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Pet safety

Is Eggplant / aubergine toxic to cats?

Solanum melongena

Toxic to cats

Yes — eggplant / aubergine is toxic to cats according to the ASPCA. Keep it well away from any cat that chews plants; reactions can be significant. This classification follows the ASPCA Toxic and Non-Toxic Plant List. ASPCA lists Solanum melongena foliage as toxic to cats, dogs, and horses due to solanine. Ripe fruit is safe; green parts and unripe fruit should be avoided.

What to do if your cat ate eggplant / aubergine

  1. Remove any plant material from your cat's mouth and move eggplant / aubergine out of reach.
  2. Note how much was eaten and when, and watch for drooling, vomiting, or lethargy.
  3. Do not induce vomiting unless a vet or poison-control specialist instructs you to.
  4. Call your vet or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center on (888) 426-4435 and follow their advice.
  5. Bring a leaf or photo of eggplant / aubergine to the appointment so it can be treated correctly.

General guidance, not veterinary advice. If you think your cat has eaten eggplant / aubergine, contact your vet or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center on (888) 426-4435 — do not wait for symptoms to worsen.

Is eggplant / aubergine toxic to cats? — FAQ

Is eggplant / aubergine toxic to cats?

Yes — eggplant / aubergine is toxic to cats according to the ASPCA. Keep it well away from any cat that chews plants; reactions can be significant. ASPCA lists Solanum melongena foliage as toxic to cats, dogs, and horses due to solanine. Ripe fruit is safe; green parts and unripe fruit should be avoided.

What are the symptoms if a cat eats eggplant / aubergine?

ASPCA lists Solanum melongena foliage as toxic to cats, dogs, and horses due to solanine. Ripe fruit is safe; green parts and unripe fruit should be avoided. 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 eggplant / aubergine.

What should I do if my cat ate eggplant / 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.

Is eggplant / aubergine toxic to dogs too?

The ASPCA classification Growli uses applies to both cats and dogs: Eggplant / aubergine is toxic to dogs as well. See the full eggplant / aubergine pet-safety guide for both species.

What is a cat-safe alternative to eggplant / aubergine?

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.

Full eggplant / aubergine pet-safety