CautionFruits
Updated:2026-09-28 · Food code:FOOD-FRU-0014
樱桃 配图

CherryPrunus avium

Cherry

Prunus avium
Also known as:cherries, sweet cherry
CatCaution

Cherry pits are toxic to cats as well and carry an obstruction risk; cats do not need fruit, so it is best avoided.

DogCaution

Cherry pits, leaves and twigs contain amygdalin, which releases cyanide when chewed; the flesh is sugary but low risk in small amounts.

What to do after ingestion

Feeding risk and emergency notice · Contact a veterinarian or an emergency animal hospital immediately; do not rely on this site alone
Symptoms

Drooling, vomiting, rapid breathing, lethargy.

What to do

Seek veterinary care immediately if a pit was eaten.

Toxic compound

Amygdalin

Why it is risky

Cherry pits are toxic to cats as well and carry an obstruction risk; cats do not need fruit, so it is best avoided.

What to do after ingestion

Feeding risk and emergency notice · Contact a veterinarian or an emergency animal hospital immediately; do not rely on this site alone
Symptoms

After eating a pit: drooling, vomiting, rapid breathing, bright red mucous membranes, tremors; obstruction causes repeated retching and abdominal pain.

What to do

Contact a vet immediately if a pit was eaten; a small amount of flesh only needs observation.

Toxic compound

Amygdalin (cyanogenic glycoside)

Why it is risky

Cherry pits, leaves and twigs contain amygdalin, which releases cyanide when chewed; the flesh is sugary but low risk in small amounts.

Nutrition

Per 100 g, edible portion
Energy · kcal/100g
63
Protein
1.06 g
Fat
0.2 g
Carbohydrates
16.01 g
Dietary fiber
2.1 g
Water
82.25 g

Data source:USDA FoodData Central · SR Legacy · Accessed on:2026-09-28

Cat · Safe feeding conditions

Caution

No additional condition notes for this food

Clinical and veterinary sources

1
Merck Veterinary Manual
Toxicology — Food Hazards (Merck Veterinary Manual)
Accessed:2024-09-15View source ↗
Why it is risky

Cherry pits are toxic to cats as well and carry an obstruction risk; cats do not need fruit, so it is best avoided.

Toxic compound

Amygdalin

Symptoms

Drooling, vomiting, rapid breathing, lethargy.

What to do

Seek veterinary care immediately if a pit was eaten.

Notes

Keep pits from the summer fruit bowl out of reach.

Dog · Safe feeding conditions

Caution

No additional condition notes for this food

Clinical and veterinary sources

1
Merck Veterinary Manual
Toxicology — Food Hazards (Merck Veterinary Manual)
Accessed:2024-09-15View source ↗
2
WSAVA (World Small Animal Veterinary Association)
Global Nutrition Guidelines
Accessed:2024-10-20View source ↗
Why it is risky

Cherry pits, leaves and twigs contain amygdalin, which releases cyanide when chewed; the flesh is sugary but low risk in small amounts.

Toxic compound

Amygdalin (cyanogenic glycoside)

Symptoms

After eating a pit: drooling, vomiting, rapid breathing, bright red mucous membranes, tremors; obstruction causes repeated retching and abdominal pain.

What to do

Contact a vet immediately if a pit was eaten; a small amount of flesh only needs observation.

Notes

Never hand a whole cherry with the pit; candied cherries, cherry pie and liqueur-soaked fruit are far worse.

Disclaimer and individual health notes

This website is for reference only and does not replace a licensed veterinarian. If your pet has eaten a suspected toxin or shows symptoms, contact a veterinarian or an emergency animal hospital immediately.