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What would happen if I gave my 5kg senior cat a small piece of ripe persimmon as a weekly treat?

Cats · Food safety

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

Short answer

You should not make this a habit, as persimmon is listed as toxic to cats by the ASPCA. Even ripe flesh can pose a risk of gastrointestinal upset and, more seriously, may form a bezoar—a dense mass that can cause an intestinal blockage, which is a life-threatening emergency. The seeds and unripe fruit are particularly dangerous. For a senior cat with a potentially more sensitive system, the risks are heightened. It's best to choose a treat known to be safe for cats and contact your vet or the ASPCA poison line at 888-426-4435 if you have any concerns about what she's already eaten.

Persimmon — Food safety facts

Do not feed · Cats · full breakdown on the linked food page

Listed by ASPCA as toxic: unripe fruit and seeds can cause stomach upset, and the flesh may form a blockage in the gut.

Dogs and cats carry the same rating (Do not feed), so the notes below hold for either pet.

Persimmon should not be given to cats at all. Even a small amount can do harm, so there is no portion small enough to be safe.

Do not induce vomiting and do not give milk or oil to “dilute” it. Note the food and roughly how much was eaten, then call your vet or a pet poison hotline and follow their advice on whether to bring the pet in straight away.

Why these cautions matter

Stone-fruit pits and some seeds release cyanide when crushed, and quite apart from that they are a choking and blockage hazard.

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

Open the full food page: Persimmon food facts →