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Pet safety

Is Damson 'Shropshire' toxic to cats?

Prunus insititia 'Shropshire'

Toxic to cats

Yes — damson 'shropshire' 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. Prunus insititia is within the Prunus genus, which the ASPCA lists as toxic to dogs, cats and horses (Plum and Cherry entries). The foliage, stems and stones contain cyanogenic glycosides that release cyanide when chewed, producing brick-red gums, dilated pupils, breathing difficulty, panting and shock. The ripe flesh is used by people, but pits and leaves are dangerous to pets.

What to do if your cat ate damson 'shropshire'

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

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

Is damson 'shropshire' toxic to cats? — FAQ

Is damson 'shropshire' toxic to cats?

Yes — damson 'shropshire' is toxic to cats according to the ASPCA. Keep it well away from any cat that chews plants; reactions can be significant. Prunus insititia is within the Prunus genus, which the ASPCA lists as toxic to dogs, cats and horses (Plum and Cherry entries). The foliage, stems and stones contain cyanogenic glycosides that release cyanide when chewed, producing brick-red gums, dilated pupils, breathing difficulty, panting and shock. The ripe flesh is used by people, but pits and leaves are dangerous to pets.

What are the symptoms if a cat eats damson 'shropshire'?

Prunus insititia is within the Prunus genus, which the ASPCA lists as toxic to dogs, cats and horses (Plum and Cherry entries). The foliage, stems and stones contain cyanogenic glycosides that release cyanide when chewed, producing brick-red gums, dilated pupils, breathing difficulty, panting and shock. The ripe flesh is used by people, but pits and leaves are dangerous to pets. 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 'shropshire'.

What should I do if my cat ate damson 'shropshire'?

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 'shropshire' toxic to dogs too?

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

What is a cat-safe alternative to damson 'shropshire'?

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 'shropshire' pet-safety