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If your cat ate chinese bush cherry — do this now

  1. Take the plant away and clear any pieces from their mouth.
  2. Do not induce vomiting unless told to by a professional.
  3. Call your vet now. If you cannot reach one, a poison-control line will triage you — ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center on (888) 426-4435 in the US, or Animal PoisonLine on 01202 509 000 in the UK. Both services charge a fee.

Chinese Bush Cherry is toxic to cats (ASPCA).

Pet emergency

My cat ate Chinese Bush Cherry — what to do

Step by step

  1. Take chinese bush cherry away and remove any plant material from your cat's mouth so they cannot eat more.
  2. Note roughly how much was eaten and when — this helps the vet judge the risk.
  3. Do NOT induce vomiting unless a vet or poison-control specialist tells you to.
  4. Call your vet, or a poison-control line — (888) 426-4435 in the US, or Animal PoisonLine on 01202 509 000 in the UK. Both charge a consultation fee. Follow their advice.
  5. Watch for drooling, pawing at the mouth, vomiting, loss of appetite, or lethargy, and bring a leaf or photo to the appointment.

This is general guidance, not veterinary advice. Pets vary, and a reaction may be to soil, fertiliser, or pesticide as well as the plant. When in doubt, call your vet — or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center on (888) 426-4435 in the US, or Animal PoisonLine on 01202 509 000 in the UK.

My cat ate chinese bush cherry — FAQ

Is chinese bush cherry poisonous to cats?

Yes — the ASPCA lists Chinese Bush Cherry (Prunus japonica) as toxic to cats. Toxic to cats, dogs, and horses. The ASPCA lists Prunus species as toxic owing to cyanogenic glycosides in the stems, leaves, and seeds; wilting foliage is especially dangerous. Signs include dilated pupils, bright-red gums, difficulty breathing, panting, and shock. The fruit pulp is edible for people, but discard pits and keep pets from prunings.

How serious is it if my cat ate chinese bush cherry?

Chinese Bush Cherry is toxic to cats and reactions can be significant, so treat any ingestion as urgent. Call your vet, or (888) 426-4435 in the US, or Animal PoisonLine on 01202 509 000 in the UK, straight away rather than waiting to see if symptoms develop.

What symptoms should I watch for?

Signs usually appear soon after chewing: drooling, pawing at the mouth, vomiting, loss of appetite, or unusual lethargy. Toxic to cats, dogs, and horses. The ASPCA lists Prunus species as toxic owing to cyanogenic glycosides in the stems, leaves, and seeds; wilting foliage is especially dangerous. Signs include dilated pupils, bright-red gums, difficulty breathing, panting, and shock. The fruit pulp is edible for people, but discard pits and keep pets from prunings. Any worsening or persistent symptoms warrant an immediate vet visit.

Should I make my cat vomit?

No — do not induce vomiting unless a vet or a poison-control specialist specifically tells you to. The wrong action can make things worse. Call your vet, or (888) 426-4435 in the US, or Animal PoisonLine on 01202 509 000 in the UK, and follow professional advice.

How do I stop this happening again?

Keep chinese bush cherry well out of reach, or swap it for an ASPCA non-toxic plant — see the best cats-safe plants list.

Type any plant to see what the ASPCA says about it and your cat.

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