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Pet safety

Is Damson toxic to cats?

Prunus domestica subsp. insititia

Toxic to cats

Yes — damson 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. The ASPCA lists Prunus (plum) as toxic to cats, dogs, and horses. Leaves, stems, and stones contain cyanogenic glycosides that release cyanide when chewed, causing panting, dilated pupils, bright-red gums, and shock. The tart ripe flesh is not the hazard — pits and wilted foliage are the danger to grazing pets and livestock.

What to do if your cat ate damson

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

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

Is damson toxic to cats? — FAQ

Is damson toxic to cats?

Yes — damson is toxic to cats according to the ASPCA. Keep it well away from any cat that chews plants; reactions can be significant. The ASPCA lists Prunus (plum) as toxic to cats, dogs, and horses. Leaves, stems, and stones contain cyanogenic glycosides that release cyanide when chewed, causing panting, dilated pupils, bright-red gums, and shock. The tart ripe flesh is not the hazard — pits and wilted foliage are the danger to grazing pets and livestock.

What are the symptoms if a cat eats damson?

The ASPCA lists Prunus (plum) as toxic to cats, dogs, and horses. Leaves, stems, and stones contain cyanogenic glycosides that release cyanide when chewed, causing panting, dilated pupils, bright-red gums, and shock. The tart ripe flesh is not the hazard — pits and wilted foliage are the danger to grazing pets and livestock. 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 damson.

What should I do if my cat ate damson?

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 damson toxic to dogs too?

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

What is a cat-safe alternative to damson?

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 damson pet-safety