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 Black Cherry safe for cats?
Prunus serotina
Prunus serotina is a native North American tree known for its dark, edible fruit and foliage that contains cyanogenic glycosides. Ingestion of any part of the plant, particularly the leaves and seeds, can be hazardous to pets.
Black CherryPrunus serotinaRum CherryWild Black Cherry
- Light
- Full sun to partial shade
- Habit
- Deciduous tree
- Care
- Low
Safety status
What this means for your cat
Cats — toxic. The leaves, stems, and seeds of Black Cherry contain cyanogenic glycosides that release cyanide when chewed; wilting branches and pruned leaves are the most dangerous form. Cats rarely browse on cherry, but any nibble of leaves or a chewed pit warrants quick action because cyanide can act within minutes at high doses.
What to watch for
Brick-red gums, dilated pupils, rapid or labored breathing, drooling, vomiting, and excitement followed by weakness. As poisoning progresses, gums turn bluish, the cat may stagger or collapse, and muscle spasms or seizures can occur.
Time window
Signs can appear within minutes when a large dose is consumed and within roughly 24 hours for smaller exposures. In high-dose poisonings, death can occur within one to two hours. Cats that reach treatment quickly typically recover within 24–48 hours.
When to call the vet
Call immediately. Any suspected ingestion of leaves, twigs, or a chewed pit is a medical emergency, and severe signs (rapid breathing, bright-red or blue gums, collapse) need a vet within the next hour.
First aid at home
Per Pet Poison Helpline, do not attempt home treatment. Speak with a poison control specialist before initiating any therapy and never give hydrogen peroxide without veterinary direction. Get to a vet — the cyanide antidote (sodium nitrite and sodium thiosulfate) and oxygen support are clinic-only.
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, bright red gums, shock, and potential collapse.
Escalation note
Contains cyanogenic glycosides which release cyanide upon ingestion. This is a medical emergency; 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
NC State Extension Plant Toolbox
botanical · 94% reliability
Prunus serotina is a native tree that can be toxic to livestock and pets if foliage or seeds are ingested.
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