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Pet safety

Is Beach Plum toxic to cats?

Prunus maritima

Toxic to cats

Yes — beach plum is toxic to cats according to the ASPCA. Keep it well away from any cat that chews plants; reactions can be significant. This classification follows the ASPCA Toxic and Non-Toxic Plant List. Toxic per ASPCA: Prunus species (listed under Plum and Cherry) contain cyanogenic glycosides in their leaves, stems and seeds, which release cyanide especially when wilted or crushed. Signs include difficulty breathing, dilated pupils, brick-red gums and shock. The ripe flesh is edible to people, but keep foliage, twigs and stones away from pets; call a vet or ASPCA Poison Control (888-426-4435) on ingestion.

What to do if your cat ate beach plum

  1. Remove any plant material from your cat's mouth and move beach plum out of reach.
  2. Note how much was eaten and when, and watch for drooling, vomiting, or lethargy.
  3. Do not induce vomiting unless a vet or poison-control specialist instructs you to.
  4. Call your vet or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center on (888) 426-4435 and follow their advice.
  5. Bring a leaf or photo of beach plum to the appointment so it can be treated correctly.

General guidance, not veterinary advice. If you think your cat has eaten beach plum, contact your vet or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center on (888) 426-4435 — do not wait for symptoms to worsen.

Is beach plum toxic to cats? — FAQ

Is beach plum toxic to cats?

Yes — beach plum is toxic to cats according to the ASPCA. Keep it well away from any cat that chews plants; reactions can be significant. Toxic per ASPCA: Prunus species (listed under Plum and Cherry) contain cyanogenic glycosides in their leaves, stems and seeds, which release cyanide especially when wilted or crushed. Signs include difficulty breathing, dilated pupils, brick-red gums and shock. The ripe flesh is edible to people, but keep foliage, twigs and stones away from pets; call a vet or ASPCA Poison Control (888-426-4435) on ingestion.

What are the symptoms if a cat eats beach plum?

Toxic per ASPCA: Prunus species (listed under Plum and Cherry) contain cyanogenic glycosides in their leaves, stems and seeds, which release cyanide especially when wilted or crushed. Signs include difficulty breathing, dilated pupils, brick-red gums and shock. The ripe flesh is edible to people, but keep foliage, twigs and stones away from pets; call a vet or ASPCA Poison Control (888-426-4435) on ingestion. Signs usually appear soon after chewing rather than hours later — watch for drooling, pawing at the mouth, vomiting, loss of appetite, or unusual lethargy after your cat has had access to beach plum.

What should I do if my cat ate beach plum?

Stay calm. Remove any plant from your cat's mouth and take the plant away. Note how much was eaten and when, and do not induce vomiting unless told to. Call your vet or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center on (888) 426-4435 and follow their advice; a leaf or photo helps the vet treat it correctly.

Is beach plum toxic to dogs too?

The ASPCA classification Growli uses applies to both cats and dogs: Beach Plum is toxic to dogs as well. See the full beach plum pet-safety guide for both species.

What is a cat-safe alternative to beach plum?

For a similar look without the risk, see the best cats-safe plants list — every plant there is ASPCA non-toxic to cats and dogs.

Full beach plum pet-safety