Cherries are a surprisingly nutritious dessert that lots of people like. There are numerous sorts of cherries, including black cherries, being cherries, and rainier cherries, depending on whether sweet cherries are your preferred snack or you prefer sour cherries.
What about our pets, though?
Can they occasionally indulge in cherries? Sadly, the short answer to the question of whether cats can eat cherries is no.
Even though the flesh of a mature cherry is unlikely to be harmful, the cherry plant’s seeds, stems, and other components pose major health hazards. It is therefore better to avoid taking any chances.
Cherries are a super food in the world of human nutrition. However, despite their potential health benefits, they pose a life-threatening risk to our furry family members. Therefore, it’s best to keep your cat away from any cherries or cherry trees in your home and garden.
Benefits Of Cherries For Cats
Vitamin C is also contained in cherries and helps keep your cat’s skin, bones, and blood vessels healthy.
When it comes to human nutrition, cherries are considered a superfood. This is because they are high in vitamins and antioxidants. They’re claimed to help you sleep better and lose weight, and may decrease inflammation.
Another nutritional benefit of cherries for cats is the high fiber content, which will help keep your kitty’s digestive system healthy and their stools regular. Potassium is also needed throughout your cat’s body, including in their muscles and kidneys.
It has roles in regulating blood pressure and maintaining hydration. Vitamin C is also contained in cherries and helps keep your cat’s skin, bones, and blood vessels healthy.
How Many Cherries Can A Cat Eat?
Because of the serious risks of cherry poisoning due to the cyanide in parts of the cherry plant, it’s best not to offer your cat cherries at all.
If your cat has eaten unripe cherries, cherries with seeds or stalks, or any other part of a cherry plant, you should speak to your veterinarian right away.
If your cat has accidentally eaten a seedless, ripe cherry, it’s unlikely to be a problem. However, you should still monitor them closely and contact a vet if they seem unwell.
How Frequently Can A Cat Eat Cherries?
Even a single cherry as a one-off could cause your cat serious harm if it is underripe, has a stalk, or contains a seed.
These parts of the cherry plant contain cyanide, which is poisonous and sometimes fatal to cats. So, to avoid this risk, you should never offer them cherries, and you should ensure that any cherries in your home or garden are out of reach. Dried cherries are unlikely to contain seeds and so should theoretically be safe.
On the other hand, it might be sensible to choose a treat for your cat that’s guaranteed to be completely risk-free. For example, if you’re looking for a human food that’s high in antioxidants, why not offer your cat a blueberry?
The Risks Of Eating Cherries For Cats
Because of the serious risks of cherry poisoning due to the cyanide in parts of the cherry plant, it’s best not to offer your cat cherries at all.
The most important risk associated with cats eating cherries is related to cyanide. Both sweet cherry and tart cherry plants contain cyanide within their stems, leaves, seeds, and flowers.
While the flesh of the cherry is free from large amounts of cyanide, if the cherry is ripe, the seed or pit will still contain lethal amounts. If your cat has cyanide poisoning, they might have difficulty breathing and they might vomit.
Dilated pupils, drooling, and muscle spasms are also common symptoms. Sadly, cyanide poisoning is often fatal for cats, especially without prompt treatment. Other fruits that contain cyanide include apricots and apples.
Another risk of eating cherries for cats is choking. Although cats will likely chew the flesh of the cherry, any cherry pits or seeds pose a choking hazard. There’s also a risk whenever you offer your cat a new food that it could give them an upset stomach.
Finally, remember, anything you give in addition to a nutritionally complete cat food could upset the balance of your cat’s diet, leading to nutritional deficiencies. So, all in all, feeding cherries to your cat is never a good idea.
Do Cats Enjoy The Taste Of Cherries?
Cats are obligate carnivores, which means the main component of their diet should be animal protein (meat). Although some cats enjoy some variety in the form of healthy human foods, most cats wouldn’t be interested in eating cherries. Anyway, you must check that any food is safe for your feline friend before offering it.
Final Thoughts
Cherries are a superfood in the world of human nutrition. However, despite their potential health benefits, they pose a life-threatening risk to our furry family members. Therefore, it’s best to keep your cat away from any cherries or cherry trees in your home and garden.