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Is Naranjilla toxic to cats?

Solanum quitoense

Mildly toxic to cats

Mildly. The ASPCA lists naranjilla as mildly toxic to cats — a chewing cat typically gets mouth irritation, drooling, and vomiting rather than a medical emergency, but it is still best kept out of reach. This classification follows the ASPCA Toxic and Non-Toxic Plant List. Solanum quitoense is not individually listed by the ASPCA, but as a member of the nightshade genus Solanum its leaves and unripe green fruit contain solanine and related glycoalkaloids that are toxic if eaten, causing hypersalivation, vomiting, diarrhoea and lethargy in pets. Treat the foliage and unripe fruit as toxic and keep pets away; verify with a vet.

What to do if your cat ate naranjilla

  1. Remove any plant material from your cat's mouth and move naranjilla 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 naranjilla to the appointment so it can be treated correctly.

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

Is naranjilla toxic to cats? — FAQ

Is naranjilla toxic to cats?

Mildly. The ASPCA lists naranjilla as mildly toxic to cats — a chewing cat typically gets mouth irritation, drooling, and vomiting rather than a medical emergency, but it is still best kept out of reach. Solanum quitoense is not individually listed by the ASPCA, but as a member of the nightshade genus Solanum its leaves and unripe green fruit contain solanine and related glycoalkaloids that are toxic if eaten, causing hypersalivation, vomiting, diarrhoea and lethargy in pets. Treat the foliage and unripe fruit as toxic and keep pets away; verify with a vet.

What are the symptoms if a cat eats naranjilla?

Solanum quitoense is not individually listed by the ASPCA, but as a member of the nightshade genus Solanum its leaves and unripe green fruit contain solanine and related glycoalkaloids that are toxic if eaten, causing hypersalivation, vomiting, diarrhoea and lethargy in pets. Treat the foliage and unripe fruit as toxic and keep pets away; verify with a vet. 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 naranjilla.

What should I do if my cat ate naranjilla?

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 naranjilla toxic to dogs too?

The ASPCA classification Growli uses applies to both cats and dogs: Naranjilla is mildly toxic to dogs as well. See the full naranjilla pet-safety guide for both species.

What is a cat-safe alternative to naranjilla?

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 naranjilla pet-safety