The sweet cherry plant (Prunus avium) is a popular ornamental tree known for its beautiful spring blossoms and edible fruit. However, while cherries are a tasty treat for humans, the plant can be highly toxic to cats. All parts of the cherry plant, including the stems, leaves, seeds, and blossoms contain cyanide compounds that are poisonous to felines.
Cherry trees are commonly found in gardens, parks, and landscaping in many parts of the world.
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 any part of a cherry tree or plant, they may begin to show symptoms of cyanide poisoning. Signs a cat has eaten something from a cherry tree and is experiencing toxicity include:
In severe cases, cherry poisoning can lead to shock, seizures, and even death. Symptoms can appear as quickly as 15-20 minutes after ingestion.
If you suspect your cat has ingested any part of a cherry tree, seek immediate veterinary care. Your vet will likely follow these diagnostic steps:
Prompt treatment is essential for the best chance of recovery from cherry poisoning.
A: Yes, the Sweet Cherry plant is harmful to cats. The plant contains cyanogenic glycosides, which can release cyanide when ingested, leading to serious symptoms like difficulty breathing and shock.
A: Symptoms of Sweet Cherry poisoning in cats include vomiting, difficulty breathing, and dilated pupils. If your cat shows these signs, immediate veterinary care is crucial.
A: The Sweet Cherry plant is highly toxic to pets, particularly cats and dogs. Ingestion of any part of the plant, especially the seeds, can be fatal if not treated promptly.
A: Cats can recover from Sweet Cherry plant poisoning with rapid and appropriate veterinary treatment. The likelihood of recovery depends on the amount ingested and the speed of intervention.
A: It is not safe to grow a Sweet Cherry plant in a garden with cats due to its high toxicity. To ensure your cat’s safety, consider planting non-toxic alternatives like lavender or rosemary.
A: If your cat ingests the Sweet Cherry plant, seek emergency veterinary care immediately. Quick action is essential to prevent serious health complications, including cyanide poisoning.
Cherries are believed to have originated in the regions between the Black Sea and Caspian Sea in Asia Minor. They were cultivated by ancient Greeks and Romans, and eventually spread throughout Europe. In the 1600s, European settlers brought cherry pits to America, where the trees flourished.In 1912, Japan gifted over 3,000 cherry trees to the United States as a symbol of friendship. These trees were planted around the Tidal Basin in Washington, D.C., and have become an iconic spring landmark.
Each year, the National Cherry Blossom Festival celebrates the beauty of the blossoms and the relationship between the two countries.
Please note: The information shared in this post is for informational purposes only and should not be considered as veterinary medical advice.
