Can Cats Eat Tomatoes? It's Not a Simple Answer

Fresh tomatoes aren't nearly as good for cats as they are for humans. Kannika Paison / Getty Images

If you've ever caught your feline eyeing your salad or sandwich, you might wonder: Can cats eat tomatoes? The answer isn't a simple yes or no. Tomatoes come with a mix of nutrients and risks, especially for our feline friends.

While cats eat meat as obligate carnivores, they sometimes nibble on human foods. But not all fruits and veggies are safe for them.

Let's break down what happens when cats eat tomatoes, from ripe fruit to tomato sauce.

Ripe vs. Unripe Tomatoes

Ripe tomatoes in small amounts are generally safe for cats. These are the red, juicy kind you'd slice into a salad. They contain vitamin C, potassium and antioxidants — but your pets don't need these in their cat food.

On the other hand, green tomatoes, unripe fruit and tomato plants are part of the nightshade family and contain a chemical called solanine, which is toxic to cats.

Signs of Tomato Toxicity

When a cat begins showing signs of poisoning, the first symptoms may be mild or vague. But tomatoes toxic to cats can cause:

Gastrointestinal upset (like diarrhea or loose stools)
Excessive thirst or drooling
Lethargy or confusion
Dilated pupils or vision issues
In severe cases, heart rate and nervous system symptoms may occur, leading to a medical emergency.

If your cat munches on an unripe tomato, leaves, stems or plant parts, contact your vet.

What About Tomato Products?

Cats safely eat ripe, cooked tomato in commercial cat food, but be wary of tomato products meant for humans.

Tomato sauce, tomato soup and pasta sauces often contain garlic, onions, salt, sugar and other herbs that are highly toxic to cats. The same goes for pizza toppings and anything pre-packaged. When cats eat tomato sauce, it’s rarely just tomato; they’re getting a harmful mix.

Better Treat Options

Cat stealing food — Cats love meat (and need it). Anita Kot / Getty Images

If you're looking for treats beyond cat food, stick with foods that are truly safe for cats:

Plain cooked meat (like chicken or turkey)
A bit of plain pumpkin for fiber
Commercial treats designed for felines

Avoid sharing your salad, sauce or leftovers unless you’re sure every ingredient is nontoxic.

We created this article in conjunction with AI technology, then made sure it was fact-checked and edited by a HowStuffWorks editor.