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Can cats eat tomatoes?

Ask your vet about your own pet. This page is general information from the sources below.

Tomatoes is only for small amounts, or in certain forms, for cats. Pet Poison Helpline's tomato page speaks of pets in general and says ripe tomatoes have the lowest levels of the harmful compounds, while green tomatoes, leaves and stems carry the most risk. The ASPCA says ripe tomatoes are safe treats. Call a vet if a cat chews the plant. A small piece of ripe tomato only.

Checked October 29, 2026.

By Peabody editors. How we write and check.

Small amountsOnly a little, and only the way described below.

Why

Pet Poison Helpline's tomato page speaks of pets in general and says ripe tomatoes have the lowest levels of the harmful compounds, while green tomatoes, leaves and stems carry the most risk. The ASPCA says ripe tomatoes are safe treats. Call a vet if a cat chews the plant.

How to serve it

A small piece of ripe tomato only.

Good to know

Ripeness decides it: the harmful compounds drop as the tomato ripens, and the leaves, stems and vines hold the most.

Watch for: A garden tomato plant is the bigger risk than the fruit on a plate, so keep pets out of the tomato patch.

Already ate it?

If your pet ate a lot, or you are worried, call your vet. Say what was eaten, how much and when, and have your pet's weight ready.

Poison emergency? Call now

ASPCA Animal Poison Control: (888) 426-4435, 24 hours a day, every day. A consultation fee may apply.
Pet Poison Helpline: (855) 764-7661, 24/7. $99 per incident, follow-up calls included.
Or call your vet or the nearest emergency vet.

For the children

"Tomatoes is only a tiny treat for cats, and only a grown-up decides how much."

A job: Be the label reader. Before a grown-up shares any food with the cat, check this page, and ask a grown-up if the food is not on it.

This page is general information from the sources below, not veterinary advice. Your own vet knows your cat. Cats differ.

Sources