pets, particularly cats and dogs. Ingestion can lead to discomfort and may require medical attention to alleviate symptoms.
A: Cats can recover from Scented Geranium poisoning with prompt veterinary care. Early treatment is essential to manage symptoms and ensure a smooth recovery.
A: It is not safe to have a Scented Geranium plant in a home with cats due to its toxic properties. Consider non-toxic alternatives like basil or spider plants to keep your cat safe.
A: If your cat ingests the Scented Geranium plant, contact your veterinarian immediately. Prompt action is necessary to manage symptoms and prevent further health complications.
Scented Geraniums are native to South Africa. They were brought to England in the late 18th century and quickly became popular as fragrant houseplants and garden specimens. Hundreds of cultivars were developed, with scents mimicking rose, lemon, apple, nutmeg and more.
In the Victorian era, Scented Geranium leaves were used in bouquets and added to baths, sachets, and foods. They arrived in the United States in the early 19th century and remained fashionable until the early 1900s. While their popularity has since declined, Scented Geraniums are still grown as ornamental plants today.
Please note: The information shared in this post is for informational purposes only and should not be considered as veterinary medical advice.
