Apricot
Prunus armeniaca · Rosaceae
How it looks
The apricot is a deciduous tree with rounded, serrated leaves and pink-and-white blossoms that open early in spring. Round orange fruits appear in summer, each holding a large pit (the apricot stone) at the center. Height 10–26 ft (3–8 m).
Caution — monitor for GI symptoms
The seeds, leaves, and bark of Apricot 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 Apricot 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
- Prunus armeniaca
- Common name
- Apricot
- 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
