Can cats eat aubergine?
Quick answer: Not recommended — aubergine is best avoided for cats.
Quick verdict
Caution
Key risk
A member of the nightshade family; small cooked amounts are usually tolerated but it offers no benefit and may upset some cats.
Why
Aubergine is best limited for cats.
Can cats eat aubergine, and why?
Aubergine is best limited for cats. A member of the nightshade family; small cooked amounts are usually tolerated but it offers no benefit and may upset some cats.
Cats are obligate carnivores: they must get most of their nutrition from meat and need nutrients such as taurine that only animal products provide. They lack some enzymes for processing plants and carbohydrates, so fruit and veg offer little benefit and can upset their stomach; many cats are also lactose intolerant.
Warning — what to watch for
A member of the nightshade family; small cooked amounts are usually tolerated but it offers no benefit and may upset some cats.
If your cat has eaten aubergine, don’t wait for symptoms — contact your vet immediately, or call the Animal PoisonLine on 01202 509000 (24/7, UK). Signs of a problem can include vomiting, diarrhoea, drooling, lethargy, tremors or loss of appetite.
🚨 Find an emergency vet near youMore foods cats might eat
Make treat time better
Handy kit for feeding cats well:
Frequently asked questions
Can cats eat aubergine?
Caution. Aubergine is best limited for cats.
What happens if my cat eats aubergine?
A member of the nightshade family; small cooked amounts are usually tolerated but it offers no benefit and may upset some cats. If your cat has eaten aubergine, contact your vet or the Animal PoisonLine (01202 509000) straight away — don’t wait for symptoms.
Is aubergine poisonous to cats?
Caution. Aubergine is best limited for cats.
Free printable: safe & toxic foods for cats
aubergine is just one food — get the full one-page checklist of what’s safe, fine in moderation, or dangerous for cats. Vet-sourced, yours to print and keep.
Check aubergine for another pet
Sources
Our verdict on whether cats can eat aubergine draws on established UK and US veterinary and welfare organisations. Individual pets, quantities and preparation vary — always confirm with your own vet.