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Is Cherimoya toxic to cats?

Annona cherimola

Mildly toxic to cats

Mildly. The ASPCA lists cherimoya as mildly toxic to cats — a chewing cat typically gets mouth irritation, drooling, and vomiting rather than a medical emergency, but it is still best kept out of reach. This classification follows the ASPCA Toxic and Non-Toxic Plant List. Cherimoya is not individually listed by the ASPCA, so treat it with caution and verify with a vet. Annona seeds, leaves and bark contain annonaceous acetogenins and alkaloids that are neurotoxic and irritant; the seeds in particular are poisonous. Keep seeds, skin and leaves away from pets even though the ripe flesh is the edible part.

What to do if your cat ate cherimoya

  1. Remove any plant material from your cat's mouth and move cherimoya 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 cherimoya to the appointment so it can be treated correctly.

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

Is cherimoya toxic to cats? — FAQ

Is cherimoya toxic to cats?

Mildly. The ASPCA lists cherimoya as mildly toxic to cats — a chewing cat typically gets mouth irritation, drooling, and vomiting rather than a medical emergency, but it is still best kept out of reach. Cherimoya is not individually listed by the ASPCA, so treat it with caution and verify with a vet. Annona seeds, leaves and bark contain annonaceous acetogenins and alkaloids that are neurotoxic and irritant; the seeds in particular are poisonous. Keep seeds, skin and leaves away from pets even though the ripe flesh is the edible part.

What are the symptoms if a cat eats cherimoya?

Cherimoya is not individually listed by the ASPCA, so treat it with caution and verify with a vet. Annona seeds, leaves and bark contain annonaceous acetogenins and alkaloids that are neurotoxic and irritant; the seeds in particular are poisonous. Keep seeds, skin and leaves away from pets even though the ripe flesh is the edible part. 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 cherimoya.

What should I do if my cat ate cherimoya?

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 cherimoya toxic to dogs too?

The ASPCA classification Growli uses applies to both cats and dogs: Cherimoya is mildly toxic to dogs as well. See the full cherimoya pet-safety guide for both species.

What is a cat-safe alternative to cherimoya?

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 cherimoya pet-safety