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Is Tamarillo toxic to cats?

Solanum betaceum

Toxic to cats

Yes — tamarillo 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. The ripe fruit is edible, but the leaves and unripe fruit contain solanine and tomatine glycoalkaloids common to Solanum. Solanum betaceum is not individually on the ASPCA list, yet as a nightshade its foliage and green fruit are toxic to dogs and cats, causing drooling, vomiting, diarrhoea, lethargy, and in larger doses neurological signs. Cats are especially sensitive; keep pets away from the plant.

What to do if your cat ate tamarillo

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

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

Is tamarillo toxic to cats? — FAQ

Is tamarillo toxic to cats?

Yes — tamarillo is toxic to cats according to the ASPCA. Keep it well away from any cat that chews plants; reactions can be significant. The ripe fruit is edible, but the leaves and unripe fruit contain solanine and tomatine glycoalkaloids common to Solanum. Solanum betaceum is not individually on the ASPCA list, yet as a nightshade its foliage and green fruit are toxic to dogs and cats, causing drooling, vomiting, diarrhoea, lethargy, and in larger doses neurological signs. Cats are especially sensitive; keep pets away from the plant.

What are the symptoms if a cat eats tamarillo?

The ripe fruit is edible, but the leaves and unripe fruit contain solanine and tomatine glycoalkaloids common to Solanum. Solanum betaceum is not individually on the ASPCA list, yet as a nightshade its foliage and green fruit are toxic to dogs and cats, causing drooling, vomiting, diarrhoea, lethargy, and in larger doses neurological signs. Cats are especially sensitive; keep pets away from the plant. 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 tamarillo.

What should I do if my cat ate tamarillo?

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 tamarillo toxic to dogs too?

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

What is a cat-safe alternative to tamarillo?

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 tamarillo pet-safety