Could a cat eat a plum? Every cat owner should think carefully about this. The health of your cat depends on your knowledge of what foods are appropriate and what are not.
Treats for cats are a tradition shared by all who care for them. Since plums are so tasty, it’s only natural that you’d want to share them with your furry friend. However, keeping track of the many human foods that are not safe for pets can be challenging.
Read on to learn the facts before you treat your feline friend to a plum slice.
Can Your Cat Eat Plums?
Despite your or their desire to do so, cats are not supposed to eat plums. The stem, the leaves, and the plum pit are all toxic to cats. If your cat eats this, it could be fatal.
Due to their size and physiology, cats should not consume plum pits because they contain levels of cyanide that are toxic to them. The wilting of plums increases the hazard they pose to cats. When swallowed whole, plum pits pose a similar choking risk to cats.
Because of their size and sharp edges, plum pits can also cause internal injuries or bowel obstructions in cats.
In addition, it’s likely that cats won’t go for plums as a snack. Cats aren’t as keen on fruit as dogs are, but they’ll eat just about anything else. Your cat probably won’t want to snack on a plum unless it’s a very unusual breed.
Are There Any Health Benefits of Plums For Cats?
Few if any benefits can be derived from feeding plums to cats. Many people who have pets want to include more whole foods like fruits and vegetables in their diet.
This inclination makes sense, given that pet owners naturally want the best for their animals.
However, pets’ unique physiological make-up necessitates a diet that differs significantly from that of humans. Fruits like persimmon and apple are healthier options for cats.
Cats get all or nearly all of the vitamins they need from their food, so eating plums isn’t necessary.
You shouldn’t have to give your cat any supplements if you feed it high-quality commercial cat food appropriate for its age and weight.
Health Concerns Of Plums for Cats
Small amounts of plums can be extremely dangerous for cats. Cherries, apricots, and peaches all share the same potentially lethal compounds found in plants.
Urgent medical attention is needed for cats that have consumed enough plums or other fruits containing cyanide to become ill.
After administering treatment for cyanide poisoning, your cat will need to be observed for several hours.
This is due to the fact that cyanide is a highly toxic substance, and the treatment itself can be quite unpleasant.
Keep your cat in a calm, secure spot where it can relax. Find out if your vet recommends any medication for aftercare.
Are plums poisonous to cats?
The ASPCA confirms that the stems, leaves, and seeds of the plum are all toxic to cats due to the presence of cyanide.
The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals warns that wilting plums are highly toxic to cats and dogs and even horses. Do your best to avoid it.
Should You Get Your Cat To Eat Plum?
Never force plums on your feline friend. Fortunately, most cats don’t care about plums. Whatever the case may be, there are other fruits that provide the benefits sought by cat owners without the associated risks.
Even if a cat is successfully treated for poisoning after eating plums, the fruit can still have devastating effects on its body. Cats can have severe episodes of vomiting and low blood pressure.
Are There Plum Cat Treat Recipes?
For obvious reasons, plums aren’t commonly used in cat treats. There are many recipes for homemade cat treats that have been approved by veterinarians and are both easy and delicious.
Make sure to double-check recipes for any unsafe ingredients, allergens, or things your cat might flat-out refuse to eat.
Treats are fine, but they shouldn’t make up more than 10 percent of your cat’s diet. This helps make sure they aren’t taking in extra calories or nutrients that they don’t need.
How Many Plums Can I Feed My Cat?
Do not give your cat any plums. While it’s highly unlikely that one plum is enough to make your cat ill, it is possible.
Keep a close eye out for symptoms of plum toxicity if you find your cat eating one. The best course of action is to take your cat to the vet so they can run lab tests to make sure it’s healthy.
What to do if your cat eats plums
Cats should not eat plums under any circumstances because even a small amount can be fatal. If you think your cat has eaten a plum pit, you should take it to the vet immediately.
Symptoms of plum poisoning
The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA) lists several signs to look for if you think your cat has eaten plums.
- Pupillary dilation
- Breathing problems
- Panting too much
- Shock
- Dry, blood-red nasal membranes
Plum poisoning can be fatal if not treated.
How Should I Treat Plum Poisoning In My Cat?
If you notice any of these symptoms in your cat, please contact your veterinarian immediately. Investigate what exactly your cat ate from the plum plant. This may be very helpful in determining how much cyanide has been ingested.
It’s possible that cats can safely consume fresh plum flesh. Pets, on the other hand, might nibble on the pit or even purposefully eat the plant’s roots, leaves, or stem. Seek veterinary care immediately if your pet exhibits any of these symptoms.
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Please bring any nibbled-on bits of plum plant. If your cat throws up, try to save some of the contents for your vet. Your veterinarian can use trocarization to examine your cat’s stomach fluids for toxins. The severity of any poisoning can then be more precisely determined.
Your veterinarian may recommend sodium nitrate if the poisoning is severe enough. Cyanide levels may be lowered by doing this.
The process takes only a few minutes and involves administering IV fluids. The veterinarian will then give the animal sodium thiosulfate, a treatment for cyanide poisoning.
Other foods that aren’t safe for cats
Is it true that plums are safe for cats to eat? has a big “nope” as an answer. However, there are still many other types of food that our fluffy friends should not eat.
- Apricots
- Cherries
- Peaches
- Tomatoes
As a responsible pet owner, you should always be aware of potential dangers to your feline companions. Find out in this article what foods your cat can and cannot eat.
Conclusion
It might seem like a nice, caring thing to do to give your cats a plum. It’s only natural for cat owners to want to share treats with their feline companions.
After all, sharing a meal is a common way for people to break the ice or reconnect with one another. However, you should look elsewhere, as plums are toxic to many animals, including cats.
Leave a comment below if your cat has been poisoned by plums and what you did to treat it. Get the most up-to-date and comprehensive information on how to provide the best possible care for your cat by subscribing now!
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