Tomato

Yes, tomato plants (Solanum lycopersicum) are potentially toxic to cats. The green parts — leaves, stems, and unripe green tomatoes — contain solanine, a glycoalkaloid that can cause adverse reactions. Ripe tomato fruit is far less of a concern, but the plant itself should be kept out of reach.

The most common signs are hypersalivation, vomiting, diarrhea, and lethargy. Larger ingestions can also cause weakness, depression, dilated pupils, and a slow or irregular heart rate. GI signs typically appear within a few hours of ingestion.

Call your veterinarian right away, even if your cat seems fine — cats are small and more sensitive than dogs, so even mild symptoms warrant a check-in. For neurological signs like weakness, confusion, or dilated pupils, treat it as urgent. You can also reach the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at (888) 426-4435.

The leaves and stems carry the highest concentration of solanine and pose the greatest risk. Green, unripe tomatoes also contain meaningful levels. Ripe red fruit has very low solanine content, but any green part of the plant — including the calyx attached to a ripe tomato — should be treated as a hazard.

The tomato plant is potentially toxic to dogs. The fruit itself is generally low-risk, but the stems and leaves contain solanine, a glycoalkaloid that can cause adverse reactions if ingested.

Most dogs show mild GI signs: vomiting, diarrhea, drooling, and decreased appetite. Larger ingestions can cause weakness, tremors, loss of coordination, and changes in heart rate. Mild GI signs typically appear within a few hours and most cases resolve within 24 hours, but persistent or escalating signs warrant immediate veterinary attention.

Monitor closely for vomiting, diarrhea, weakness, or unsteadiness. If your dog is small and ate a significant amount of greens or stems, call your vet now rather than waiting for symptoms. If vomiting or diarrhea continues for more than a few hours, or if you see tremors or heart rate changes, seek veterinary care immediately. You can also call ASPCA Animal Poison Control at (888) 426-4435.

The foliage and stems are the dangerous parts — they contain solanine, the toxic glycoalkaloid. The ripe red fruit poses much lower risk, though it is still not something to encourage your dog to eat in quantity.