Is Tomato Plant Toxic to Cats?
Also known as: Garden Tomato, Lycopersicon esculentum · Solanum lycopersicum
What makes it toxic
Solanine and related glycoalkaloids (with tomatine in the green tissue), concentrated in the leaves, stems and unripe green fruit. Ripe red fruit contains only trace amounts and is considered safe in small quantities.
Warning signs to watch for
Drooling, vomiting, diarrhea, drowsiness, weakness and dilated pupils within hours; large ingestions can slow the heart rate and cause confusion or tremors.
What to do if your cat eats it
Remove plant material and offer water. Call your vet if the cat ate leaves, stems or green fruit rather than just ripe tomato, and seek care promptly for lethargy, tremors or a slow pulse.
Common questions
Can my cat eat a ripe tomato?
A small bite of red ripe flesh is generally harmless. The hazard is the green plant matter — leaves, stems and unripe fruit carry the glycoalkaloids.
My cat knocked over an unripe green tomato and ate some — urgent?
Green fruit contains more tomatine than ripe fruit, though less than the foliage. Expect possible vomiting and call your vet for advice based on the amount.
Are cherry tomato plants equally toxic?
Yes — all Solanum lycopersicum types, cherry to beefsteak, carry solanine in their foliage and green fruit.
More plants checked for cats
This page is general educational information, not a substitute for professional veterinary advice. Every pet is different — if your animal ate something concerning, contact your veterinarian or a pet poison hotline right away. Checking what your pet can eat? Visit our sister site SafeOrToxic.