Is Pepino Dulce toxic to cats?

Yes — pepino dulce is toxic to cats according to the ASPCA. Keep it well away from any cat that chews plants; reactions can be significant. Toxic. The ASPCA lists multiple Solanum (nightshade) species as toxic to cats, dogs and horses; the toxic principle is solanine and related glycoalkaloids concentrated in leaves, stems and unripe green fruit. Ripe fruit is eaten by people, but foliage and immature fruit can cause hypersalivation, vomiting, diarrhoea, lethargy and dilated pupils in pets.

Toxic. The ASPCA lists multiple Solanum (nightshade) species as toxic to cats, dogs and horses; the toxic principle is solanine and related glycoalkaloids concentrated in leaves, stems and unripe green fruit. Ripe fruit is eaten by people, but foliage and immature fruit can cause hypersalivation, vomiting, diarrhoea, lethargy and dilated pupils in pets. 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 pepino dulce.

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: Pepino Dulce is toxic to dogs as well. See the full pepino dulce 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.