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 Cherry safe for cats?
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.
Cherry TreeFlowering CherryPrunusPrunus spp.
- Light
- Full sun
- Habit
- Tree or shrub
- Care
- Moderate
Safety status
What this means for your cat
Cherry stems, leaves, and chewed pits release cyanide, and ASPCA lists the plant as toxic to cats. Whole pits swallowed without chewing are unlikely to cause cyanide poisoning, but they can still obstruct the GI tract — and any chewed plant material in a cat is a call-the-vet event.
What to watch for
Bright (brick) red gums, dilated pupils, rapid or labored breathing, panting, weakness, and collapse. Less specific early signs: drooling, vomiting, or refusal to move. Whole-pit ingestions can also cause vomiting and abdominal pain from obstruction.
Time window
Cyanide signs can appear within 15–30 minutes of chewing wilting leaves or pits. Whole-pit obstruction symptoms may develop more slowly, over hours to a day.
When to call the vet
Call immediately. If your cat chewed any part of the plant or you suspect a chewed pit, contact your vet and Pet Poison Helpline (855-764-7661) right away and head to the clinic — cyanide poisoning is a true emergency.
First aid at home
Do not induce vomiting unless a veterinarian or poison-control clinician tells you to. Remove any remaining plant material from the cat's mouth, then call Pet Poison Helpline (855-764-7661) or ASPCA Animal Poison Control (888-426-4435) and take your cat to the clinic for evaluation.
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
Ingestion of plant parts containing cyanide can lead to severe systemic toxicity. Contact your veterinarian immediately if you suspect your cat has chewed on or ingested any part of a cherry 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
Same cat verdict
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