So I was eating a sandwich with tomatoes, and my cat was staring at me like she wanted a bite. I was about to give her a tiny piece, but then I wondered… are tomatoes safe for cats? I know some human foods can be toxic, so I didn’t want to risk it. Anyone know if it’s okay for them to eat tomatoes?
Ripe, red tomatoes should be fine in small amounts, but unripe ones, plus the leaves and stems, are toxic. Better to be safe and just avoid it.
Val said:
Ripe, red tomatoes should be fine in small amounts, but unripe ones, plus the leaves and stems, are toxic. Better to be safe and just avoid it.
Wait, why are unripe ones toxic? What’s in them that makes them bad for cats?
@Blake
It’s something called solanine, which is also found in potatoes. It can cause vomiting, diarrhea, and even weakness in cats.
@Blake
Oh wow, didn’t know that. Good to keep in mind!
Tbh, my cat isn’t even interested in tomatoes. I think they can’t taste sweetness, so they probably don’t even like them lol.
Merrick said:
Tbh, my cat isn’t even interested in tomatoes. I think they can’t taste sweetness, so they probably don’t even like them lol.
Yeah, cats have way fewer taste buds than humans. Plus, they’re carnivores, so they don’t really need plant foods.
Be careful with tomato-based stuff too. Ketchup, tomato sauce, and paste usually have a lot of salt and sugars, which aren’t good for cats.
Dez said:
Be careful with tomato-based stuff too. Ketchup, tomato sauce, and paste usually have a lot of salt and sugars, which aren’t good for cats.
For real! Some sugar-free products even have xylitol, which is toxic for pets.
Honestly, if you’re unsure, just ask your vet before feeding your cat any human food. Better safe than sorry.
Didn’t realize tomatoes were part of the nightshade family like potatoes and eggplants. Wild.