Safety verdict
Consulted references classify the plant as toxic or irritating for that pet type.
Pet ingestion lookup
My cat ate Tomato - what should I do?
Solanum lycopersicum
Potentially toxic
Contact your veterinarian or an animal poison-control resource now, especially if any amount was chewed or swallowed.
Verified against ASPCA/provenance audit 2026-05-06 on May 6, 2026.
Signs to watch for
Hypersalivation, gastrointestinal upset, diarrhea, vomiting, and potential lethargy.
Escalation note
Ingestion of the green parts of the plant can lead to clinical signs; please contact your veterinarian if you suspect your cat has consumed any portion of the plant.
What to watch for
Most cats show hypersalivation, vomiting, diarrhea, and refusal of food. Larger ingestions can also cause weakness, depression, dilated pupils, and a slow heart rate. Severe nervous-system or cardiac signs are uncommon and indicate a sizeable exposure.
Time window
Onset is not precisely documented in the cited ASPCA entry. For solanine-class plant ingestions, GI signs typically appear within a few hours, and most mild cases resolve within 24 hours with supportive care.
When to call the vet
Call right away if your cat ate any leaves, stems, or green tomatoes — cats are smaller and more sensitive than dogs, so even mild signs warrant a check-in. Call urgently for any neurological signs (weakness, confusion, dilated pupils) or a slow or irregular heartbeat. ASPCA Poison Control: (888) 426-4435.
What this means for your cat
The leaves, stems, and unripe green fruit of the tomato plant are toxic to cats — they contain solanine and tomatine, glycoalkaloids that irritate the gut and, in larger doses, affect the heart and nervous system. Ripe red tomatoes are non-toxic; the green plant material is the problem.
Sources: ASPCA, NC State Extension (no first-aid guidance).
Source references
Poison-control resources
This page summarizes source-bound plant-safety information and is not veterinary advice.