What are the symptoms if a cat eats Tomato?

Hypersalivation (Drooling), Vomiting and diarrhea, Lethargy, weakness, and confusion, Dilated pupils (mydriasis), Slowed heart rate (bradycardia)

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✕ Toxic

Tomato

Q: Is Tomato toxic to cats?

Warning: Toxic. While the ripe, red fruit of the tomato (Solanum lycopersicum) is generally considered non-toxic for cats in small amounts, the green parts of the plant are poisonous. This includes the leaves, stems, vines, and unripe green tomatoes, all of which contain harmful compounds. The toxic substances are glycoalkaloids known as solanine and tomatine. These compounds are part of the plant's natural defense system and are concentrated in its green parts. If ingested, they can cause significant gastrointestinal distress and, in larger quantities, may affect the nervous system, leading to confusion, weakness, or a slowed heart rate. As the tomato fruit ripens to red, these toxin levels naturally fall to negligible, safe amounts. Symptoms of tomato plant poisoning include severe vomiting, diarrhea, drooling, lethargy, and loss of appetite. To be safe, prevent cats from accessing tomato plants. If you know your cat has eaten the green leaves or an unripe tomato, you should contact your veterinarian for guidance.

Solanum lycopersicum

While the ripe, red fruit of the tomato (Solanum lycopersicum) is generally considered non-toxic for cats in small amounts, the green parts of the plant are poisonous. This includes the leaves, stems, vines, and unripe green tomatoes, all of which contain harmful compounds. The toxic substances are glycoalkaloids known as solanine and tomatine. These compounds are part of the plant's natural defense system and are concentrated in its green parts. If ingested, they can cause significant gastrointestinal distress and, in larger quantities, may affect the nervous system, leading to confusion, weakness, or a slowed heart rate. As the tomato fruit ripens to red, these toxin levels naturally fall to negligible, safe amounts. Symptoms of tomato plant poisoning include severe vomiting, diarrhea, drooling, lethargy, and loss of appetite. To be safe, prevent cats from accessing tomato plants. If you know your cat has eaten the green leaves or an unripe tomato, you should contact your veterinarian for guidance.

Important Notes

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

Ripe red flesh: safe in very small amounts; no nutritional benefit for cats and high acid content may cause mild upset

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

Never feed tomato sauce, ketchup, or canned tomato products — typically contain garlic, onion, and salt

Contact your vet if your cat eats significant amounts of green tomato plant material

Potentially Toxic Parts

Stem

Leaf

Fruit

Possible Symptoms Reported in Cats

Slowed heart rate (bradycardia)

Cardiac · Occurs after the systemic absorption of a large toxic dose.

Vomiting and diarrhea

Gastrointestinal · Within a few hours of ingestion.

Lethargy, weakness, and confusion

Neurological · Progresses after gastrointestinal signs (usually within a few to several hours).

Dilated pupils (mydriasis)

Neurological · A few hours after ingestion.

Hypersalivation (Drooling)

Gastrointestinal · Within a few hours of ingestion.

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.