Is Black Beauty Aubergine toxic to cats?

Yes — black beauty aubergine is toxic to cats according to the ASPCA. Keep it well away from any cat that chews plants; reactions can be significant. Toxic to cats and dogs. The ASPCA lists the Solanum genus (nightshades) as toxic, and the green parts of aubergine — leaves, stems and unripe fruit — contain solanine and related glycoalkaloids. Ingestion can cause drooling, vomiting, diarrhoea, lethargy and, in larger amounts, neurological signs. Cooked ripe fruit is generally tolerated, but keep pets away from the foliage.

Toxic to cats and dogs. The ASPCA lists the Solanum genus (nightshades) as toxic, and the green parts of aubergine — leaves, stems and unripe fruit — contain solanine and related glycoalkaloids. Ingestion can cause drooling, vomiting, diarrhoea, lethargy and, in larger amounts, neurological signs. Cooked ripe fruit is generally tolerated, but keep pets away from the foliage. Signs usually appear soon after chewing rather than hours later — watch for drooling, pawing at the mouth, vomiting, loss of appetite, or unusual lethargy after your cat has had access to black beauty aubergine.

Stay calm. Remove any plant from your cat's mouth and take the plant away. Note how much was eaten and when, and do not induce vomiting unless told to. Call your vet or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center on (888) 426-4435 and follow their advice; a leaf or photo helps the vet treat it correctly.

The ASPCA classification Growli uses applies to both cats and dogs: Black Beauty Aubergine is toxic to dogs as well. See the full black beauty aubergine pet-safety guide for both species.

For a similar look without the risk, see the best cats-safe plants list — every plant there is ASPCA non-toxic to cats and dogs.