Pet safety
Is Chocolate Cherry Tomatotoxic to cats & dogs?
Solanum lycopersicum 'Chocolate Cherry'
Quick verdict — at a glance
- Toxic to cats?
- Yes — toxic
- Toxic to dogs?
- Yes — toxic
- ASPCA classification
- Toxic to pets · botanical name Solanum lycopersicum 'Chocolate Cherry'
Is chocolate cherry tomato safe for cats and dogs?
No — chocolate cherry tomato is toxic to cats and dogs. Keep it well away from any pet that chews plants; reactions can be significant. This classification follows the ASPCA Toxic and Non-Toxic Plant List, the most widely used reference for companion-animal plant safety in the US and the standard most UK vets cite as well. The ASPCA lists the tomato plant (Solanum lycopersicum) as toxic to cats, dogs and horses due to solanine in the green leaves, stems and unripe fruit. Signs of ingestion include drooling, vomiting, diarrhoea, lethargy and weakness. Ripe fruit is low in solanine, but keep pets away from the plant itself and any green fruit.
| Pet | Toxic? | Per ASPCA |
|---|---|---|
| Cats | Yes | Toxic to pets |
| Dogs | Yes | Toxic to pets |
What happens if a pet eats chocolate cherry tomato?
The ASPCA lists the tomato plant (Solanum lycopersicum) as toxic to cats, dogs and horses due to solanine in the green leaves, stems and unripe fruit. Signs of ingestion include drooling, vomiting, diarrhoea, lethargy and weakness. Ripe fruit is low in solanine, but keep pets away from the plant itself and any green fruit. Signs usually appear soon after chewing rather than hours later. If you see drooling, pawing at the mouth, head-shaking, vomiting, loss of appetite, or unusual lethargy after your pet has had access to chocolate cherry tomato, treat it as a suspected ingestion and act on the steps below.
What to do if your pet ate chocolate cherry tomato
- Remove any plant material from your pet's mouth and move chocolate cherry tomato out of reach.
- Note how much was eaten and when, and watch for drooling, vomiting, or lethargy.
- Do not induce vomiting unless a vet or poison-control specialist instructs you to.
- Call your vet or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center on (888) 426-4435 and follow their advice.
- Bring a leaf or photo of chocolate cherry tomato to the appointment so it can be treated correctly.
This page is general guidance, not veterinary advice. Pets vary, and a reaction may be to soil, fertiliser, or pesticide rather than the plant. If you are worried, always contact a vet or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center on (888) 426-4435 — do not wait for symptoms to worsen.
Pet-safe alternatives to chocolate cherry tomato
Want the same look without the risk? These plants are listed as non-toxic to cats and dogs by the ASPCA and have similar care needs:
- Cucumber — non-toxic to cats and dogs (care guide)
- Lettuce — non-toxic to cats and dogs (care guide)
- Bean — non-toxic to cats and dogs (care guide)
- Pea — non-toxic to cats and dogs (care guide)
Chocolate Cherry Tomato and pets — frequently asked questions
Is chocolate cherry tomato toxic to cats?
Chocolate Cherry Tomato (Solanum lycopersicum 'Chocolate Cherry') is toxic to cats according to the ASPCA. The ASPCA lists the tomato plant (Solanum lycopersicum) as toxic to cats, dogs and horses due to solanine in the green leaves, stems and unripe fruit. Signs of ingestion include drooling, vomiting, diarrhoea, lethargy and weakness. Ripe fruit is low in solanine, but keep pets away from the plant itself and any green fruit. Keep it out of reach and contact your vet or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center on (888) 426-4435 if your cat chews it.
Is chocolate cherry tomato toxic to dogs?
Per the ASPCA, Chocolate Cherry Tomato (Solanum lycopersicum 'Chocolate Cherry') is toxic to dogs. Dogs often chew more enthusiastically than cats, so a toxic plant like chocolate cherry tomato is best removed from the floor and low shelves entirely.
What happens if my pet eats chocolate cherry tomato?
The ASPCA lists the tomato plant (Solanum lycopersicum) as toxic to cats, dogs and horses due to solanine in the green leaves, stems and unripe fruit. Signs of ingestion include drooling, vomiting, diarrhoea, lethargy and weakness. Ripe fruit is low in solanine, but keep pets away from the plant itself and any green fruit. Signs usually appear soon after chewing rather than hours later. If you see drooling, pawing at the mouth, head-shaking, vomiting, loss of appetite, or unusual lethargy after your pet has had access to chocolate cherry tomato, treat it as a suspected ingestion and act on the steps below.
What should I do if my cat or dog ate chocolate cherry tomato?
Stay calm. Remove any remaining plant material from your pet's mouth and take the plant away so they cannot eat more. Note roughly how much was eaten and when. Do not make your pet vomit 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. Bringing a photo or a leaf of chocolate cherry tomato to the appointment helps the vet treat it correctly.
What are pet-safe alternatives to chocolate cherry tomato?
If you want a similar look without the risk, good non-toxic swaps include cucumber, lettuce, bean, pea. All of these are listed as non-toxic to cats and dogs by the ASPCA, so they suit a home where pets have access to your plants.
Full chocolate cherry tomato care
Pet-safety is one piece of the picture. For light, watering, soil, and troubleshooting, see the complete chocolate cherry tomato care guide, or browse the full pet-safe plant library to check another plant before you buy it.