Why this tiny amount isn't a poisoning threat
At 5 kg, your cat would need to consume significant portions of cherry pits or leaves to face cyanide risks—neither of which were present in what she licked. The juice and minuscule flesh she ingested contain negligible traces of problematic compounds. Sugar and acidity from the juice are more likely to cause mild digestive grumbling than toxicity.
Watch for subtle signs like lip-licking or turning away from food, which might hint at nausea. If she's still playful and interested in treats within the next two hours, the cherry residue is already passing through without issue.
What stomach upset might look like in a small cat
A 5 kg frame means even slight irritation can show clearly—expect wet hair around the mouth from drooling or one to two vomit piles with clear liquid. These usually resolve without intervention. Diarrhea would appear within 8 hours if it occurs, often smelling unusually sweet from the fruit sugars.
Hydration matters more than meals right now. Leave fresh water in a wide bowl to encourage sips. Skip offering food for 3-4 hours to let her stomach settle, then reintroduce her regular kibble in smaller portions.
When to stop monitoring
If 6 hours pass with no vomiting, gulping, or hiding behavior, your cat has processed this safely. The acid in cherries can sometimes cause throat irritation, so occasional coughs or swallowing aren't alarming unless they persist beyond the first hour.
Should she vomit more than twice or produce bile (yellow foam), pause food for 12 hours and check for dehydration by gently pinching the skin at her shoulders—slow retraction means she needs vet attention.
Why cats react differently than dogs to fruit
Your cat's lack of sweet taste receptors makes accidental overeating unlikely—she probably stopped at one lick because the flavor didn't reward further interest. Dogs often gobble problematic amounts; cats typically sample and walk away.
The real risk would have been chewing pits or stems, which she didn't access. For future safety, rinse cherry-stained plates immediately—cats investigate sticky residues even when uninterested in the original food.
The full verdict, portion guidance and serving notes are collected on the Cherries (pits removed) food facts page.