Do you have a new kitten in your home and need to find out about the right diet for your cat?
Do you want to avoid potentially harmful ingredients to keep your kitty safe?
If so, then you may have wondered – are tomatoes bad for cats?
In the guide below, we will explain whether you can give tomatoes to cats and the many risks that come with kitties eating tomatoes.
To learn about the dangers of tomatoes, check out the information below.
Let’s get started!
Can Cats Eat Tomatoes?
The simple answer is that cats should not eat tomatoes to keep them healthy and safe.
Tomatoes have a substance called solanine.
That substance is toxic to cats as well as dogs and horses.
However, the problem comes from the tomato leaves and stems while the ripe fruit is safe.
Can Cats Eat Cooked Tomato?
You can rest assured that Fluffy can eat ripe and cooked tomatoes safely.
Cooked tomatoes are safe for dogs as well.
These are non-toxic for your pets.
Cats can benefit from the fiber and vitamins in cooked tomatoes, which can improve your digestion.
Can Cats Eat Tomato Sauce?
Cats should not eat tomato sauce due to the high amount of salt in the food product.
Despite the ripe tomatoes that the tomato sauce is made with, the high levels of salt make the ingredient unsafe.
The salt may lead to seizures and problems with a cat’s digestion.
Can Cats Eat Tomato Soup?
You will find that tomato soup and ketchup have the same problem for cats.
Tomato soups have too much salt and can lead to serious health problems for felines.
The only time you can potentially give your cat tomato soup is when you made it yourself using safe ingredients.
Avoid milk, garlic, salt, and onions.
Are Tomatoes Bad for Cats?
The green parts of a tomato plant are toxic for cats.
Essentially, avoid feeding a cat poisonous green tomatoes before they’re ripe as well as the stems or leaves from a tomato plant.
What Happens if Cats Eat Tomatoes?
If your cat has accidentally consumed any green parts of tomatoes or its plant, the kitten may experience health problems like:
- Too much salivation
- A slow heart rate
- Confusion
- General weakness
- Major digestive issues
Your cat may also get extra drowsy and have little appetite.
Excessive Salivation
If you see Fluffy drooling much more than usual and panting with saliva dripping out, you may need to get her to a vet.
Your kitten may have consumed a green, unripe tomato or a tomato leaf, leading to tomato poisoning.
Lack of Appetite
Another common sign of tomato plant poisoning is a lack of appetite.
Pay attention to your cat to see if he or she has stopped eating.
Is your kitty no longer munching on her dinner?
Then you might want to get to a vet for a check-up.
Diarrhea
Is your cat suffering from diarrhea?
Check out that litter box and see if your kitty may have had diarrhea somewhere else in the house.
Did you see your cat ingest a green tomato part?
If so, diarrhea and digestive issues may relate to tomato toxicity.
Upset Stomach and Vomiting
Cats that consume parts of a green tomato plant can end up with severe vomiting, dribbling, and an upset stomach.
If your kitten is ever outdoors, create a fence around your tomato plant garden to keep your pet safe.
Confusion
Does your kitty seem confused or having trouble following basic things he already learned?
Has your cat stopped using his litter box and seems disoriented?
If so, these signs may point to tomato plant poisoning. Take your pet to the veterinarian in that case.
Drowsiness
Is your cat acting extra sleepy?
If the drowsiness is getting excessive, you may want to take your kitten to the veterinarian for a check-up.
What is Tomato Plant Poisoning?
The αlpha‐dehydrotomatine and αlpha‐tomatine found in tomato plants are seemingly toxic elements for a feline.
However, tomato plant poisoning is usually not fatal for cats.
It can lead to several distressing symptoms nonetheless.
The green parts of the plant are the most harmful.
When Are Tomatoes Safe for Cats?
The ripe and red parts of tomatoes are safe for cats to ingest.
In fact, that ingredient has plenty of potassium, vitamin C, and fiber.
Nonetheless, there are more nutritious veggies for your kitten.
Also, cooked ripe tomatoes may be safe for cats while others may have trouble tolerating the food.
They Eat the Fruit
As long as your cat eats the ripe fruit or seeds of a red tomato, she should remain safe.
Make sure to keep your kitten away from the green stems and leaves.
Moderate Amounts
When feeding your cat any portion of a tomato, you need to make sure to give only small or moderate amounts.
If you provide too big of a portion, your cat may get sick.
Unseasoned and Fresh
The best way to keep your cat healthy and safe when consuming tomatoes is to pick a fresh and ripe tomato.
Do not add any salt or seasonings like paprika, as these ingredients can cause health problems for your feline.
No Health Complications
If your kitten has had red, ripe tomatoes in the past and experienced no health complications, then you can keep giving your pet the ingredient.
However, any changes in your cat’s diet may lead to an upset stomach.
What Should You Do if Your Cat Eats Tomato?
If your kitty has the green fruit of a tomato, you can see if the pet has any bad reactions before you go straight to the veterinarian.
You may need to call the vet as well.
Watch for Reactions
Has your cat started vomiting, gotten too drowsy, or started drooling excessively?
Pay attention to these reactions if your cat has munched on a green tomato.
Call Vet
If your cat has eaten green and unripe parts of a tomato, you should call the veterinarian to see what needs to get done.
If the kitten shows symptoms, get him to the vet right away.
What Should You Do if Your Cat Eats a Tomato Plant?
If you see your cat has eaten the green stems or leaves of a tomato plant from your garden, then take him to the vet immediately.
These green parts are toxic for cats, especially if consumed in large amounts.
Why Do My Cats Like Tomatoes?
If your cat likes tomatoes, it may seek out the vitamin C in the fruit or merely enjoy the taste and smell of the fruit.
Frequently Asked Questions
Read on to find out the answers to some common questions about cat food and tomatoes.
Are tomatoes used in commercial cat food?
Several types of commercial cat food do contain tomatoes. However, ripe tomatoes do not have solanine. They are non-toxic for your cat.
Can I give my cat sardines in tomato sauce?
It’s perfectly fine for you to give your kitten sardines with tomato sauce. If your cat has a bit of tomato sauce with the sardines, it will not poison her.
Wrapping Up
So, are tomatoes bad for cats?
The simple answer is yes.
However, ripe tomato without any green fruit, leaves, or stems is safe for kittens.
Do you still have any questions about the dangers of tomatoes?
Then leave a comment below!
