17 Things About Can Cats Eat Tomatoes | You Should Read It

Updated: June 2, 2023 by CanCat Eat

You may have seen your cat ate a few tomatoes on several occasions in the past. Or, You might be heard that some cats eat tomatoes. And, then you might be wondering. If you should give your kitty some slice of tomatoes. You might have questions like, “are tomatoes bad for cats” or “can cats eat tomatoes“. Because, as a cat owner our cat’s health is important to us. There is a number of sources will tell cats and tomatoes does not match together.

Then, You might have even gotten more confused after knowing that tomato is an ingredient commonly used in cat food. So, what’s really the score about tomatoes and cats? Is it really safe to feed your cat? And if yes, how much you should to your cat?

Can Cats Eat Tomatoes

Technically speaking, tomatoes are completely safe for cats. The Ripe tomatoes won’t hurt your cat when she ingests one. However, The green part of the tomato plant such as leaves and stems are very toxic for cats. You should not let your cat eat them. Because it contains solanine called a glycoalkaloid which is very toxic for cats. A healthy cat can nibble tomatoes.

Several veterinarians have dispelled the myth. There is no need to worry about if your cat is eating a tomato.

 Are Tomatoes Bad for Cats

Dr. Basko suggests cooked tomatoes are good for cats to eat to prevent possible contamination. He says there is no issue with feeding your cats some vegetables like organic tomatoes. And it is also a good idea.

Dr. Marie Haynes, She is a veterinarian based in Ottawa, Ontario. She is also corroborated by Dr. Basko’s claim. She notes in a blog post. That she has never heard anything like a cat getting sick because of eating tomatoes.

credit: http://www.naturefresh.ca/types-of-tomatoes-guide/

Cat Foods Often Contain Tomatoes

Let’s get back to tomato use in cat food. You can try reading the labels of cat foods. There’s a good chance that you will see tomatoes are listed as an ingredient.

It should be noted, though, if that ripe tomato is used in cat foods. But, the amount is very minimal to cause any negative effect on cats.

Most experts agree that cats can eat the ripe fruit of the plant. But, don’t worry as cats are unlikely to nibble on raw tomatoes. Because the texture and the taste of green tomatoes aren’t pleasing for most of our cats.

Is Tomato Plant Poisonous to Cats?

This is commonly believed that the leaves of tomato plants are poisonous. Many deadly plants come under this plant family, inspire of that tomato is not one of them. But, it contains alkaloids tomatine and solanine. Generally, tomato is rarely poisonous to cats and dogs. But, a large amount of solanine ingested could result in severe poisoning.

Are Tomatoes Poisonous To Cats

Things to keep in mind, you should not give your cat the green parts of the plant.

The toxic part of the tomato plant Such as the leaves and stems. These parts of the plants are very toxic to cats. Because these parts have the presence of the glycoalkaloid called solanine.

Solanine is also present in plants. They are under the Solanaceae family such as eggplant, paprika, and peppers.

According to the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals. Cats can exhibit the following symptoms when they ingest the green parts of the tomato fruit or other veggies and fruits:

• Gastrointestinal upset
• Diarrhea
• Hypersalivation
• Confusion
• Weakness
• Behavioral changes
• Slow heart rate
• CNS depression
• Vomiting

Due to the fact that most of the adult cats are very picky about their food. They wouldn’t chew on tomato leaves and stem. Kittens, for all their inquisitiveness. They are more prone to eating these toxic parts of the tomato plant. You should keep your kittens away from the toxic part of tomato plants.

Young cats who have been kept indoors for a long time. And then allowed to roam outside of the house. They may also simply unfamiliar with vegetation such as tomato leaves and stem.

What is Tomato Plant Poisoning?

The tomato plant is from the Solanaceae family. If you notice your cat eating the leaves or stems of a tomato plant. Then, take her to your vet right away. Humans can easily eat tomatoes. The substances in the stems and leaves of the tomato plant are toxic for most of the small animals. The tomato plant contains solanine. This is toxic for your cat.

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What To Do If Your Cat Eats Tomato Plant

Tomato plant poisoning isn’t typically fatal for cats. But will definitely cause uncomfortable symptoms.

Symptoms of Tomato Plant Poisoning in Cats

You’ll notice the following symptoms after your cat has eaten from a tomato plant:

• Excessive salivation
• Lack of appetite
• Diarrhea
• Extreme stomach upset and vomiting Drowsiness
• Confusion
• Behavioral changes
• Central nervous system depression
• Apathy
• Physical weakness
• Slowed heart rate
• Enlarged (dilated) pupils

Causes of Tomato Plant Poisoning in Cats

Tomato plant poisoning in cats is caused by ingesting toxins within green parts of the plant. The unripe fruit, including solanine and alpha-tomatine. Cats are most often bored. They have easy access to tomato plants. They are at higher risk of poisoning, Due to their increased likelihood of eating the plants out of curiosity.

Diagnosis of Tomato Plant Poisoning in Cats

If your cat got sick or having stomach upset after having the tomato. You find out something is wrong in her litter box. You might look for some evidence if she ate from a tomato plant. If that is the case, Take a sample from your tomato plant with you. And, go to the vet to confirm a diagnosis with any further delay. If your cat is in pain or drooling. The vet will examine her mouth and lips. They will look for irritation. The vet will also take a blood sample. Which allows her to examine a complete blood count and a chemistry panel. They may also decide to collect a urine sample. Which allows them to test for your cat’s kidney function. In case, if your cat ate a large amount of your tomato plant. The vet may decide to run an ECG to test for your cat’s heart function. Fecal and vomitus samples may also help the vet to narrow down the exact toxin that is making your cat sick.

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Treatment of Tomato Plant Poisoning in Cats

Your cat will get the proper treatment from your vet. The treatments your cat will get is be based on his symptoms. The vet will give support to your cat until she begins to improve her condition. If she ate a large amount of tomato plant The vet will induce vomiting by using a 3 percent solution of hydrogen peroxide. Once that process is done.

The vet will neutralize any remaining toxins with the help of activated charcoal. If your cat has become dehydrated. The vet will give her electrolyte and fluid replacements with intravenous solutions. Your cat’s breathing may happen to be depressed. Then the supplemental oxygen will be necessary. If she is experiencing cardiac symptoms. Then, the vet may give a vasopressor to correct this issue. In the case of a large ingestion of tomato plant can also lead to convulsions for your cat. If this happens. then, your cat could receive diazepam.

Recovery of Tomato Plant Poisoning in Cats

Taking your cat to the vet after she has eaten any part of your tomato plant is the most important thing to do. Even in condition of just eating only a small part of the plant. After all of the toxins are out from her system. She should make a full recovery. It may be difficult for you to keep your cat away from vegetable plants that you grow for your family. If you can’t stop your cat reaching the plants. Then, you may need to keep your cat to live indoors 24/7.

It will take time for her to adjust to it. She will be safer and happier living indoors. You must make her adjustment to living indoors easier by buying cat-friendly plants and cat grasses. Which you can grow from a small kit. Once these have sprouted. Place them in different areas of your house for your cat to nibble on. That way your cat will be happy and you will feel safe for your cat. If your cat is not feeling well after doing all these and she does not feel stay indoor. You must take some advice from your vet and consult about it.

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Cats May Be Allergic to Tomatoes

Some cats may have an allergy to tomatoes. Ripe tomatoes are safe for cats. They are generally considered safe for cat consumption. This doesn’t mean that your pet isn’t allergic to the fruit vegetables.

How To tell that your cat has tomato allergy? You should keep an eye on your cats if you find the following signs:

• • Diarrhea

• • Vomiting

• • Tremors

• • Irritability

• Nausea

Benefits of Eating Tomatoes in Cats

Tomatoes are rich in water and fiber. So, they are beneficial to your cat’s digestion. In case, your cat is being slowed down with constipation. Then, this isn’t a bad idea to feed her with some cooked tomatoes.

The good thing is the high water and fiber content of tomatoes. They can help in sweeping out the colon of your cat. And also, improving her digestion in the process.

But, aside from that, cats don’t really get any health benefit from eating tomatoes. Their bodies are designed to get protein from meat sources(e,g: other animal meat).

Cat’s lacks the sufficient enzymes needed to digest carbohydrates (that found in plant sources) in their digestive system, Just like tomatoes in particular. Cats don’t have the carbohydrate-digesting enzyme called amylase that is present in human saliva.

So, your cat could eat ripe tomatoes. And she will feel full afterward But she won’t be getting any health benefit out of it.

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Can Cats Eat Ripe Tomatoes

These foods are members of the Solanaceae family. They include many plants like Deadly Nightshade and contain a bitter. They have poisonous alkaloid called Glycoalkaloid Solanine. That can cause violent lower gastrointestinal symptoms.

The leaves and stems are particularly toxic. Tomatoes in pet foods are ripe. They should cause no concern because they appear in relatively small amounts. Ripe tomatoes are safe for cats. They could eat it.

Can cats eat red tomatoes? You could give your cat fresh, ripe and red tomatoes sometime. You can also cook them and add to your cat’s meal. Cooked tomatoes are good.  By adding some chopped tomato to your cat’s meal will liven up the dish. This will boost your cats’ vitamin intake in a natural way.  You may even choose to use tomato puree and mix in with your cats’ kibble and serve as a nice treat. But, stay away from cherry tomatoes and unripe tomatoes. They cause a severe gastrointestinal upset. They are toxic to cats.

Can Cats Eat Tomato Soup

You might be worried and ask “my cat ate tomato soup, what should I do now”. There is nothing to worry about it. Cats love to eat meat soup. You can add some tomatoes to the soup. But, in a moderate amount and not on a regular basis. There is no problem giving tomato soup to cats. You could also give her tomato soup. But, not on a daily basis.

Can Cats Eat Tomato Juice

Tomatoes are safe. They are not toxic to cats. So, If your cat wants to taste some tomato juice. There is no problem sharing some tomato juice with your cat. But, make sure you should not give them too much of it. Keep it in moderation and not every day. For the same, if you have a question like “if can cats eat tomato paste“,  You can share with your cat.

Can Cats Eat Tomato Sauce

Sometimes we share some foods with our feline friend and that might include tomato sauce. You might ask that my cat ate tomato sauce. Should I be worried? Let get clear with it. Onions, Garlic, and too much salt are toxic to cats. If the sauce is containing these ingredients. Then, You should keep tomato sauce away from your cats’ reach. If you realize your cat ate some tomato sauce which has a high amount of garlic and onions. You should consult with your vet immediately. Onions and garlic can develop Heinz body anemia in cats. The substance from this food destroys cat’s red blood cells. If you are giving any kind of baby food to your cat, check the label if there is any onion contain in it before giving.

But, You cat can eat homemade tomato sauce without the ingredients like garlic and onions. And Keep the salt a minimal amount. If you are sharing french fries with tomatoes, just go easy on her. Too much salt is bad for cats as it is for humans. This could cause extreme thrust and sodium poisoning. Sign include vomiting and diarrhea in cats.

So, Do Your Cat Eat Tomato

You have a question like “Do cats eat tomatoes“? This kind of question might come to your mind once. Because cats are carnivorous. They live on meal base nutrition. By the way, One of my cats likes to Splash water on her stomach. she also eats anything we give. She eats my dog’s food. And Cat eats what they like. It completely depends on cats. All cats are different in nature and they eat different things. Some cat eats cheese and peas.

Can Cats Eat Sardines In Tomato Sauce

Obviously yes, Your cats can eat sardines in tomatoes. Either they are in sunflower oil, soybean oil or in tomato sauce. They could eat it. If your cat requires an additional source of extra omega-3 fatty acid in her diet. Then Sardines is a great source for it.

Conclusion

So, can I give my cat a tomato? Yes, of course. You can give your cat tomatoes if she likes it. Do not feed your cats too many tomatoes every day. Give them once a while in a small amount. And, Do not let your kitty get close to the green part of the tomato plant like leaves and stems.

However, tomatoes do not provide any health benefit to our furry cats. It would be wise to use it as a treat rather than making it as a part of her daily diet. Hope this article helps you to find all your question related to “can cats eat tomatoes“.

Here, Cute Fur Baby Eats Tomato

Kristen Torres

Kristen is a cat parent. Love to keep my cats happy always and playful. Also, It became my passion to help another cat owner with caring tips for their cats and kittens. Stay tuned with my personal blog to know more caring tips, review of cat food and feeding guides. I’d love to know about your cat. If you something to share with about your cat. I will be happy to read.

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CanCatEat

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2019-08-05

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17 Things About Can Cats Eat Tomatoes | You Should Read It

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