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Pet safety

Is Potato toxic to cats?

Solanum tuberosum

Toxic to cats

Yes — potato 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 tuberosum as toxic to cats, dogs, and horses due to solanine in foliage, stems, and green-skinned tubers. Cooked white-flesh tubers without green skin are safe.

What to do if your cat ate potato

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

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

Is potato toxic to cats? — FAQ

Is potato toxic to cats?

Yes — potato 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 tuberosum as toxic to cats, dogs, and horses due to solanine in foliage, stems, and green-skinned tubers. Cooked white-flesh tubers without green skin are safe.

What are the symptoms if a cat eats potato?

ASPCA lists Solanum tuberosum as toxic to cats, dogs, and horses due to solanine in foliage, stems, and green-skinned tubers. Cooked white-flesh tubers without green skin are safe. 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 potato.

What should I do if my cat ate potato?

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 potato toxic to dogs too?

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

What is a cat-safe alternative to potato?

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 potato pet-safety