Can cats eat fruit pits?
No. Keep the pits, stones and seeds of stone fruit away from cats. The ASPCA lists cherry, peach, plum and apricot plants as toxic to cats because their seeds, stems and leaves contain cyanide. Call your vet if your cat chews or swallows one.
Updated:
Why
For cherry, peach, plum and apricot, the ASPCA says the stems, leaves and seeds contain cyanide (as cyanogenic glycosides) and are particularly toxic while wilting, and it lists all four plants as toxic to cats. The pit or stone of these fruits is the seed, so it should never be given to a cat.
Signs to watch for
- Brick-red gums
- Dilated pupils
- Difficulty breathing
- Panting
- Shock
What to do
Contact your vet or a pet poison helpline right away if your cat chewed or swallowed a pit, stone or seed. Note what was eaten, how much and when. Don't wait for signs to appear, and don't try to make your cat sick at home.
24-hour help by country →Questions and answers
Which fruits does this cover?
The ASPCA lists cherry, peach, plum and apricot as toxic to cats, and for each one it says the stems, leaves and seeds contain cyanide.
Related foods
All foods: What can cats eat?Sources
- Cherry (Toxic and Non-Toxic Plants) — ASPCA
- Peach (Toxic and Non-Toxic Plants) — ASPCA
- Plum (Toxic and Non-Toxic Plants) — ASPCA
- Apricot (Toxic and Non-Toxic Plants) — ASPCA
- Cats and poisons — International Cat Care
- Common cat poisons and toxins — Blue Cross
General information from the sources below, not reviewed by a vet and not a substitute for veterinary advice. When in doubt, call your vet.
How kids practise this in PetPrep
In PetPrep a child looks after a realistic cat: meals at the right times, water, walks and care. Knowing what is safe to share is part of being ready for a real pet.