Geraniums are common outdoor plants known for their fragrant white, purple, and pink blooms. They grow well in pots and planters, making them popular additions to outdoor gardens. They’re beautiful, fragrant, and easy to keep happy — just give them plenty of sunlight! If you’re thinking of adding a few geraniums to your garden and you have a cat, you might be wondering if these stunning flowers have the potential to harm your pet.
Geraniums are mildly toxic to cats, meaning that if your feline companion gets into your flower garden and eats a few blooms, they might feel sick and throw up. However, there’s probably no emergency veterinarian visit on the horizon. Watch your companion closely and call your veterinarian if your pet continues vomiting for an extended period. Make sure to examine your cat’s paws and mouth for redness since geraniums are notorious for causing skin irritation.
What Does Geranium Poisoning Look Like in Cats?
If your cat gets sick after eating geraniums, the symptoms will probably occur within 1 or 2 hours after consuming the plant. If it’s been longer than that and your feline friend isn’t showing any symptoms, you probably don’t have anything to worry about.
Among cats who experience geranium poisoning, vomiting, and other gastrointestinal issues are the most common problems. If things progress, your kitty might stop eating and exhibit mood changes.
While it’s important to monitor your kitty if they’ve taken a bite of a geranium, remember that vomiting once is often normal after cats eat plants, even ones that don’t contain mildly toxic compounds. Even feline favorites such as can cause digestive issues. If your cat continues vomiting or exhibits behavior changes, call your vet and ask for advice.
Is Geranium Essential Oil Safe?
Essential oils are an entirely different ball game when it comes to cats. They’re often highly toxic to kitties, and you should make every possible effort to keep all essential oils out of your feline companion’s paws. This is particularly true of geranium essential oil and products containing the oil.
Geranium essential oil is used in several products that might surprise you, including perfumes. And many people use it for conditions ranging from acne to inflammation. Unfortunately, geranium essential oil contains two compounds, Geraniol and Linalool, that are poisonous to cats and can potentially cause skin irritation and vomiting. Ingesting essential oils can also lead to muscle tremors and even central nervous system damage.
Be on the lookout for these symptoms if you use essential oils in a diffuser for aromatherapy or skincare. Cats can often consume enough to become ill by inhaling diffused air or licking fine droplets from their owner’s skin. To keep your kitty safe, you should avoid using essential oils around your cat or in rooms your pet can access.
Featured Image Credit: Pixabay
