Pet emergency
My cat ate Greengage — what to do
Step by step
- Take greengage away and remove any plant material from your cat's mouth so they cannot eat more.
- Note roughly how much was eaten and when — this helps the vet judge the risk.
- Do NOT induce vomiting unless a vet or poison-control specialist tells you to.
- Call your vet or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center on (888) 426-4435 (a consultation fee may apply) and follow their advice.
- 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.
My cat ate greengage — FAQ
Is greengage poisonous to cats?
Yes — the ASPCA lists Greengage (Prunus domestica 'Reine Claude Dorée') as toxic to cats. The ASPCA lists Prunus (plum) as toxic to cats, dogs, and horses. Leaves, twigs, and stones contain cyanogenic glycosides releasing cyanide when chewed, causing brick-red gums, dilated pupils, breathing difficulty, and shock. The sweet ripe flesh is harmless to people, but keep pets and grazing animals away from pits and wilted prunings.
How serious is it if my cat ate greengage?
Greengage is toxic to cats and reactions can be significant, so treat any ingestion as urgent. Call your vet or poison control on (888) 426-4435 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. The ASPCA lists Prunus (plum) as toxic to cats, dogs, and horses. Leaves, twigs, and stones contain cyanogenic glycosides releasing cyanide when chewed, causing brick-red gums, dilated pupils, breathing difficulty, and shock. The sweet ripe flesh is harmless to people, but keep pets and grazing animals away from pits and wilted 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 the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center specifically tells you to. The wrong action can make things worse. Call (888) 426-4435 and follow professional advice.
How do I stop this happening again?
Keep greengage well out of reach, or swap it for an ASPCA non-toxic plant — see the best cats-safe plants list.
Related
- Is greengage toxic to cats? — full toxicity detail
- Greengage and pets — the complete ASPCA pet-safety guide