Peach
Prunus persica · Rosaceae
How it looks
The peach (Prunus persica) is a deciduous tree with narrow, long, serrated leaves set alternately along the branches. In spring, five-petaled pink flowers bloom densely on the branches. In summer it bears round, fuzzy fruit in pink and yellow, with a large grooved pit at the center. Height 10-20 ft (3-6 m).
Caution — monitor for GI symptoms
The seeds and leaves of Peach 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 Peach rarely leads to serious trouble, but its cyanogenic glycosides 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
- Action
- Consult a vet and monitor. Go in immediately if symptoms worsen.
Details
- Scientific name
- Prunus persica
- Common name
- Peach
- Family
- Rosaceae
- Toxic parts
- Seeds, Leaves
- Compounds
- Cyanogenic glycosides
- Onset
- 1–4 hours after ingestion
- Symptoms
- Vomiting, diarrhea
- Action
- Consult a vet and monitor. Go in immediately if symptoms worsen.
- Source
- ASPCA
