Plum trees (Prunus domestica) are not known to cause allergies in cats. However, parts of the plum tree can be toxic to felines if ingested, especially the leaves, stems, and seeds.
Plum trees contain cyanogenic glycosides, which release cyanide when metabolized and can lead to cyanide poisoning. Plum trees are commonly found in orchards, gardens, and landscaping in temperate regions worldwide.
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 a cat ingests toxic parts of a plum tree, it may experience various symptoms of cyanide poisoning. Common signs include:
If you suspect your cat has eaten parts of a plum tree, seek veterinary care immediately. Your vet will likely:
A: Yes, Plum is toxic to cats. The plant contains cyanogenic glycosides, which can lead to severe symptoms like vomiting, difficulty breathing, and even fatal cyanide poisoning.
A: If a cat licks a plum, it might ingest small amounts of toxic compounds found in the skin or flesh. While licking is less dangerous than eating, it can still lead to mild symptoms like drooling and stomach upset.
A: Yes, plum pits are more toxic to cats than the flesh because they contain higher concentrations of cyanide. Ingesting the pit can cause severe poisoning, so it’s crucial to prevent access to any part of the plum.
A: Cats should not eat plum jam, as it contains sugar and preservatives that are unhealthy for them. Moreover, the fruit itself is toxic, making it unsafe in any form.
A: If your cat eats a plum, contact your veterinarian immediately. Quick action is important to prevent toxic effects, including severe gastrointestinal distress or cyanide poisoning.
A: Yes, safer fruit alternatives for cats include blueberries, bananas, and apples (without seeds). These fruits are non-toxic and can be offered as occasional treats in moderation.
Plum trees have been cultivated for thousands of years, with the earliest evidence of domesticated plums dating back to around 6500 BC in an area near the Caspian Sea. European plums, Prunus domestica, are thought to have originated from a hybrid between the cherry plum (Prunus cerasifera) and sloe (Prunus spinosa).
Plums spread throughout Europe during the Roman Era and were later introduced to the Americas, Japan, and Australia. Today there are over 2,000 cultivars of European plums grown worldwide for their fruit.
Please note: The information shared in this post is for informational purposes only and should not be considered as veterinary medical advice.
