Can cats eat tomatoes?

Updated 27/04/2023

Full of vitamins and packed with antioxidants - tomatoes certainly do have their fair share of health benefits for us humans. But what about our furry friends? Can cats eat tomatoes? The short answer is yes, cats can eat ripe red tomatoes, just as we can, but they shouldn’t eat the tomato plant. Let’s dive into why tomatoes are so bad for our feline companions…

Are tomatoes poisonous to cats?

Ripe tomatoes are considered non-toxic to cats, according to the ASPCA. Therefore, this juicy red fruit is perfectly safe for your feline friend to eat. However, problems may occur if your cat eats a tomato plant or very unripe (green) tomatoes. These contain high levels of solanine, an alkaloid-like substance. This can cause signs of toxicity in our furry friends. 

The good news is that cats are quite fussy eaters and are unlikely to eat many bitter-tasting green tomatoes or the plant itself. But it is still worth discouraging your cat from taking too much interest in your vegetable patch at home, just in case.

What to do if your cat eats tomatoes

Ripe tomatoes are safe for cats however tomato plants can cause some nasty symptoms (take a look below for how to spot solanine toxicity - the result of your cat consuming tomato plants or unripe green tomatoes). If this occurs then contact your vet immediately.

Can cats eat tomato sauce?

So are tomatoes safe for cats if they’re cooked into something? Technically, yes, tomatoes in products like tomato ketchup, tomato soups, tomato juice, and pizza sauces are all perfectly safe. However, many of these sauces are heavily processed and contain high amounts of sugar, salt, and other flavorings. These are not healthy for cats to consume. So, while they are not toxic, they shouldn’t actively be given to your cat. Stick to his normal complete cat food!

Symptoms of solanine toxicity

If you suspect your furry friend might have ingested tomatoes, there are a few signs of solanine toxicity to look out for. According to the ASPCA, cats intoxicated by solanine may hypersalivate, lose their appetite, have a slower heart rate, or experience extreme gastrointestinal upset, depression, weakness and dilated pupils.

Other products that contain solanine

Solanine is an alkaloid found in plants classified under the nightshade family. Along with tomatoes, eggplant, uncooked potatoes, peppers, and various types of flowers contain solanine.

Meet our veterinary expert, Rebecca

This article has been checked by veterinarian Rebecca MacMillan, BVetMed MRCVS. Rebecca is a companion animal vet who has always had a passion for writing and client communication. Since her graduation from the Royal Veterinary college in 2009 she has gained a wealth of experience in first opinion small animal practice, in both clinical and managerial roles. She currently works in the South West and deals with a variety of routine and emergency appointments, but particularly enjoys medicine cases. Outside of work and writing, she enjoys spending time with her family, including her bouncy flat coated retriever George!

Foods that aren't safe for cats

While ripe tomatoes are ok, it turns out that a whole variety of other foods are unsafe for cats. Some are toxic, whereas others can cause an upset stomach, discomfort, and changes to your feline friend’s behavior. Take a look at a few of these foods to avoid below and be sure to get in the know about which foods are safe for cats.

• Raw meat, fish, and eggs
• Ice cream and other dairy products
• Onions, garlic, and leeks
• Chocolate
• Raisins
• Nuts