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What signs should I watch for and when, if my cat eats pomegranate arils versus the tough outer skin — do vomiting signs come faster from the rind?

Cats · Food safety

Last reviewed: 2026-09-05 · Reference ranges: ASPCA, Pet Poison Helpline & Merck Veterinary Manual

Short answer

The arils are generally well tolerated, while the rind and inner membrane contain tannins that can trigger vomiting sooner and more sharply. Signs from the rind may appear within a couple of hours and usually fade within 24 hours if the cat stays hydrated and rests. Watch her closely, provide fresh water, and offer a bland diet for the next day if she seems hungry. Call your vet if she keeps vomiting, becomes unusually listless, or refuses to drink for more than 12 hours.

Pomegranate — Food safety facts

Feed with care · Cats · full breakdown on the linked food page

A few arils are fine, but the rind and inner membrane are high in tannins and can cause vomiting.

Dogs and cats carry the same rating (Feed with care), so the notes below hold for either pet.

Pomegranate is not poisonous to cats, but it is easy to over-feed. Rich fat, salt or seasoning can bring on vomiting or diarrhoea within a day, and repeated large portions are a recognised trigger for pancreatitis.

If it ate some before you noticed, watch for vomiting, diarrhoea, loss of appetite, unusual tiredness or a painful, swollen abdomen over the next 24 hours. A one-off small amount in a healthy adult usually passes with water and rest; repeated exposure, a puppy or kitten, a senior, or a pet with an ongoing illness is a reason to call your vet the same day.

The full verdict, portion guidance and serving notes are collected on the Pomegranate food facts page.

Open the full food page: Pomegranate food facts →