Mountain Mahogany

Symptoms reported in cats

Most serious first.

1. 1
   Shock, seizures (convulsions), loss of consciousness, and coma Within minutes to hours · These extreme neurological and cardiovascular symptoms manifest as the oxygen deprivation peaks. Cyanide poisoning acts very quickly; if prompt veterinary attention (which may include oxygen therapy and specific antidotes) is not provided, it rapidly progresses to death.
2. 2
   Respiratory distress (panting, gasping for breath, or labored breathing) Within minutes to hours · This is typically one of the most prominent signs of cyanide poisoning, occurring because the toxin severely hampers the body's ability to utilize oxygen at the cellular level.
3. 3
   Unusually red or pink gums (bright red mucous membranes) Within minutes to hours · This distinct symptom happens because the cells are unable to extract oxygen from the blood. The blood remains fully oxygenated, causing the gums and mucous membranes to appear bright red while the body's tissues are essentially suffocating.
4. 4
   Dilated pupils Within minutes to hours · Abnormally large pupils act as an indicator of severe systemic stress and neurological impairment from the rapid lack of usable oxygen.
5. 5
   Excessive drooling (hypersalivation) Within minutes to hours · Salivating much more than usual can be one of the earlier, acute signs of toxic exposure before severe neurological decline sets in.

Important notes

Mountain Mahogany (Cercocarpus spp.) is a wild desert and mountain shrub or small tree, not a houseplant. Its leaves contain compounds called cyanogenic glycosides, so it can release cyanide if a cat chews and swallows enough of the plant. It is not listed by the ASPCA, Pet Poison Helpline, or other cat-specific poison authorities, and documented poisonings are in grazing livestock rather than cats; toxin levels are usually below the dangerous range, so a cat encountering this plant is unlikely. Treat it with caution rather than as a confirmed everyday hazard. When a plant part is chewed or crushed, the cyanogenic glycosides break down and release cyanide, which stops the body's cells from using oxygen. Wilted or dried leaves can release the poison more readily than fresh ones. A seed swallowed whole without chewing may not release the toxin, but chewing it is the hazard. If a large enough amount is chewed and swallowed, signs can appear quickly: rapid breathing or gasping for air, unusually bright red gums (which may later turn bluish), heavy drooling, or wide pupils, and in severe cases seizures or loss of consciousness. Acute cyanide poisoning is life-threatening, so if you suspect your cat chewed and swallowed part of this plant, contact a veterinarian or emergency animal hospital right away.

• Toxic compounds: cyanogenic glycosides; wilted leaves most dangerous
• Mechanism: cyanogenic glycosides release HCN via beta-glucosidase, inhibiting cytochrome c oxidase and halting cellular respiration
• Not listed by ASPCA or Pet Poison Helpline for cats; documented poisonings are in grazing livestock, and toxin levels are usually below the dangerous range
• Symptoms (if a toxic dose is chewed and swallowed): rapid breathing, weakness, dilated pupils, drooling; severe cases cause seizures, coma, and respiratory failure
• Wilted or fallen leaves pose a higher risk than fresh leaves due to accelerated cyanogenic conversion
• Seek veterinary care immediately if a large ingestion is suspected — acute cyanide toxicity can progress within minutes