Apple
Malus sylvestris · Rosaceae
How it looks
The apple tree (Malus sylvestris) is a deciduous tree distinguished by serrated, oval, dark-green leaves and white-to-pink flowers that bloom in spring. In autumn it bears round red, yellow, and green fruit in clusters. Height 10-33 ft (3-10 m); common in gardens and orchards.
Caution — monitor for GI symptoms
The seeds, leaves, and bark of Apple contain irritating compounds that can cause vomiting and diarrhea if chewed. Most cats recover on their own, but as a caution-level plant it still calls for monitoring.
Guide for parents
An occasional nibble on Apple rarely leads to serious trouble, but its cyanogenic glycosides (amygdalin) can irritate the stomach and mucous membranes, causing mild gastrointestinal upset. Make a habit of clearing away fallen leaves and broken stems the same day, and keep the pot somewhere your cat can't reach. If symptoms last more than 12 hours or your cat shows a marked loss of appetite, consult your vet.
If ingested
Contact your nearest vet immediately
- Onset
- 1–4 hours after ingestion
- Symptoms
- Vomiting, diarrhea, decreased heart rate
- Action
- Consult a vet and monitor. Go in immediately if symptoms worsen.
Details
- Scientific name
- Malus sylvestris
- Common name
- Apple
- Family
- Rosaceae
- Toxic parts
- Seeds, Leaves, Bark
- Compounds
- Cyanogenic glycosides (amygdalin)
- Onset
- 1–4 hours after ingestion
- Symptoms
- Vomiting, diarrhea, decreased heart rate
- Action
- Consult a vet and monitor. Go in immediately if symptoms worsen.
- Source
- ASPCA
