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Is Morello Cherry toxic to cats?

Prunus cerasus 'Morello'

Toxic to cats

Yes — morello cherry 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. Sour cherry (Prunus) is ASPCA-listed as toxic to cats, dogs and horses. Its stems, leaves and stones contain cyanogenic glycosides that release cyanide, with wilting foliage and the kernel the most dangerous parts; the cooked or ripe flesh is not the hazard. Signs of poisoning include brick-red gums, dilated pupils, panting, breathing difficulty and shock. Keep pets from chewing prunings, leaves or stones.

What to do if your cat ate morello cherry

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

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

Is morello cherry toxic to cats? — FAQ

Is morello cherry toxic to cats?

Yes — morello cherry is toxic to cats according to the ASPCA. Keep it well away from any cat that chews plants; reactions can be significant. Sour cherry (Prunus) is ASPCA-listed as toxic to cats, dogs and horses. Its stems, leaves and stones contain cyanogenic glycosides that release cyanide, with wilting foliage and the kernel the most dangerous parts; the cooked or ripe flesh is not the hazard. Signs of poisoning include brick-red gums, dilated pupils, panting, breathing difficulty and shock. Keep pets from chewing prunings, leaves or stones.

What are the symptoms if a cat eats morello cherry?

Sour cherry (Prunus) is ASPCA-listed as toxic to cats, dogs and horses. Its stems, leaves and stones contain cyanogenic glycosides that release cyanide, with wilting foliage and the kernel the most dangerous parts; the cooked or ripe flesh is not the hazard. Signs of poisoning include brick-red gums, dilated pupils, panting, breathing difficulty and shock. Keep pets from chewing prunings, leaves or stones. 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 morello cherry.

What should I do if my cat ate morello cherry?

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 morello cherry toxic to dogs too?

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

What is a cat-safe alternative to morello cherry?

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 morello cherry pet-safety