Pet safety
Is 'Green Zebra' Tomatotoxic to cats & dogs?
Solanum lycopersicum 'Green Zebra'
Quick verdict — at a glance
- Toxic to cats?
- Yes — toxic
- Toxic to dogs?
- Yes — toxic
- ASPCA classification
- Toxic to pets · botanical name Solanum lycopersicum 'Green Zebra'
Is 'green zebra' tomato safe for cats and dogs?
Toxic — the ASPCA lists 'green zebra' tomato as a clear no for cats and dogs. The painful part for the pet is usually quick and intense; the right move is to keep it out of any room a pet roams unsupervised. 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. Being a Solanum lycopersicum cultivar, the tomato plant is ASPCA-listed as toxic to cats, dogs, and horses due to solanine and tomatine in the leaves, stems, and unripe fruit; the ripe (green-when-mature) fruit flesh is non-toxic. Green-part ingestion can cause hypersalivation, GI upset, weakness, dilated pupils, and slow heart rate.
| Pet | Toxic? | Per ASPCA |
|---|---|---|
| Cats | Yes | Toxic to pets |
| Dogs | Yes | Toxic to pets |
What happens if a pet eats 'green zebra' tomato?
Being a Solanum lycopersicum cultivar, the tomato plant is ASPCA-listed as toxic to cats, dogs, and horses due to solanine and tomatine in the leaves, stems, and unripe fruit; the ripe (green-when-mature) fruit flesh is non-toxic. Green-part ingestion can cause hypersalivation, GI upset, weakness, dilated pupils, and slow heart rate. 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 'green zebra' tomato, treat it as a suspected ingestion and act on the steps below.
What to do if your pet ate 'green zebra' tomato
- Remove any plant material from your pet's mouth and move 'green zebra' 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 'green zebra' 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 'green zebra' 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)
'Green Zebra' Tomato and pets — frequently asked questions
Is 'green zebra' tomato toxic to cats?
'Green Zebra' Tomato (Solanum lycopersicum 'Green Zebra') is toxic to cats according to the ASPCA. Being a Solanum lycopersicum cultivar, the tomato plant is ASPCA-listed as toxic to cats, dogs, and horses due to solanine and tomatine in the leaves, stems, and unripe fruit; the ripe (green-when-mature) fruit flesh is non-toxic. Green-part ingestion can cause hypersalivation, GI upset, weakness, dilated pupils, and slow heart rate. 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 'green zebra' tomato toxic to dogs?
Per the ASPCA, 'Green Zebra' Tomato (Solanum lycopersicum 'Green Zebra') is toxic to dogs. Dogs often chew more enthusiastically than cats, so a toxic plant like 'green zebra' tomato is best removed from the floor and low shelves entirely.
What happens if my pet eats 'green zebra' tomato?
Being a Solanum lycopersicum cultivar, the tomato plant is ASPCA-listed as toxic to cats, dogs, and horses due to solanine and tomatine in the leaves, stems, and unripe fruit; the ripe (green-when-mature) fruit flesh is non-toxic. Green-part ingestion can cause hypersalivation, GI upset, weakness, dilated pupils, and slow heart rate. 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 'green zebra' tomato, treat it as a suspected ingestion and act on the steps below.
What should I do if my cat or dog ate 'green zebra' 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 'green zebra' tomato to the appointment helps the vet treat it correctly.
What are pet-safe alternatives to 'green zebra' 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 'green zebra' tomato care
Pet-safety is one piece of the picture. For light, watering, soil, and troubleshooting, see the complete 'green zebra' tomato care guide, or browse the full pet-safe plant library to check another plant before you buy it.