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Nightshade
Solanum spp.
Nightshade (Solanum nigrum and related Solanum species), also called Black Nightshade or Common Nightshade, is a toxic plant for cats found in gardens, roadsides, and as a weed worldwide. Like all members of the nightshade family (Solanaceae), it contains steroidal glycoalkaloids — primarily solanine and solasonine — with the highest concentrations in unripe berries, leaves, and stems.
Important Notes
Toxic compounds: solanine and solasonine (steroidal glycoalkaloids); unripe green berries and green plant parts most concentrated; ripe black berries slightly less toxic
Mechanism: glycoalkaloids inhibit acetylcholinesterase (disrupting nerve signalling) and disrupt cell membranes, causing GI and neurological effects
Symptoms: drooling, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, lethargy, weakness; severe ingestion may cause tremors, bradycardia, or CNS depression
Unripe berries are the greatest risk — they resemble edible berries and may attract curious cats
Contact your vet if your cat ingests any part of the plant, especially unripe berries
Potentially Toxic Parts
Entire Plant
Fruit
Possible Symptoms Reported in Cats
Abnormally slow heart rate (bradycardia) and circulatory failure
Cardiac · 2–24 hours
Difficulty breathing progressing to respiratory paralysis
Respiratory · 2–24 hours (usually in the terminal stages of severe poisoning)
Vomiting, diarrhea (sometimes bloody), and significant abdominal pain
Gastrointestinal · 2–24 hours (typically the initial sign)
Lethargy, depression, confusion, dilated pupils, ataxia (loss of coordination), muscle tremors, stupor, and seizures
Gastrointestinal · 2–24 hours (typically follows gastrointestinal symptoms as the toxin is absorbed into the bloodstrea
Hemolysis (destruction of red blood cells), resulting in anemia, jaundice (icterus), and hemoglobinuria (dark red or brown urine)
Gastrointestinal · 2–24 hours (progressing as the toxins circulate)
Excessive drooling (hypersalivation), burning sensation, and coughing
Gastrointestinal · 2–24 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.