Pet safety
Is Striped Roman Tomatotoxic to cats & dogs?
Solanum lycopersicum 'Striped Roman'
Quick verdict — at a glance
- Toxic to cats?
- Yes — toxic
- Toxic to dogs?
- Yes — toxic
- ASPCA classification
- Toxic to pets · botanical name Solanum lycopersicum 'Striped Roman'
Is striped roman tomato safe for cats and dogs?
Avoid for a pet household. Striped Roman Tomato is ASPCA-listed toxic to both cats and dogs; even a small chew can drive a vet visit. Plenty of look-alikes on the non-toxic side of the list — see alternatives below. 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 classifies the tomato plant (Solanum lycopersicum) as toxic to cats, dogs and horses; solanine in the green leaves, stems and unripe fruit is the toxic principle. Ingestion can cause hypersalivation, vomiting, diarrhoea, lethargy and weakness. Ripe red fruit is low-risk, but keep pets away from the foliage and green fruit.
| Pet | Toxic? | Per ASPCA |
|---|---|---|
| Cats | Yes | Toxic to pets |
| Dogs | Yes | Toxic to pets |
What happens if a pet eats striped roman tomato?
The ASPCA classifies the tomato plant (Solanum lycopersicum) as toxic to cats, dogs and horses; solanine in the green leaves, stems and unripe fruit is the toxic principle. Ingestion can cause hypersalivation, vomiting, diarrhoea, lethargy and weakness. Ripe red fruit is low-risk, but keep pets away from the foliage and 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 striped roman tomato, treat it as a suspected ingestion and act on the steps below.
What to do if your pet ate striped roman tomato
- Remove any plant material from your pet's mouth and move striped roman 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 striped roman 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 striped roman 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)
Striped Roman Tomato and pets — frequently asked questions
Is striped roman tomato toxic to cats?
Striped Roman Tomato (Solanum lycopersicum 'Striped Roman') is toxic to cats according to the ASPCA. The ASPCA classifies the tomato plant (Solanum lycopersicum) as toxic to cats, dogs and horses; solanine in the green leaves, stems and unripe fruit is the toxic principle. Ingestion can cause hypersalivation, vomiting, diarrhoea, lethargy and weakness. Ripe red fruit is low-risk, but keep pets away from the foliage and 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 striped roman tomato toxic to dogs?
Per the ASPCA, Striped Roman Tomato (Solanum lycopersicum 'Striped Roman') is toxic to dogs. Dogs often chew more enthusiastically than cats, so a toxic plant like striped roman tomato is best removed from the floor and low shelves entirely.
What happens if my pet eats striped roman tomato?
The ASPCA classifies the tomato plant (Solanum lycopersicum) as toxic to cats, dogs and horses; solanine in the green leaves, stems and unripe fruit is the toxic principle. Ingestion can cause hypersalivation, vomiting, diarrhoea, lethargy and weakness. Ripe red fruit is low-risk, but keep pets away from the foliage and 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 striped roman tomato, treat it as a suspected ingestion and act on the steps below.
What should I do if my cat or dog ate striped roman 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 striped roman tomato to the appointment helps the vet treat it correctly.
What are pet-safe alternatives to striped roman 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 striped roman tomato care
Pet-safety is one piece of the picture. For light, watering, soil, and troubleshooting, see the complete striped roman tomato care guide, or browse the full pet-safe plant library to check another plant before you buy it.