Safety verdict
Consulted references classify the plant as toxic or irritating for that pet type.
Pet ingestion lookup
My cat ate Chokecherry - what should I do?
Prunus virginiana
Potentially toxic
Contact your veterinarian or an animal poison-control resource now, especially if any amount was chewed or swallowed.
Verified against ASPCA/provenance audit 2026-05-06 on May 6, 2026.
Signs to watch for
Dilated pupils, difficulty breathing, bright red gums, shock, and potential collapse.
Escalation note
Ingestion of plant parts, particularly the leaves and seeds, can release cyanide. This is a medical emergency; contact your veterinarian or a pet poison control center immediately.
What to watch for
Brick-red gums, dilated pupils, panting or labored breathing, vomiting, weakness, and collapse. Cyanide poisoning can progress to seizures and shock fast — well before any 'usual' GI signs appear.
Time window
Cyanide acts quickly: clinical signs can appear within 15–60 minutes of meaningful ingestion. ASPCA does not publish an exact window; Pet Poison Helpline classifies chokecherry as a rapid-onset emergency.
When to call the vet
Call your vet or ASPCA Animal Poison Control (888-426-4435) immediately if you saw your cat chew or swallow any part of the plant — do not wait for symptoms. Any breathing change, gum-color change, or collapse is a 911-level event.
What this means for your cat
Cats are far less likely than dogs to gnaw on woody chokecherry stems, but a curious chew on wilted leaves or a seed can be life-threatening. ASPCA classifies the entire plant as toxic to cats because the leaves, stems, and pits release cyanide as they wilt or are crushed. Treat any real ingestion as an emergency.
Sources: ASPCA, Pet Poison Helpline.
Source references
Poison-control resources
This page summarizes source-bound plant-safety information and is not veterinary advice.