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When you have a cat, you quickly realise how many everyday groceries and household items can be a hazard. Lilies, onions, raisins, lavender, etc. So, you quickly find yourself having to double-check every new item of food to be sure—is this safe for cats?
Some items, like raisins, can be deadly to cats even in small quantities, while others can simply give them an upset stomach.
In this blog, we’ll look into whether cherries are safe for cats, what happens if your cat eats a cherry, and how you can prevent your cats from eating cherries.
Is it safe for a cat to eat cherries?
It is not recommended for cats to eat cherries. While the flesh of the cherries is theoretically safe for them to eat, the stems and stones of cherries can be toxic when ingested by cats. The stones can also cause inflammation or blockages in your cat’s bowels if swallowed.
Cherries contain a compound called cyanogenic glycoside; when metabolized, this becomes cyanide. While the amount is so small that humans are unaffected by it, cats are much smaller, and so even a small amount runs the risk of causing cyanide poisoning. Cyanide poisoning can cause your cat to suffer from seizures, difficulty breathing, intestinal distress, and even death.
While the chances of cats eating the stem or stone of a cherry are low, and the chance of that leading to cyanide poisoning is even lower, there is no sense in risking cyanide poisoning as there is almost no benefit to your cat’s nutrition from feeding them cherries. Cats’ digestive systems are designed to digest an almost entirely meat diet, so they do not require fruits and vegetables in order to be healthy. Cherries are much more beneficial to a human diet as they contain Vitamin C and antioxidants, which help keep us healthy—so save the cherries for yourself!
Signs of Cyanide Poisoning In Cats
Cyanide poisoning is very serious; if you observe any of these symptoms in your cat after they have eaten cherries, you should contact a vet immediately.
- Difficulty Breathing
Cyanide inhibits cellular respiration; this can result in your cat breathing rapidly or having difficulty breathing altogether.
- Weakness and Lethargy
Cyanide can make your cat sluggish, weak, and lethargic. A drop in your cat’s energy level can indicate that something is wrong.
- Bright Red Gums
Cyanide can cause the mucus membranes in your cat’s gums to become bright red. This is due to the inability of the cells in your cat’s mouth to get enough oxygen to them.
- Vomiting
Cats may vomit as a result of cyanide poisoning as their body tries to purge the toxin from their stomach.
- Seizures
Severe cases of cyanide poisoning can cause your cat to have seizures. - Collapse
If cats are unable to get enough oxygen to their cells, they may collapse.
If your cat is demonstrating any of these symptoms, you should get them to a vet as soon as possible. Cyanide poisoning can be treated, but as with all treatments, the earlier it is administered, the better chance of survival and a full recovery your cat has.
Treatment for cyanide poisoning may involve administering oxygen, stabilising your cat’s condition, and if necessary, providing antidotes like
supportive care to stabilize the cat’s condition, administration of oxygen, and in severe cases, antidotes such as sodium nitrite and sodium thiosulfate.
Five Fruits That Are Safe for Cats to Eat
The following five fruits are safe for your cat to eat, although in my experience, most cats aren’t that interested in any food that isn’t meat or cream-based! However, if your cat is a fruity feline, they might like some of these as treats.
- 1. Blueberries
Blueberries contain antioxidants and vitamin C. This can help support your cat’s immune system.
- 2. Watermelon
Watermelon contains a lot of water, which means it is hydrating for your cat. It also contains both vitamin A and vitamin C, which can help your cat keep its coat healthy.
- 3. Cantaloupe Melon
Like watermelon, cantaloupe has vitamins A and C. It also has beta-carotene, which is beneficial for a cat’s vision and immune system.
- 4. Bananas
Bananas are one of the few fruits that my cats seem to enjoy eating. Bananas are high in potassium, which helps support your cat’s muscle and nerve function. They also contain vitamins B6 and C, as well as dietary fibre.
- 5. Apples
Apples are rich in fibre. This can help regulate your cat’s digestive system. They are also high in vitamins A and C. However, you should always remove the seeds and core from any apple you give your cats.
These fruits are all safe for cats, but you should introduce them gradually and monitor how your cat responds in case your cat shows signs of discomfort or experiences diarrhoea. If your cat doesn’t like any of these fruits, don’t worry—unlike humans, cats don’t need fruit to be healthy. Remember that in the wild, cats would very rarely eat any fruit!
Final Thoughts: Why Are Cherries Dangerous For Cats?
As you now know, while some fruit is safe (and even beneficial) for cats, cherries can be dangerous. Their stones and stems contain cyanide and can cause serious damage to your cat. Avoid leaving cherries out on the counter where your cat could eat them. Consult with a vet immediately if you think your cat has consumed anything toxic, and remember that your cat’s diet should primarily consist of meat as it would in the wild.
Dos
Do Educate Yourself:
Take time to research and understand which foods are safe for your cat before introducing them into your cat’s diet. If you are unsure about a food or find conflicting information, consult your vet.Do Monitor Symptoms:
If your cat has eaten something unusual or new, keep an eye on their behaviour over the following hours and days. If they appear sluggish, nervous, or are vomiting or having diarrhoea, this can be a sign that they are ill, and you should take them to the vet.Do Provide Safe Alternatives:
If you want to feed your cat fruit, options like blueberries, watermelon, banana, or apple are safer. However, most cats do not show any interest in non-meat-based foods.
Don’ts
Don’t Assume Safety:
Just because a food is safe for humans doesn’t mean it is safe for cats. For example, raisins are safe for humans, but even two or three can be fatal for cats to ingest.Don’t Leave Hazardous Foods Accessible:
If you leave foods out on the side, there is a chance that your cats might eat them. Keep foods that might be toxic to your cat stored away.Don’t Delay Veterinary Care:
If you suspect that your cat has ingested something toxic, you should take them to a vet right away. The sooner a vet can see them, the more likely they are to fully recover.