Is Black Cherry Toxic to Cats?

Introduction

Cats are naturally curious creatures, and they often roam around the house or neighborhood, looking for things to eat and explore. As a cat owner, you need to ensure that your cat is eating only safe and nutritious food. However, it can be challenging to monitor everything your cat eats, especially if you have fruits and vegetables lying around. Black cherry is one such food that you may wonder about in terms of its safety for cats. In this article, we will discuss whether black cherry is toxic to cats.

What is Black Cherry?

Black cherry (Prunus serotina) is a deciduous tree that belongs to the rose family and is native to North America. It produces tart-sweet cherries that are often used in pies, jams, and other sweet treats. Black cherry trees can grow up to 80 feet tall and are often found in forests, parks, and backyards.

Can Cats Eat Black Cherry?

The short answer is no; cats should not eat black cherry. Black cherry contains a chemical called cyanogenic glycosides, which the cat's body converts into cyanide. Cyanide is a highly toxic substance and can cause serious harm if consumed in large quantities.

What Happens if a Cat Eats Black Cherry?

If your cat accidentally ingests black cherry, it can lead to several health problems. Cyanide can interfere with the cat's ability to transport oxygen throughout the body, leading to oxygen deprivation and cell damage. Some of the common symptoms of cyanide poisoning in cats include:

• Vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Difficulty breathing
• Pupil dilation
• Salivation
• Low blood pressure
• Loss of consciousness or seizures

These symptoms can show up quickly, within minutes of ingestion, or may take several hours to develop. If you notice any of these symptoms in your cat, you should rush them to the nearest vet immediately.

What Should You Do If Your Cat Eats Black Cherry?

If you suspect your cat has consumed black cherry, do not wait for symptoms to appear. Take them to the vet right away. Your vet may induce vomiting to remove the cherry from your cat's stomach and administer activated charcoal to reduce the absorption of toxins. In severe cases, your vet may also provide oxygen therapy, intravenous fluids, and supportive care to ensure your cat's recovery.

Preventing Accidental Ingestion of Black Cherry

The best way to prevent your cat from consuming black cherry is to keep it out of their reach. Ensure that you store any food items that contain cherries or cherry flavoring safely. Additionally, you can consider growing cat-friendly plants in your garden or backyard, such as catnip or cat grass, to divert your cat's attention from potentially toxic plants.

Conclusion

In conclusion, black cherry is not safe for cats to eat due to the presence of cyanogenic glycosides. Cyanide can have severe health consequences if consumed in large amounts and can lead to oxygen deprivation and cell damage. If you suspect your cat has ingested black cherry, take them to the vet right away for prompt treatment. Preventing accidental ingestion is essential, and you can achieve this by storing cherry-containing food items safely and providing cat-friendly alternatives.