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.
Sources
cat safety reference
Is Plum safe for cats?
Prunus domestica
The plum tree is a fruit-bearing species in the rose family, known for its edible stone fruits. While the fruit flesh is generally safe, the stems, leaves, and seeds contain cyanogenic glycosides that can be harmful if ingested.
European PlumGarden PlumPlumPrunus domestica
- Light
- Full sun
- Habit
- Deciduous tree
- Care
- Moderate
Safety status
What this means for your cat
Cats that bite plum leaves, stems, or a crushed pit are at risk of cyanide poisoning from the plant's cyanogenic glycosides. The flesh of the ripe fruit is not the concern — cats rarely chew open a hard pit. ASPCA flags wilting plant material as especially dangerous.
What to watch for
Vomiting and diarrhea may come first; the cyanide signature to take seriously is difficulty breathing, panting, brick-red gums, dilated pupils, weakness, and collapse (shock).
Time window
Cyanide signs can appear within minutes to about an hour of kernel ingestion and progress within hours; mild leaf-only GI signs typically resolve in 24-48 hours with supportive care.
When to call the vet
Call immediately if a pit was chewed open or any leaves or wilted plant material were eaten. Any labored breathing, gum-color change, or collapse is a same-minute emergency.
Sources: ASPCA, Kew Plants of the World Online (no first-aid guidance).
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, and potential shock.
Escalation note
Ingestion of plant parts containing cyanogenic glycosides can lead to cyanide poisoning. Contact your veterinarian immediately if you suspect your cat has chewed on or ingested any part of the plant.
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
The plum contains cyanogenic glycosides which are toxic to cats and dogs.
Plants of the World Online - Prunus domestica
botanical · 95% reliability
Accepted scientific name and botanical classification for Prunus domestica.
Questions about Plum
Are plum trees toxic to cats?
Plum trees (Prunus domestica) are potentially toxic to cats. The fruit flesh is generally considered safe, but the stems, leaves, seeds, and pits contain cyanogenic glycosides that can cause cyanide poisoning.
What symptoms will my cat show after eating plum leaves or a plum pit?
Initial signs include vomiting and diarrhea. The more serious cyanide-related symptoms to watch for are difficulty breathing, panting, brick-red gums, dilated pupils, weakness, and collapse. These can appear within minutes to about an hour of pit kernel ingestion.
What should I do if my cat chewed on a plum pit or ate plum leaves?
Call your veterinarian or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at (888) 426-4435 immediately if your cat chewed open a pit or ate any leaves or wilted plant material. Labored breathing, gum-color changes, or collapse are same-minute emergencies requiring immediate emergency vet care.
How quickly does cyanide poisoning progress in cats after eating part of a plum tree?
Cyanide signs can appear within minutes to about an hour after a pit kernel is ingested and can progress rapidly within hours. Mild GI symptoms from leaf-only ingestion typically resolve in 24–48 hours with supportive care, but any breathing difficulty or gum-color change warrants immediate veterinary attention regardless of timing.
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