✕ Toxic

Green tomatoes

Ripe red tomatoes (Solanum lycopersicum) are not significantly toxic to cats, but green (unripe) tomatoes contain solanine and tomatine — glycoalkaloids found throughout the nightshade family. These compounds decrease as the fruit ripens, which is why ripe tomatoes are generally considered safe in small amounts while all green parts of the tomato plant remain hazardous.

Important Notes

Avoid: green (unripe) tomatoes and all green parts of the plant — leaves, stems, and vines contain solanine and tomatine

Ripe red tomato flesh: safe in very small amounts but offers no nutritional benefit to cats

Symptoms if green parts ingested: drooling, vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy, weakness; severe exposure may cause bradycardia or CNS depression

Never feed seasoned tomato products — garlic, onion, and salt in sauces or ketchup are toxic to cats

If your cat chews tomato plant leaves or eats a green tomato, contact your vet

Potentially Toxic Parts

Fruit

Stem

Leaf

Possible Symptoms Reported in Cats

Neurological Deficits and Paralysis

Neurological · Usually follows gastrointestinal symptoms,

Cardiovascular Disturbances

Cardiac · Progressive (2 to 24 hours)

Hemolysis and Acute Kidney Injury

Gastrointestinal · Progressive; typically occurs in the later stages of a severe poisoning episode

Severe Gastrointestinal Upset

Gastrointestinal · Usually within 2 to 24 hours of ingestion,

Ocular Changes

Neurological · 2 to 24 hours

Green tomatoes, as well as the leaves and stems of the tomato plant

Metabolic

Hypersalivation

Gastrointestinal · 2 to 24 hours

Disclaimer: This summary was compiled from multiple sources and is for informational use only. It is not a diagnosis or treatment plan. Toxicity can vary based on the substance, amount, plant part, and individual cat. If you think your cat may have been exposed to a toxic substance, contact a veterinarian right away.