Cats can eat ripe tomatoes in small amounts safely, but it is not recommended to make tomatoes a regular part of their diet since cats are obligate carnivores and derive most nutrition from meat. Unripe (green) tomatoes, as well as tomato plants including leaves and stems, are toxic to cats due to the presence of solanine. Eating tomato plants or unripe tomatoes can cause symptoms such as dilated pupils, slowed heart rate, drooling, nausea, and in severe cases, weakness and other serious reactions. Cooked tomatoes without seasoning and plain ripe tomatoes in very small amounts are generally safe, but tomato products like sauces, ketchup, or paste with added ingredients should be avoided. In summary:
- Ripe, red tomatoes: Safe in small amounts but not recommended regularly.
- Unripe green tomatoes and tomato plant parts: Toxic to cats.
- Tomato sauces, ketchup, and paste: Not safe due to additives.
If a cat consumes tomato plant parts or unripe tomatoes and shows signs of illness, veterinary care should be sought promptly.
