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Pet safety

Is Tomatillo toxic to cats?

Physalis philadelphica

Mildly toxic to cats

Mildly. The ASPCA lists tomatillo 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. Tomatillo (Physalis philadelphica) is a Solanaceae nightshade and is not individually listed by the ASPCA. The ripe fruit is edible, but the leaves, stems, and unripe husk-fruit contain solanine-type glycoalkaloids typical of the nightshade family. Treat the plant with caution around pets and verify with a vet if green parts are eaten; signs can include vomiting and diarrhoea.

What to do if your cat ate tomatillo

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

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

Is tomatillo toxic to cats? — FAQ

Is tomatillo toxic to cats?

Mildly. The ASPCA lists tomatillo 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. Tomatillo (Physalis philadelphica) is a Solanaceae nightshade and is not individually listed by the ASPCA. The ripe fruit is edible, but the leaves, stems, and unripe husk-fruit contain solanine-type glycoalkaloids typical of the nightshade family. Treat the plant with caution around pets and verify with a vet if green parts are eaten; signs can include vomiting and diarrhoea.

What are the symptoms if a cat eats tomatillo?

Tomatillo (Physalis philadelphica) is a Solanaceae nightshade and is not individually listed by the ASPCA. The ripe fruit is edible, but the leaves, stems, and unripe husk-fruit contain solanine-type glycoalkaloids typical of the nightshade family. Treat the plant with caution around pets and verify with a vet if green parts are eaten; signs can include vomiting and diarrhoea. 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 tomatillo.

What should I do if my cat ate tomatillo?

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 tomatillo toxic to dogs too?

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

What is a cat-safe alternative to tomatillo?

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 tomatillo pet-safety