Tomatoes

Q: Can cats eat Tomatoes? — CatToxic

Caution: Ripe red flesh OK in small amounts — green parts are toxic. The green parts of the tomato plant — stems, leaves, and unripe tomatoes — contain solanine and tomatine, which are toxic to cats. Ripe red tomato flesh is considered safe in small quantities. However, the entire green portion of the plant is dangerous.

Q: Symptoms to watch for

GI upset from ripe flesh (mild), vomiting, weakness, tremors (from green parts)

Caution

Verdict

Ripe red flesh OK in small amounts — green parts are toxic.

Toxic principle: solanine, tomatine (green parts)

Source: ASPCA

Verdict

The green parts of the tomato plant — stems, leaves, and unripe tomatoes — contain solanine and tomatine, which are toxic to cats. Ripe red tomato flesh is considered safe in small quantities. However, the entire green portion of the plant is dangerous.

Symptoms to watch for

• GI upset from ripe flesh (mild)
• vomiting, weakness, tremors (from green parts)

What to do

A small piece of ripe tomato flesh is generally not a concern. If your cat ate green tomatoes, leaves, or stems, contact your vet.

Related foods

Onion

Dangerous

Never — extremely toxic to cats. Far more dangerous than for dogs.

Vegetables

Garlic

Dangerous

Never — 5× more concentrated than onion. Extremely toxic to cats.

Vegetables

Chives

Dangerous

Never — allium family, toxic to cats.

Vegetables

Leek

Dangerous

Never — allium family, highly toxic to cats.

Vegetables

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