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Pet safety

Is Sloe toxic to cats?

Prunus spinosa

Toxic to cats

Yes — sloe 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 spinosa belongs to the Prunus genus, which the ASPCA lists as toxic to dogs, cats and horses (under Cherry and Plum). The leaves, stems and seeds/kernels contain cyanogenic glycosides that release cyanide when chewed; signs include brick-red gums, dilated pupils, difficulty breathing, panting and shock. The flesh is used by people, but pits and foliage are dangerous to pets.

What to do if your cat ate sloe

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

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

Is sloe toxic to cats? — FAQ

Is sloe toxic to cats?

Yes — sloe is toxic to cats according to the ASPCA. Keep it well away from any cat that chews plants; reactions can be significant. Prunus spinosa belongs to the Prunus genus, which the ASPCA lists as toxic to dogs, cats and horses (under Cherry and Plum). The leaves, stems and seeds/kernels contain cyanogenic glycosides that release cyanide when chewed; signs include brick-red gums, dilated pupils, difficulty breathing, panting and shock. The flesh is used by people, but pits and foliage are dangerous to pets.

What are the symptoms if a cat eats sloe?

Prunus spinosa belongs to the Prunus genus, which the ASPCA lists as toxic to dogs, cats and horses (under Cherry and Plum). The leaves, stems and seeds/kernels contain cyanogenic glycosides that release cyanide when chewed; signs include brick-red gums, dilated pupils, difficulty breathing, panting and shock. The flesh is used by people, but pits and foliage 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 sloe.

What should I do if my cat ate sloe?

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 sloe toxic to dogs too?

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

What is a cat-safe alternative to sloe?

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 sloe pet-safety