Why seed count matters for a curious cat
Pear seeds contain trace amounts of cyanide, but a cat would need to chew several seeds to release enough toxin to cause harm. The hard outer shell makes accidental poisoning unlikely unless the seeds were crushed or the cat is prone to chewing objects. Your situation involves only a few intact seeds, which reduces the immediate risk.
Watch closely for any unusual behavior like excessive drooling or pawing at the mouth, as these could indicate discomfort from the seeds' texture rather than poisoning. The real danger would come from repeated access—if your cat develops a taste for them, cumulative exposure could become problematic.
When small amounts still warrant attention
Even with minimal ingestion, some cats may show mild signs like brief gastrointestinal upset within 6-12 hours. This isn't necessarily cyanide poisoning but could be a reaction to the unfamiliar plant material. Vomiting once or twice without other symptoms usually resolves on its own.
However, if you notice dilated pupils, bright red gums, or labored breathing—even hours later—treat this as an emergency. These signs suggest cyanide absorption, which progresses rapidly once symptoms appear. Time matters more than dose at this stage, so don't wait to see if it 'passes'.
The critical window for monitoring
The first eight hours post-ingestion are when you're most likely to see early warnings like lethargy or loss of coordination. These subtle changes are easy to miss in cats, so confine your pet to a quiet space where you can observe their movements and breathing patterns clearly.
By 24 hours without symptoms, the risk drops significantly. But remain cautious with future fruit—what seems like harmless curiosity today could turn into habitual snacking. Store pears securely and discard cores where your cat can't retrieve them.
Why preparation method changes the risk
Cooked pear seeds pose slightly higher risk than raw ones because heat can weaken the protective shell, making toxin release easier. If the seeds came from baked goods or stewed fruit, monitor more closely even for small quantities.
Conversely, whole seeds swallowed accidentally during play typically pass through undigested. The real concern arises when seeds are crushed in a blender or mortar before ingestion—this dramatically increases the surface area for toxin absorption, turning a few seeds into a real hazard.
The step-by-step response, from the first minute to the vet visit, is in our Paracetamol Poisoning in Dogs and Cats emergency guide.