Pet emergency
My cat ate Roma Tomato — what to do
Step by step
- Take roma tomato 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 roma tomato — FAQ
Is roma tomato poisonous to cats?
Yes — the ASPCA lists Roma Tomato (Solanum lycopersicum 'Roma') as toxic to cats. The ASPCA lists the tomato plant as toxic to dogs and cats. The green parts (leaves, stems and unripe fruit) contain solanine and tomatine; ingestion can cause drooling, vomiting, diarrhoea, lethargy, weakness, dilated pupils and a slowed heart rate. Ripe fruit flesh is the only low-risk part.
How serious is it if my cat ate roma tomato?
Roma Tomato 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 the tomato plant as toxic to dogs and cats. The green parts (leaves, stems and unripe fruit) contain solanine and tomatine; ingestion can cause drooling, vomiting, diarrhoea, lethargy, weakness, dilated pupils and a slowed heart rate. Ripe fruit flesh is the only low-risk part. 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 roma tomato 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 tomato — the species this cultivar belongs to, checked separately
- Is roma tomato toxic to cats? — full toxicity detail
- Roma Tomato 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