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Pet safety

Is Greengage toxic to cats?

Prunus domestica 'Reine Claude Dorée'

Toxic to cats

Yes — greengage 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, twigs, and stones contain cyanogenic glycosides releasing cyanide when chewed, causing brick-red gums, dilated pupils, breathing difficulty, and shock. The sweet ripe flesh is harmless to people, but keep pets and grazing animals away from pits and wilted prunings.

What to do if your cat ate greengage

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

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

Is greengage toxic to cats? — FAQ

Is greengage toxic to cats?

Yes — greengage 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, twigs, and stones contain cyanogenic glycosides releasing cyanide when chewed, causing brick-red gums, dilated pupils, breathing difficulty, and shock. The sweet ripe flesh is harmless to people, but keep pets and grazing animals away from pits and wilted prunings.

What are the symptoms if a cat eats greengage?

The ASPCA lists Prunus (plum) as toxic to cats, dogs, and horses. Leaves, twigs, and stones contain cyanogenic glycosides releasing cyanide when chewed, causing brick-red gums, dilated pupils, breathing difficulty, and shock. The sweet ripe flesh is harmless to people, but keep pets and grazing animals away from pits and wilted prunings. 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 greengage.

What should I do if my cat ate greengage?

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 greengage toxic to dogs too?

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

What is a cat-safe alternative to greengage?

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 greengage pet-safety