Cats
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.
cat safety reference
Is Sweet Cherry safe for cats?
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.
Bird CherryGeanPrunus aviumSweet Cherry
- Light
- Full sun
- Habit
- Tree
- Care
- Moderate
Safety status
What this means for your cat
Cats should be kept away from any sweet cherry plant material other than ripe pulp. The stems, leaves, bark, and pits all contain cyanogenic glycosides that release cyanide when chewed, blocking the body's ability to use oxygen. Whole pits swallowed intact carry less risk than chewed ones, but cats are small enough that even modest ingestion can become a true emergency.
What to watch for
Bright red or 'brick red' gums, suddenly dilated pupils, rapid or labored breathing and panting, drooling, vomiting, weakness or collapse, and shock. Signs reflect cellular oxygen starvation and can progress fast — within minutes in serious cases. A swallowed whole pit may also cause coughing, gagging, or signs of GI obstruction (repeated vomiting, no stools).
Time window
Cyanide signs typically begin within 15–60 minutes of a chewed-pit or wilted-leaf ingestion. Onset can be even faster with large doses. With prompt treatment recovery is usually within 24–48 hours; severe poisoning can be fatal within an hour if untreated.
When to call the vet
Call immediately. Any suspected ingestion of cherry leaves, stems, bark, or chewed pits is an emergency for cats — do not wait for symptoms. Also call right away if you see red gums, dilated pupils, or breathing changes after any exposure.
First aid at home
Treat this as a poisoning emergency. Do not try to induce vomiting at home — call ASPCA Animal Poison Control at (888) 426-4435 or Pet Poison Helpline at (855) 764-7661 on the way to your nearest emergency vet. Bring a sample of what was eaten if you can. There is no safe home antidote for cyanide.
Sources: ASPCA, Pet Poison Helpline.
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
Dilated pupils, difficulty breathing, panting, and shock.
Escalation note
Ingestion of plant parts containing cyanogenic glycosides can lead to cyanide poisoning. Please contact your veterinarian or an animal poison control center immediately if ingestion is suspected.
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
Kew Plants of the World Online
botanical · 95% reliability
Accepted botanical name and distribution data for Prunus avium.
Same cat verdict
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