Pet emergency
My cat ate 'Fairy Tale' Aubergine — what to do
Step by step
- Take 'fairy tale' 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 a poison-control line — (888) 426-4435 in the US, or Animal PoisonLine on 01202 509 000 in the UK. Both charge a consultation fee. 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 in the US, or Animal PoisonLine on 01202 509 000 in the UK.
My cat ate 'fairy tale' aubergine — FAQ
Is 'fairy tale' aubergine poisonous to cats?
Yes — the ASPCA lists 'Fairy Tale' Aubergine (Solanum melongena 'Fairy Tale') as toxic to cats. The ASPCA lists Solanum species as toxic to cats, dogs and horses. Leaves, stems, flowers and unripe fruit contain the glycoalkaloid solanine; ingestion can cause hypersalivation, vomiting, diarrhoea, lethargy and, in larger amounts, cardiac and neurological effects. The ripe cooked fruit is edible for people, but keep pets from grazing the plant.
How serious is it if my cat ate 'fairy tale' aubergine?
'Fairy Tale' Aubergine is toxic to cats and reactions can be significant, so treat any ingestion as urgent. Call your vet, or (888) 426-4435 in the US, or Animal PoisonLine on 01202 509 000 in the UK, 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. The ASPCA lists Solanum species as toxic to cats, dogs and horses. Leaves, stems, flowers and unripe fruit contain the glycoalkaloid solanine; ingestion can cause hypersalivation, vomiting, diarrhoea, lethargy and, in larger amounts, cardiac and neurological effects. The ripe cooked fruit is edible for people, but keep pets from grazing the plant. 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 a poison-control specialist specifically tells you to. The wrong action can make things worse. Call your vet, or (888) 426-4435 in the US, or Animal PoisonLine on 01202 509 000 in the UK, and follow professional advice.
How do I stop this happening again?
Keep 'fairy tale' aubergine well out of reach, or swap it for an ASPCA non-toxic plant — see the best cats-safe plants list.
Type any plant to see what the ASPCA says about it and your cat.
Related
- My cat ate eggplant / aubergine — the species this cultivar belongs to, checked separately
- Is 'fairy tale' aubergine toxic to cats? — full toxicity detail
- 'Fairy Tale' Aubergine and pets — the complete ASPCA pet-safety guide
- Best plant app for pet owners — which apps actually flag ASPCA toxicity before you buy the plant