Do Cats Eat Tomato Plants?

As a cat owner and gardener, it’s essential to know whether your feline friend will munch on your precious tomato plants, which can cause harm to them. Since cats’ diets are primarily carnivorous, their interest in tomato plants might seem unlikely. However, some cats do like to chew on greenery, including tomato leaves and stems, which raises concerns about their health and the safety of your garden.

Why do cats eat plants?

Cats, naturally curious creatures, are attracted to plants’ smell, texture, and taste. Some felines enjoy the experience of chewing on greenery as a form of play, while others eat plants to ease their upset stomachs or as a result of dietary deficiencies. Moreover, some cat breeds that have been bred to hunt rodents may display an interest in gnawing on greenery as a way to sharpen their teeth.

Are tomato plants safe for cats?

Although tomato plants are not among the toxic plants for cats, they contain solanine, tomatine, and other alkaloids that can cause mild to severe digestive upset, such as vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal pain, if ingested in large amounts. Additionally, the green parts of the tomato plant, particularly the leaves, stems, and unripe fruit, contain higher levels of these harmful chemicals than the red, ripe fruit. Overconsumption of tomato plants can also lead to an array of issues ranging from dehydration and lethargy to more severe symptoms like seizures and coma.

How to protect your cat and tomato plants?

To protect your cat from consuming tomato plants, it’s best to keep them out of reach, either by installing barriers or placing them in high spots. You can also train your cat to avoid your garden and provide them with alternative toys or greenery to chew on. As for the tomato plants themselves, you can try to remove the green sections, particularly the leaves and unripened fruit, before they can attract your cat’s attention. Additionally, you can consider planting catnip, grass, or other feline-friendly greens near your tomato plants to distract your pet from the dangerous greenery.

Conclusion

In conclusion, cats may eat tomato plants, but it’s not necessarily a part of their natural diet. However, as a responsible pet owner and gardener, you should keep your pets and plants safe by providing them with the appropriate environment and access to healthy, non-toxic greenery. If you notice any signs of digestive upset or unusual behavior in your cat, seek veterinary attention immediately.