Can cats eat tomato?
Quick answer: Not recommended — tomato is best avoided for cats.
Quick verdict
Caution
Key risk
Green tomatoes, stems and leaves contain toxic solanine; ripe flesh is best avoided to be safe.
Why
Only a little ripe tomato flesh; avoid green parts entirely.
Can cats eat tomato, and why?
Only a little ripe tomato flesh; avoid green parts entirely. Green tomatoes, stems and leaves contain toxic solanine; ripe flesh is best avoided to be safe.
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
Green tomatoes, stems and leaves contain toxic solanine; ripe flesh is best avoided to be safe.
If your cat has eaten tomato, 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.
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Frequently asked questions
Can cats eat tomato?
Caution. Only a little ripe tomato flesh; avoid green parts entirely.
What happens if my cat eats tomato?
Green tomatoes, stems and leaves contain toxic solanine; ripe flesh is best avoided to be safe. If your cat has eaten tomato, contact your vet or the Animal PoisonLine (01202 509000) straight away — don’t wait for symptoms.
Is tomato poisonous to cats?
Caution. Only a little ripe tomato flesh; avoid green parts entirely.
Free printable: safe & toxic foods for cats
tomato 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 tomato for another pet
Sources
Our verdict on whether cats can eat tomato draws on established UK and US veterinary and welfare organisations. Individual pets, quantities and preparation vary — always confirm with your own vet.