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Green tomatoes
Green tomatoes
Green tomatoes are unripe tomatoes from the tomato plant (Solanum lycopersicum). Ripe red tomato flesh is usually not a major toxin concern for cats, but green tomatoes and other green parts of the plant are unsafe. The concern is solanine and tomatine, two plant chemicals from the nightshade family. These chemicals are more concentrated in unripe fruit, leaves, and stems, and they can irritate the digestive tract and affect the nervous system. A cat that eats green tomato may drool, vomit, have diarrhea, seem sleepy, or act weak. Keep tomato plants, stems, leaves, and unripe fruit away from cats. Call a veterinarian if your cat eats green tomato or shows repeated vomiting, weakness, or unusual behavior.
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.