What are the symptoms if a cat eats Mountain Mahogany?

Respiratory distress (panting, gasping for breath, or labored breathing), Unusually red or pink gums (bright red mucous membranes), Dilated pupils, Excessive drooling (hypersalivation), Shock, seizures (convulsions), loss of consciousness, and coma

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⚠ Caution

Mountain Mahogany

Q: Is Mountain Mahogany toxic to cats?

Caution: potentially harmful. 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.

Cercocarpus spp.

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.

Important Notes

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

Potentially Toxic Parts

Leaf

Seed

Possible Symptoms Reported in Cats

Shock, seizures (convulsions), loss of consciousness, and coma

Neurological · Within minutes to hours

Respiratory distress (panting, gasping for breath, or labored breathing)

Respiratory · Within minutes to hours

Unusually red or pink gums (bright red mucous membranes)

Hematological · Within minutes to hours

Dilated pupils

Neurological · Within minutes to hours

Excessive drooling (hypersalivation)

Gastrointestinal · Within minutes to hours

Disclaimer: This summary was compiled from multiple sources and is for informational use only. It is not a diagnosis or treatment plan. Toxicity can vary based on the substance, amount, plant part, and individual cat. If you think your cat may have been exposed to a toxic substance, contact a veterinarian right away.