Cats & Dogs
Potentially toxicConsulted references classify the plant as toxic or irritating for that pet type.
Verified against ASPCA/provenance audit 2026-05-06 on May 6, 2026.
Sources
Pet safety reference
Apricot
Prunus armeniaca
The apricot tree is a fruit-bearing species in the rose family. While the fruit flesh is generally considered safe, the stems, leaves, and seeds contain cyanogenic glycosides that can be harmful if ingested.
ApricotPrunus armeniaca
- Light
- Full sun
- Habit
- Tree
- Care
- Moderate
Safety status
If a pet has chewed or swallowed plant material and is showing symptoms, contact a veterinarian or poison resource immediately. This product is for structured reference, not diagnosis.
Cats — concern notes
Common signs
Vomiting, diarrhea, difficulty breathing, dilated pupils, and in severe cases, shock or collapse.
Escalation note
Ingestion of plant parts containing cyanogenic glycosides can lead to cyanide poisoning. Please contact your veterinarian immediately if you suspect your cat has ingested any part of this plant.
Dogs — concern notes
Common signs
Drooling, vomiting, rapid breathing, weakness, and potential neurological signs such as tremors or seizures.
Escalation note
The presence of cyanogenic glycosides poses a risk of cyanide toxicity. Seek veterinary attention promptly if your dog has chewed on or consumed any part of the tree.
Safer alternatives
No hand-picked alternatives for this plant yet. You can still pick your own using the Compare button on any other plant.
Source evidence
ASPCA Toxic Plant List
toxicology · 99% reliability
Apricot (Prunus armeniaca) is listed as toxic to cats and dogs due to the presence of cyanogenic glycosides.
NC State Extension Plant Toolbox
botanical · 94% reliability
Prunus armeniaca is a deciduous tree known for its edible fruit, though seeds and foliage contain compounds that can be toxic to animals.
Questions about Apricot
Are apricot trees toxic to cats?
Yes, apricots are potentially toxic to cats. The fruit flesh poses lower risk, but the stems, leaves, and seeds contain cyanogenic glycosides that can cause cyanide poisoning if ingested.
What symptoms will a cat show after eating apricot leaves or pits?
ASPCA-listed signs include brick-red mucous membranes, dilated pupils, difficulty breathing, panting, drooling, vomiting, and in severe cases shock or collapse. Cats that only licked foliage may show mild oral irritation, while full cyanide signs indicate meaningful ingestion of the pit, kernel, or wilting plant parts.
What should I do if my cat ate part of an apricot plant?
Contact your vet or ASPCA Animal Poison Control (888-426-4435) immediately. Do not induce vomiting unless directed by a professional, and remove any remaining apricot plant material to prevent re-ingestion.
How quickly does apricot poisoning develop in cats?
ASPCA does not publish cat-specific onset times, but cyanide is fast-acting once released from the glycoside — symptomatic cases tend to develop within minutes to a couple of hours. Do not wait for symptoms to appear; call your vet right away if you know your cat chewed a pit, kernel, or wilting apricot leaves.
Are apricot trees toxic to dogs?
Apricot trees are potentially toxic to dogs. The fruit flesh is generally considered safe, but the stems, leaves, and seeds (pits/kernels) contain cyanogenic glycosides that can cause cyanide toxicity — making the tree itself a meaningful hazard even if the ripe fruit pulp is not.
What happens if a dog eats an apricot pit or kernel?
If a dog chews or consumes an apricot pit kernel, the cyanogenic glycosides can trigger drooling, vomiting, rapid breathing, weakness, and neurological signs such as tremors or seizures. In severe cases, signs include brick-red mucous membranes, dilated pupils, difficulty breathing, and shock. Cyanide toxicity can progress rapidly — within hours of ingestion — so the severity depends heavily on how thoroughly the pit was chewed and how much kernel was released.
What should I do if my dog ate part of an apricot tree?
Remove your dog from the plant immediately, do not give home antidotes, and do not induce vomiting unless directed by a vet or poison control. Call ASPCA Animal Poison Control at (888) 426-4435 or Pet Poison Helpline at (855) 764-7661 right away. Do not wait for symptoms to appear after a kernel-chewing event — cyanide acts fast.
Which parts of the apricot tree are dangerous to dogs?
The stems, leaves, and seeds (the kernel inside the pit) are the dangerous parts — all contain cyanogenic glycosides. The ripe fruit flesh is generally considered safe in small amounts, but the pit itself is a choking hazard and its inner kernel is the primary source of cyanide risk. Prompt veterinary attention is recommended for any known pit or kernel ingestion.
Often compared with
Commonly confused with
Same Prunus genus.
Cherry
Prunus spp.
Cherry trees and shrubs contain cyanogenic glycosides in their stems, leaves, and pits, which can release cyanide when ingested. These plants are considered toxic to pets and should be kept out of reach.
Potentially toxic for cats & dogs.
Same Prunus genus.
Peach
Prunus persica
The peach tree is a deciduous fruit-bearing plant known for its edible stone fruits. While the fruit flesh is generally consumed by humans, the leaves, stems, and seeds contain cyanogenic glycosides that pose a risk to pets if ingested.
Potentially toxic for cats & dogs.
Same Prunus genus.
Sweet Cherry
Prunus avium
Prunus avium is a deciduous tree known for its edible fruit, but its stems, leaves, and seeds contain cyanogenic glycosides that can be harmful if ingested by pets. It is widely cultivated for fruit production and as an ornamental specimen.
Potentially toxic for cats & dogs.
Same genus
More from the Prunus genus
Same safety verdict
Other plants with the same verdict
Apple
Malus sylvestris
The apple tree is a deciduous fruit-bearing plant known for its edible fruit, though the seeds and foliage contain cyanogenic glycosides that can be harmful if ingested in large quantities. While the fruit flesh is generally safe, the plant parts containing amygdalin pose a risk to pets.
Potentially toxic for cats & dogs.
Bitter Orange
Citrus aurantium
Citrus aurantium is a citrus tree known for its fragrant flowers and bitter fruit, often used in essential oil production. It contains compounds that can cause adverse reactions if ingested by pets.
Potentially toxic for cats & dogs.
Black Locust
Robinia spp.
Robinia species, commonly known as locust trees, contain toxic proteins and alkaloids throughout the bark, leaves, and seeds. Ingestion can lead to significant gastrointestinal and neurological distress in pets.
Potentially toxic for cats & dogs.
Grapefruit
Citrus paradisi
Grapefruit is a citrus tree known for its large, tart fruit and glossy, aromatic foliage. While popular in home orchards, all parts of the plant contain essential oils and psoralens that can cause adverse reactions in pets.
Potentially toxic for cats & dogs.
Same growing conditions
Plants for the same room
Acorn Squash
Cucurbita pepo
Acorn squash is a popular edible winter squash known for its ribbed, dark green skin and sweet, yellow-orange flesh. It is widely cultivated for culinary use and is considered safe for household pets.
Generally safe for cats & dogs.
American Chestnut
Castanea dentata
The American Chestnut is a deciduous tree known for its historical significance and edible nuts. It is considered non-toxic to pets, though ingestion of large amounts of fibrous plant material may cause minor digestive discomfort.
Generally safe for cats & dogs.
Banana Squash
Cucurbita maxima var. banana
Banana squash is a large, edible winter squash variety known for its elongated shape and sweet, dense flesh. It is considered safe for household pets, though large ingestions of raw plant material may cause minor digestive discomfort.
Generally safe for cats & dogs.
Barbados Pride
Poinciana gilliesii
Barbados Pride is a flowering shrub known for its striking yellow flowers and long red stamens. It contains compounds that can cause gastrointestinal distress if ingested by pets.
Potentially toxic for cats & dogs.