Pet emergency
My cat ate Kennebec Potato — what to do
Step by step
- Take kennebec potato 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 kennebec potato — FAQ
Is kennebec potato poisonous to cats?
Yes — the ASPCA lists Kennebec Potato (Solanum tuberosum 'Kennebec') as toxic to cats. Toxic per the ASPCA listing for potato (Solanum tuberosum). Green foliage, stems, sprouts and any greened tubers contain solanine glycoalkaloids, which can cause hypersalivation, gastrointestinal upset, lethargy and CNS depression in cats and dogs. Only the cured, non-green tuber is edible; keep pets away from the plant and green peel.
How serious is it if my cat ate kennebec potato?
Kennebec Potato 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. Toxic per the ASPCA listing for potato (Solanum tuberosum). Green foliage, stems, sprouts and any greened tubers contain solanine glycoalkaloids, which can cause hypersalivation, gastrointestinal upset, lethargy and CNS depression in cats and dogs. Only the cured, non-green tuber is edible; keep pets away from the plant and green peel. 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 kennebec potato well out of reach, or swap it for an ASPCA non-toxic plant — see the best cats-safe plants list.
Related
- Is kennebec potato toxic to cats? — full toxicity detail
- Kennebec Potato and pets — the complete ASPCA pet-safety guide