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Tomatoes are popular vegetables that are used in a wide range of dishes and cuisines. And many people even grow tomatoes in their gardens! With tomatoes and tomato dishes so common, you know that it won’t take long for a cat to become curious about them. But what happens if a cat eats a tomato?
Has your cat eaten a tomato? Are you worried the tomato will make your cat sick? If so, you’ve come to the right place. We understand it can be scary when your cat eats something like this.
We’ve gathered information about tomatoes and where they can make a cat sick. Let’s get started!
What is a Tomato?
Tomatoes are those red vegetables that are commonly used in salads, salsa, to make tomato sauce, and so much more! Actually, tomatoes are not true veggies! They are fruits that grow on the tomato plant.
Tomatoes originally came from South America, Mexico, and Central America. These fruits are very healthy and filled with many nutrients, including:
- Carbs
- Vitamin c
- Potassium
- Vitamin K1
- Folate
- Lycopene
- Beta carotene
- Naringenin (in the skin—this is a flavonoid that decreases inflammation)
- Chlorogenic acid
While tomatoes are very healthy for humans, what about cats? Can tomato make a cat sick?
Tomatoes & Cats
So, can cats eat tomatoes? The answer is, “It depends.” Let’s see what this means!
- Tomato plants are toxic to cats, all parts of plant
- Raw, unripe tomatoes are toxic to cats
- Some cats are not able to tolerate the acidity of tomatoes
Some products made with tomatoes are also toxic to cats, including:
- Ketchup
- Tomato soup
- Pre-packaged tomato juices
- Store-bought tomato-based sauces
Cats should never eat uncooked, unripe, or the tomato products listed above. The products in the list contain other ingredients that can be toxic to cats (such as onions, garlic, and more).
However, ripe red tomatoes are safe for cats in small amounts (as a once-in-a-while treat), unseasoned, and your cat is able to tolerate the acidity of these fruits (such as cats that have sensitive stomachs).
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Ask a Vet Live NowSumming It Up
We were not able to find specific treatment information about tomato ingestion in cats. However, it’s clear that if your cat eats any part of the tomato plant, you must call the vet right away. All parts of the tomato plant are toxic to cats.
If your fur baby eats some ripened tomato, be sure to monitor her condition. Some cats may not be able to tolerate the acid in a tomato. In that case, your feline friend could develop vomiting, nausea, and diarrhea. If these symptoms last longer than 24 to 48 hours, call the vet. They have medication to stop these issues and help your fur baby feel better.
So, your fur baby can safely eat a little bit of ripened tomato (not the plant). That’s OK for her. However, if she eats any part of a tomato plant, call the vet right away!
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Kyoko
Kyoko is from a family of 3 and moved to New York with her parents and siblings when she was 13. Kyoko is fond of spending a great amount of time with pets, specifically her beagle Luna and cat Missy. Her boyfriend often complains that she spends too much time giving attention to their animals. Kyoko has written dozens of articles concerning pets and is aiming at owning a pet shop one day!
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