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If your cat ate yoshino 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 or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center on (888) 426-4435 now.

Yoshino Cherry is toxic to cats (ASPCA).

Pet emergency

My cat ate Yoshino Cherry — what to do

Step by step

  1. Take yoshino 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 the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center on (888) 426-4435 (a consultation fee may apply) and 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.

My cat ate yoshino cherry — FAQ

Is yoshino cherry poisonous to cats?

Yes — the ASPCA lists Yoshino Cherry (Prunus × yedoensis) as toxic to cats. Flowering cherry (Prunus) is ASPCA-listed as toxic to cats, dogs and horses. The stems, leaves and seeds contain cyanogenic glycosides that release cyanide, with wilting foliage the most dangerous. Although grown purely as an ornamental, fallen leaves and prunings carry the same risk of poisoning — brick-red gums, dilated pupils, panting, difficulty breathing and shock. Keep pets from chewing leaves and prunings.

How serious is it if my cat ate yoshino cherry?

Yoshino Cherry 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. Flowering cherry (Prunus) is ASPCA-listed as toxic to cats, dogs and horses. The stems, leaves and seeds contain cyanogenic glycosides that release cyanide, with wilting foliage the most dangerous. Although grown purely as an ornamental, fallen leaves and prunings carry the same risk of poisoning — brick-red gums, dilated pupils, panting, difficulty breathing and shock. Keep pets from chewing leaves and 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 yoshino cherry well out of reach, or swap it for an ASPCA non-toxic plant — see the best cats-safe plants list.

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