Pet emergency
My cat ate Eggplant / aubergine — what to do
Step by step
- Take eggplant / aubergine away and remove any plant material from your cat's mouth so they cannot eat more.
- Note roughly how much was eaten and when — this helps the vet judge the risk.
- Do NOT induce vomiting unless a vet or poison-control specialist tells you to.
- Call your vet or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center on (888) 426-4435 (a consultation fee may apply) and follow their advice.
- Watch for drooling, pawing at the mouth, vomiting, loss of appetite, or lethargy, and bring a leaf or photo to the appointment.
This is general guidance, not veterinary advice. Pets vary, and a reaction may be to soil, fertiliser, or pesticide as well as the plant. When in doubt, call your vet or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center on (888) 426-4435.
My cat ate eggplant / aubergine — FAQ
Is eggplant / aubergine poisonous to cats?
Yes — the ASPCA lists Eggplant / aubergine (Solanum melongena) as toxic to cats. ASPCA lists Solanum melongena foliage as toxic to cats, dogs, and horses due to solanine. Ripe fruit is safe; green parts and unripe fruit should be avoided.
How serious is it if my cat ate eggplant / aubergine?
Eggplant / aubergine is toxic to cats and reactions can be significant, so treat any ingestion as urgent. Call your vet or poison control on (888) 426-4435 straight away rather than waiting to see if symptoms develop.
What symptoms should I watch for?
Signs usually appear soon after chewing: drooling, pawing at the mouth, vomiting, loss of appetite, or unusual lethargy. ASPCA lists Solanum melongena foliage as toxic to cats, dogs, and horses due to solanine. Ripe fruit is safe; green parts and unripe fruit should be avoided. Any worsening or persistent symptoms warrant an immediate vet visit.
Should I make my cat vomit?
No — do not induce vomiting unless a vet or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center specifically tells you to. The wrong action can make things worse. Call (888) 426-4435 and follow professional advice.
How do I stop this happening again?
Keep eggplant / aubergine well out of reach, or swap it for an ASPCA non-toxic plant — see the best cats-safe plants list.
Related
- Is eggplant / aubergine toxic to cats? — full toxicity detail
- Eggplant / aubergine and pets — the complete ASPCA pet-safety guide