Plant safety for cats
Is tomato plant (टमाटर) toxic to cats?
ModerateListed toxic to cats by ASPCA
The plant, yes — tomato leaves, stems and green fruit are toxic to cats (solanine): drooling, stomach upset, weakness and dilated pupils. Ripe red tomatoes are non-toxic.
Why moderate: The leaves, stems and green fruit — ripe tomatoes are non-toxic.
- Name
- Tomato plantalso Tamatar plant
- Hindi
- टमाटर · tamatar
- Botanical name
- Solanum lycopersicum · Solanaceae
Toxic parts
Leaves, stems and unripe green fruit. Ripe fruit is non-toxic.
What's in it
Solanine and tomatine.
How to recognise it
- Hairy, strong-smelling leaves
- Small yellow, star-shaped flowers
- Green fruit that ripens red
Symptoms to watch for
- Drooling, not eating
- Severe stomach upset
- Low mood, weakness
- Dilated pupils, slow heart rate
What to do
Call your vet today. A nibble of leaf rarely does much; a lot of green plant can.
- Take the plant away, note how much is missing and take a photo of it.
- Don't make your cat vomit at home unless a vet tells you to.
- No milk, oil, salt water or home remedies.
Where Indian cats meet it
Terrace and kitchen gardens and rooftop grow-bags.
Sources
- ASPCA Animal Poison Control: Tomato plant
- Pet Poison Helpline: Tomato plant
- NC State Plant Toolbox: Solanum lycopersicum (human toxicity data)
Facts last checked
General information for cat parents, not a diagnosis or a treatment plan. The facts come from ASPCA, Pet Poison Helpline, International Cat Care, the Merck Veterinary Manual and the other sources listed on every page — and we say so when the evidence comes from dogs or people. If your cat may have eaten something harmful, call your vet.
