Cherry
Prunus spp. · Rosaceae
How it looks
The Cherry is a deciduous tree characterized by toothed oval leaves and white or pale-pink five-petaled flowers that bloom densely along the branches in spring. In summer it bears small round red or black fruits on the branches. Height 16-66 ft (5-20 m).
Caution — monitor for GI symptoms
The seeds, leaves, and bark of Cherry 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 Cherry 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 spp.
- Common name
- Cherry
- 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
