By Dial A Vet Veterinary Team
A bowl of cherries on the bench in summer is an easy target for a cat that likes to bat things onto the floor. Most cats show little interest in eating fruit, but some will chew whatever rolls their way. The ripe flesh of a cherry is not the main worry. The stones, stems and leaves are, because the cherry plant contains compounds that can release cyanide. If your cat has chewed a cherry stone or a stem, it is worth a phone call.
Key takeaways
- The ASPCA lists cherry (Prunus species) as toxic to cats, dogs and horses.
- Stems, leaves and seeds contain cyanogenic glycosides, which can release cyanide.
- A small piece of ripe cherry flesh without the stone is unlikely to cause poisoning, but it offers a cat nothing it needs.
- RSPCA Australia lists fruit stones, pits and seeds among foods that are harmful to cats.
- A swallowed stone can also be a choking or blockage risk.
- If you are unsure what your cat ate, call your vet or the Animal Poisons Helpline (1300 869 738).
- Related reading: vomiting and diarrhoea in cats.
Which parts of a cherry are a problem?
Cherries belong to the Prunus genus, alongside plums, peaches and apricots. According to the ASPCA, the stems, leaves and seeds of cherry plants contain cyanide, especially when the leaves are wilting. The toxic principle is described as cyanogenic glycosides, which can release cyanide once the plant material is chewed and broken down.
The ripe flesh is a different story. It is mostly water and sugar and is not where the cyanide-releasing compounds sit. That does not make it a good treat. Cats lack a working sweet taste receptor, according to research published in PLoS Genetics, so they get no real pleasure from the sweetness, and fruit adds nothing to a complete cat diet.
For a separate look at stones that have actually been swallowed, see our guide to whether cats can eat cherry pits.
Why fruit is not a natural fit for cats
Cats are obligate carnivores. RSPCA Australia explains that cats need nutrients that are only found in animal tissue, such as preformed vitamin A and arachidonic acid, and that they lack the enzymes to make these from plant sources. A complete commercial cat food covers those needs. Treats, including any fruit, should be small, occasional extras. Cornell's Feline Health Center suggests treats make up no more than 10 to 15 percent of a cat's daily calories.
Signs of cherry poisoning to watch for
The ASPCA lists these signs after a cat eats toxic parts of the cherry plant:
- Brick red gums
- Dilated pupils
- Difficulty breathing or panting
- Shock (weakness, collapse, cold limbs)
The Merck Veterinary Manual also notes bright red mucous membranes as a feature of cyanide poisoning in animals. Less specific signs such as drooling, vomiting or a sudden change in behaviour also deserve attention if you know your cat has been chewing stems, leaves or stones.
A cat that ate a little flesh and nothing else may simply have a mild tummy upset, or nothing at all.
When to call a vet or the Animal Poisons Helpline
Call your vet or the Animal Poisons Helpline (1300 869 738) straight away if:
- Your cat chewed or swallowed a cherry stone
- Your cat chewed cherry stems or leaves, including from a tree in the garden
- You are not sure what part of the cherry was eaten
Seek emergency care immediately for breathing difficulty, bright or brick red gums, collapse or seizures. These are not signs to wait out at home.
Call your vet within the day if your cat vomits more than once, stops eating, seems flat or strains to pass stools after eating cherries.
Do not try to make your cat vomit at home. Salt and other home remedies can cause serious harm. The Pet Poison Helpline warns that salt should never be used to induce vomiting.
How vets help
Your vet will ask what was eaten, how much and when, then examine your cat. Depending on the timing and the parts involved, they may decide to monitor, give supportive care such as fluids, or take further steps if a stone may be lodged in the gut. Bring the cherry packaging or a photo of the plant if a garden tree was involved. That information helps the vet judge the risk quickly.
Keeping cherries away from cats
- Store cherries in the fridge or a closed container rather than an open bowl.
- Pick up dropped cherries, stones and stems straight away.
- Put stones and stems in a lidded bin.
- If you have a cherry tree, rake up fallen leaves, especially wilting ones after pruning or a storm.
- Be careful with cherry-filled pastries and desserts, which may hide stones and add fat and sugar.
Better treats for cats
- A small piece of plain, boneless cooked chicken or fish
- A commercial cat treat, counted in the daily allowance
- A spoon of your cat's usual wet food in a puzzle feeder
FAQ
My cat licked cherry juice off the bench. Is that dangerous?
A lick of juice from ripe fruit is unlikely to cause poisoning. Watch for vomiting or diarrhoea and call your vet if you are worried.
Are glace cherries or maraschino cherries safer?
They are pitted, but they are very sugary and offer cats nothing. They are not a suitable treat.
Can cats eat cherry tomatoes?
That is a different plant. RSPCA Australia lists tomatoes among foods to avoid for cats.
Is the cherry tree in my garden a risk?
The ASPCA lists the whole cherry plant as toxic to cats, with stems, leaves and seeds the main concern. Discourage chewing and clear up fallen leaves.
Talk with a vet
If your cat has been playing with cherries and you are not sure whether anything was swallowed, a Dial A Vet veterinarian can help you decide on next steps. Book a Dial A Vet consult.
References
- ASPCA Toxic and Non-Toxic Plants. Toxic and Non-toxic Plants: Cherry.
- Merck Veterinary Manual. Cyanide Poisoning in Animals.
- RSPCA Knowledgebase. What should I feed my cat?.
- RSPCA Knowledgebase. Do cats have special nutritional requirements?.
- Cornell Feline Health Center. Feeding Your Cat.
- Li X, et al. PLoS Genet. 2005;1(1):e3. Pseudogenization of a Sweet-Receptor Gene Accounts for Cats' Indifference toward Sugar.
- Pet Poison Helpline. Salt.
- Animal Poisons Helpline (Australia, 1300 869 738). Animal Poisons Helpline | 24/7 Pet Poisoning Advice.
Disclaimer: Educational only. This page does not replace an examination or advice from your own veterinarian. If you are worried about your pet right now, contact your local vet or nearest emergency animal hospital.