Cherry Laurel

Symptoms reported in cats

Most serious first.

1. 1
   Tachypnea (rapid breathing), dyspnea (difficulty breathing), or respiratory paralysis Rapid (often within 10 to 60 minutes). · Because the toxin prevents cells from using oxygen, the cat may gasp for air or pant heavily. Respiratory paralysis is a specific risk associated with Cherry Laurel ingestion.
2. 2
   Tremors, seizures, dilated pupils, incoordination (ataxia), and sudden collapse Rapid (10–60 minutes). · As the brain is deprived of usable oxygen, the cat may exhibit severe neurological signs progressing to coma and death.
3. 3
   Arrhythmias (irregular heart rate), hypotension (low blood pressure), and cardiac arrest Rapid. · The toxin causes a rapid decline in cardiac function, often leading to sudden death before veterinary treatment can be administered.
4. 4
   Brick red" gums and cherry-red blood Rapid (10–60 minutes). · Unlike other conditions that cause pale or blue gums, cyanide poisoning causes the blood to remain fully oxygenated (because tissues cannot extract the oxygen), leading to a characteristic bright red color in the mucous membranes.
5. 5
   Hypersalivation (drooling), vomiting, and diarrhea Rapid (often the first sign). · You may detect a bitter "almond-like" odor on the cat's breath. The plant material also causes inflammation of the mucosa (lining of the mouth and stomach).

Important notes

Cherry Laurel (Prunus laurocerasus) is a widely planted evergreen shrub used for hedging and screening. Like other members of the Prunus genus (cherries, apricots, plums), its leaves, bark, and seeds contain prunasin — a cyanogenic glycoside that releases hydrogen cyanide (HCN) when crushed or chewed and digested. The mechanism is identical to apple seeds and apricot pits: enzymes break down prunasin, liberating toxic cyanide that halts cellular respiration. The berries themselves contain less cyanogenic material than the leaves and seeds but are still not safe.

• Symptoms: Vomiting, rapid breathing, lethargy, weakness, low blood pressure, and in significant ingestion: seizures and respiratory failure from cyanide toxicity.
• Leaves and seeds are most toxic: Wilted or damaged leaves release cyanide more readily than fresh ones — fallen or pruned branches are particularly dangerous.
• Action: Treat as a veterinary emergency if a cat has chewed on leaves, bark, or seeds. Bring a sample of the plant for identification.