Is Black Cherry Tomato toxic to cats?

Yes — black cherry tomato is toxic to cats according to the ASPCA. Keep it well away from any cat that chews plants; reactions can be significant. The ASPCA lists 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 drooling, vomiting, diarrhoea, lethargy and weakness. Ripe fruit is low in solanine, but keep pets away from the plant and green fruit.

The ASPCA lists 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 drooling, vomiting, diarrhoea, lethargy and weakness. Ripe fruit is low in solanine, but keep pets away from the plant and green fruit. 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 cherry tomato.

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 Cherry Tomato is toxic to dogs as well. See the full black cherry tomato 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.