No, cats cannot eat cherries because of their chemical compounds.
Cherries are red-coloured fruits that belong to the Rosaceae family. The trees are commonly grown in the Northern hemisphere and east Asia. Despite being safe for human consumption, cherries contain cyanogenic glycosides that are considered toxic for cats and dogs. The harmful substance can be found in the cherry’s stems, leaves, blossoms, and seeds. It becomes more lethal for pets when the fruit is in the process of wilting.
Aside from the high cyanide content, its seeds can be a choking hazard or cause internal blockage. When swallowed whole, the small, hardened pits may block your cat’s airway or intestinal passage or even tear his throat lining. Though it is not advisable for cats to eat the pits, the fruit’s flesh is actually non-toxic for them.
What to do if your cat accidentally eats cherries: Discover how many cherries and which parts of the cherry your cat consumed. Observe her for any strange symptoms. If she displays any signs of gastrointestinal upset, contact your veterinarian immediately and report your observations. If your cat gets her paws on the cherry fruit or plant, these may cause brick red mucous membranes, dilated pupils, difficulty breathing, panting, and shock. Extreme cases may even lead to death.
In summary: Cherries contain vitamins C, A, and K, potassium, magnesium, and calcium. These nutrients may be beneficial for cats, but they can be obtained from other sources that are safer for her to eat. To make sure your cat doesn’t get to your stash of cherries, store it properly. Discard its stems and seeds immediately after eating.
Instead of cherries, there are many other fruits and vegetables you can feed to your cat without worries. Check out our comprehensive list under the “can cats eat” category.
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