Cats & Dogs
Potentially toxicConsulted references classify the plant as toxic or irritating for that pet type.
Verified against ASPCA/provenance audit 2026-05-06 on May 6, 2026.
Sources
Pet safety reference
Nightshade
Solanum spp
Solanum species contain solanine and other alkaloids that can cause significant gastrointestinal and neurological distress if ingested. These plants are widely considered hazardous to household pets and should be kept out of reach.
Deadly NightshadeNightshadeSolanumSolanum spp
- Light
- Bright indirect to full sun
- Habit
- Vining or shrubby
- Care
- Moderate
Safety status
If a pet has chewed or swallowed plant material and is showing symptoms, contact a veterinarian or poison resource immediately. This product is for structured reference, not diagnosis.
Cats — concern notes
Common signs
Drooling, vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy, dilated pupils, and in severe cases, tremors or cardiac arrhythmias.
Escalation note
Ingestion can lead to serious systemic illness. If you suspect your cat has consumed any part of this plant, contact your veterinarian or an animal poison control center immediately.
Dogs — concern notes
Common signs
Excessive salivation, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, weakness, and potential neurological impairment such as loss of coordination.
Escalation note
The alkaloids present can cause rapid onset of clinical signs. Seek immediate veterinary attention if ingestion is suspected.
Safer alternatives
No hand-picked alternatives for this plant yet. You can still pick your own using the Compare button on any other plant.
Source evidence
ASPCA Toxic Plant List
toxicology · 99% reliability
Nightshade is listed as toxic to both cats and dogs due to the presence of solanine.
NC State Extension Plant Toolbox
botanical · 94% reliability
Solanum species are known for their toxic properties due to alkaloid content in all parts of the plant.
Questions about Nightshade
Is nightshade toxic to cats?
Yes, nightshade (Solanum spp.) is toxic to cats. These plants contain solanine and other alkaloids that can cause serious gastrointestinal and neurological harm, and all parts of the plant should be kept away from cats.
What are the symptoms of nightshade poisoning in cats?
Signs include drooling, vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy, and dilated pupils. In severe cases, cats may develop tremors or cardiac arrhythmias. Gastrointestinal symptoms typically appear within hours of ingestion, though exact onset is not well documented.
What should I do if my cat ate nightshade?
Contact your veterinarian or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at (888) 426-4435 immediately. Call right away if you observe dilated pupils, tremors, slowed heart rate, or any behavioral change; call the same day even for persistent vomiting or diarrhea alone.
Which parts of the nightshade plant are poisonous to cats?
Solanine and related alkaloids are present throughout Solanum species, so no part of the plant is safe. The berries are a common exposure risk due to their appealing appearance, but leaves, stems, and unripe fruit also pose a hazard.
Is nightshade toxic to dogs?
Yes, nightshade (Solanum spp.) is toxic to dogs. These plants contain solanine and other alkaloids that can cause significant gastrointestinal and neurological distress, and are classified as potentially hazardous to dogs.
What are the symptoms of nightshade poisoning in dogs?
Common signs include excessive drooling, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, and loss of appetite. With larger ingestions, dogs may show neurological symptoms such as loss of coordination, agitation, tremors, weakness, or dilated pupils — along with changes in heart rate or breathing.
What should I do if my dog ate nightshade?
Contact your vet or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at (888) 426-4435 immediately — do not wait for symptoms to appear. Seek emergency care right away if your dog shows tremors, agitation, dilated pupils, or any changes in breathing or heart rate; call the same day for persistent vomiting or diarrhea.
How quickly do nightshade symptoms appear in dogs?
Exact onset timing is not well documented, but gastrointestinal signs such as drooling and vomiting typically appear within hours of ingestion. Because the alkaloids can cause rapid onset of clinical signs, veterinary attention should be sought as soon as ingestion is suspected rather than waiting to see whether symptoms develop.
Often compared with
Commonly confused with
Same Solanum genus.
Jerusalem Cherry
Solanum pseudocapsicum
Jerusalem Cherry is an ornamental shrub known for its bright, berry-like fruits that contain toxic solanine alkaloids. Due to the presence of these compounds, all parts of the plant are considered harmful if ingested by pets.
Potentially toxic for cats & dogs.
Same Solanum genus.
Tomato
Solanum lycopersicum
The tomato plant is a popular garden vegetable that contains solanine, a glycoalkaloid found in its stems and leaves. While the fruit is generally consumed by humans, the green parts of the plant can cause adverse reactions if ingested by pets.
Potentially toxic for cats & dogs.
Same safety verdict
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