If you have a cat, it’s essential to know what they can and cannot eat. Cats are obligate carnivores which means that their diet needs to include meat for them to stay healthy.
On the other hand, humans are omnivores which means we need both plants and animals. So what about tomatoes? Can cats eat tomatoes or not? This is an interesting question because there is no clear answer.
Can cats eat tomatoes?
Tomatoes are not recommended for cats to eat, but they can eat small amounts in moderation.
Cats need plants in their diet because plants provide them with vitamins and nutrients. However, most plants aren’t nutritionally valuable for cats. Tomatoes, along with most other members of the nightshade family (potatoes, peppers, and eggplants), contain a chemical compound called glycoalkaloid, which can potentially be harmful to your cat.
There is no concrete evidence of tomatoes being dangerous to cats, but some websites warn of the dangers anyway. On the other hand, there’s also not enough evidence of them being safe.
Can kittens eat tomatoes?
Kittens should not eat tomatoes. Their digestive system is not developed enough to handle them yet.
Can cats eat raw tomatoes?
Raw, fresh tomatoes are acceptable for your cat to eat in small amounts. Cooked or canned tomatoes are harmful to your cat if eaten in any significant quantity. Cooked and canned tomatoes can be dangerous because of the added salt, which can lead to sodium ion poisoning.
Nutritional benefits of tomatoes
If you want to give your cat some tomatoes, go ahead! They won’t be getting any nutritional benefits, though. A small slice of tomato will not do any damage, and they might even enjoy it! Just keep in mind that there’s no nutritional value for cats eating tomatoes.
Do you Know?
We’ve done our research for lots of foods and have vetted them if they are safe for your pets. Why not check out this article: Can Cats Eat Rice?
Tips for Feeding Tomatoes to Cats
Keep the tomato slice extremely thin and ensure no seeds or stems are left on the tomato. Please take note of your cat’s behavior after giving it tomatoes. If they start acting strange, you should consult your vet immediately.
Ensure that the other foods in their diet are high enough taurine to compensate for eating very little meat. Taurine is an amino acid that can be found in seafood and meat.
If your cat does not like tomatoes, don’t force it to eat them! There are other plants that cats can eat instead.
Signs of tomato poisoning of the cat
If your cat eats a toxic amount of tomatoes, it can get sick. Some signs that your cat may have been poisoned include:
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Loss of appetite
- Low heart rate
- Lethargy
- Weakness
- Depression
- Slow breathing
- Trouble walking
- Incoordination
- Tremors
- Shaking
- Seizures
What to do if your cat is tomato poisoned
If you think your cat has been poisoned due to eating tomatoes, potatoes, or other foods from the nightshade family, you must take them to a vet right away.
There’s no way of preventing your cat from eating tomatoes if they want to, except for keeping them in an area where they can’t reach them. Because tomatoes aren’t harmful unless they eat a large amount, it’s not worth the trouble of keeping them out of reach.
As for other plants, your cat can eat many other plants that aren’t from the nightshade family. Ensure to keep an eye on all of your plants and get rid of the poisonous ones for cats.
It’s also essential that you keep all of your house plants out of reach, especially if they are flowering or have berries. Cats love to chew on flowers and will pluck them off right away if they reach them!
Remember, there is no guaranteed safe amount of tomato for your cat. The best thing to do is feed your cat a varied and healthy diet containing various meats and other vegetables.
In conclusion, tomatoes and other nightshade plants are not suitable for cats. While they probably won’t cause any harm with a small slice of tomato, it’s best to keep your cat away from tomatoes and potatoes entirely. If you want your cat to eat some vegetables, stick with safe choices such as carrots.
