Fruit
Can cats eat plums?
Not recommended. The stone, leaves and stems are toxic to cats, and the fruit offers nothing they need.
Why Amygdalin in the stone, leaves and stems
By Maya HartIf your cat ate some
- If a stone was swallowed, call your vet.
- A small amount usually causes nothing worse than a mild stomach upset.
- Offer water, skip the next treat and call your vet if vomiting or diarrhoea lasts more than a day or your pet seems unwell.
Signs to watch for
- Vomiting and diarrhoea
- Signs of blockage if a stone was swallowed
- Difficult breathing, dilated pupils (rare, cyanide)
Serving it safely
- Stone removed, flesh only
- Never prunes in large amounts — they cause diarrhoea
Dogs and cats, side by side
Dogs In moderation
Better avoided. The flesh is not toxic, but plums are sugary, and the stone contains cyanide-releasing compounds and can block the gut.
How much: A small piece of flesh at most.
Can dogs eat plums?Cats In moderation
Not recommended. The stone, leaves and stems are toxic to cats, and the fruit offers nothing they need.
The details
Windfall plums are a common late-summer problem: dogs eat them fermenting on the ground, and fermented fruit can also contain alcohol. Keep gardens picked up if your dog likes to scavenge.
Safer treats your cat can have instead
Questions owners ask
Can cats eat plums?
Not recommended. The stone, leaves and stems are toxic to cats, and the fruit offers nothing they need.
What makes plums risky for cats?
Amygdalin in the stone, leaves and stems.
What are the signs to watch for in cats?
vomiting and diarrhoea, signs of blockage if a stone was swallowed, difficult breathing, dilated pupils (rare, cyanide).
What should I do if my cat ate plums?
If a stone was swallowed, call your vet. A small amount usually causes nothing worse than a mild stomach upset. Offer water, skip the next treat and call your vet if vomiting or diarrhoea lasts more than a day or your pet seems unwell.
Is plums safe for dogs too?
Better avoided. The flesh is not toxic, but plums are sugary, and the stone contains cyanide-releasing compounds and can block the gut.
Sources
Tailwise is for general information and is reviewed by veterinary professionals, but it is not a substitute for advice from your own vet, who knows your pet. How we check facts
