Are Cherries Toxic to Pets?
Yes — cherries are toxic to cats. Yes — cherries are toxic to dogs. Yes — cherries are toxic to horses.
PawSafe Check is for general information only and is not veterinary advice. Always contact your veterinarian or a poison control service if you think your pet has been exposed.
- Scientific name
- Prunus avium
- Toxic compound
- Cyanogenic glycosides
- Toxic parts
- Pits, stems and leaves
- Also known as
- cherry pits, cherry
Symptoms
Cats (toxic)
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Drooling
- Reduced appetite
Dogs (toxic)
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Drooling
- Reduced appetite
Horses (toxic)
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Drooling
- Reduced appetite
What to do
If your cat ate cherries
- Call your vet or a pet poison control line immediately — don't wait for symptoms.
- Do not induce vomiting unless a vet tells you to.
- Bring the plant, label or packaging with you so the vet knows exactly what your cat ate.
- Note roughly how much was eaten and when.
If your dog ate cherries
- Call your vet or a pet poison control line immediately — don't wait for symptoms.
- Do not induce vomiting unless a vet tells you to.
- Bring the plant, label or packaging with you so the vet knows exactly what your dog ate.
- Note roughly how much was eaten and when.
If your horse ate cherries
- Call your vet or a pet poison control line immediately — don't wait for symptoms.
- Do not induce vomiting unless a vet tells you to.
- Bring the plant, label or packaging with you so the vet knows exactly what your horse ate.
- Note roughly how much was eaten and when.
Good to know
The flesh is not the problem; the pits, stems and leaves contain cyanide-forming compounds and pits can cause blockages.
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Frequently asked questions
Are cherries toxic to cats?
Yes — cherries are toxic to cats. Common signs include vomiting, diarrhea, drooling.
Are cherries toxic to dogs?
Yes — cherries are toxic to dogs. Common signs include vomiting, diarrhea, drooling.
Are cherries toxic to horses?
Yes — cherries are toxic to horses. Common signs include vomiting, diarrhea, drooling.
Which parts of cherries are toxic?
Pits, stems and leaves.
What makes cherries toxic?
Cyanogenic glycosides.
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