←
Unripe or sprouted potatoes
Unripe or sprouted potatoes
Unripe or sprouted potatoes (Solanum tuberosum) are toxic to cats due to solanine and chaconine — steroidal glycoalkaloids that concentrate in green skin, sprouts, and eyes of potatoes. These compounds are a natural defence mechanism that decreases as the potato ripens. Ripe, cooked potato flesh without green areas is safe.
Important Notes
Toxic compounds: solanine and chaconine (steroidal glycoalkaloids); highest in sprouts, eyes, and green-tinged skin
Mechanism: glycoalkaloids inhibit acetylcholinesterase (disrupting nerve signalling) and disrupt cell membranes in the GI tract
Symptoms: vomiting, diarrhea, drooling, weakness, lethargy; large doses may cause tremors, heart rate changes, or CNS depression
Even low solanine levels can cause symptoms in cats — do not feed any green potato parts
Contact your vet if your cat ingests sprouted potato or significant amounts of green potato skin
Potentially Toxic Parts
Cooked form
Peel
Skin
Root
Leaf
Stem
Possible Symptoms Reported in Cats
Neurological Deficits and Paralysis
Gastrointestinal · Usually develops within 2 to 24 hours,
Cardiovascular Disturbances
Cardiac · 2 to 24 hours
Severe Gastrointestinal Upset
Gastrointestinal · Usually within 2 to 24 hours of ingestion,
Hemolysis and Acute Kidney Injury
Gastrointestinal · Progressive; typically occurs in the later stages of a severe poisoning episode
Unripe or sprouted potatoes
Metabolic
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.