One of the most widely used foods in the world, tomatoes are a staple in every kitchen. From pasta sauces, salads, and burgers, to all kinds of traditional dishes, this red fruit (yes, take the scientists’ word for it) is always a treat, fresh, cooked, or canned. Native to the Americas, Europeans brought tomatoes to their continent back in the 16th century, and from there, it spread all around the world. It didn’t take long for people to start including them in their culinary arts.
But, how do cats feel about them? Tomatoes aren’t really the first thing that pops to mind when discussing a feline diet. Because of their natural proclivity for meat and fish, tomatoes, fruits and vegetables in general are not their first choice. In fact, they might even ignore them completely.
But if it turns out your pet actually likes tomatoes, is it safe to oblige?
The answer is yes, but there are some caveats to be considered if we want to keep our kitties in perfect health. And now, a little exploration is in order.
Advantages for Cats
Here comes the age-old dilemma: should our pets stick to their specialized food only, or can we stretch out their diet a little? Seeing how both cats and dogs are carnivores, the healthiest and most natural diet for them is always going to be protein-packed and meat-based. But sometimes, their desire to try human food makes them go for a veggie or fruit.
Tomatoes, being fruits, offer a number of health benefits. As such, we’ve used them for centuries in all kinds of forms. And besides being good for us, they’re delicious. It’s true, they can taste a bit bland with no salt at all, but that’s an easy fix. Tomatoes contain important vitamins, like K (for healthy bones and healing injuries) and C (boosts the immune system, lowers blood pressure, etc.). They are also rich in potassium and antioxidants.
Cats that struggle with digestion could use an occasional tomato to help them out. This is because tomatoes have a lot of fiber, which makes digestion easier. Another great thing about tomatoes is their ability to hydrate. Like cucumbers, they are more than 90% water, so a few slices could help quench your kitty’s thirst for a while.
This is all well and good, but the ones who benefit the most from tomatoes (and other fruits) are people. Felines, unfortunately, have a limited ability to pull out the same nutrients as us. They can do it to a certain extent, but it’s limited. For this reason, vets always stress feeding our furballs with cat food that has all the necessary stuff already. All other foods are optional, meaning: if the cat likes it, fine – and if it doesn’t, no one gets hurt!
Knowing What to Avoid
Perhaps you’ve heard people say how tomatoes are toxic for cats. There’s some truth in that, but it certainly doesn’t apply to all tomatoes. The only healthy version for a cat is a red and ripe tomato. If consumed in small doses, it is safe for your feline. However, unripe tomatoes are quite a different story and should be avoided at all costs.
The culprit is an alkaloid chemical called solanine, also found in potatoes, eggplants, beets, apples, cherries, etc. While all tomatoes have it, ripe ones have minimal concentrations of it, making them safe for it. But green, unripe tomatoes contain a much higher concentration of solanine, and this is toxic for cats. But solanine isn’t the only reason: the stem and leaves of unripe tomatoes are also dangerous for our furry friends.
Tomato poisoning, although pretty rare, can still happen if cats ingest too much solanine. The usual symptoms are diarrhea, vomiting, nausea, loss of appetite, tremors, and slower heart rate. If you notice any of this happening, contact the vet immediately so they can eliminate all toxins as soon as possible.
What is the lesson here? Apply the same principle as you would for yourself: the best tomato is always a ripe tomato. While we can safely consume green tomatoes, which can be pretty tasty with the right seasoning, they are a clear no-no for our kitties.
Fresh is Best
When deciding which tomatoes to serve your pet, always go for fresh ones. Canned tomatoes, and products like tomato paste or purée, are so delicious for a good reason. They contain several additives like preservatives, salt, sugar, and various spices that are bad for felines. Their delicate tummies can’t stand a lot of seasoning, and you should especially avoid garlic and onion, both of which are toxic for them.
When serving tomatoes, always wash them thoroughly to remove any pesticide residue. Also, cut them into tiny pieces or slices to prevent choking. Like dogs, cats are well-known gourmands, and sometimes they can get too carried away and choke on a larger piece.
How Much is Safe?
Like with all other fruits and veggies, cats should consume tomatoes only in small portions. We already mentioned one (and the crucial) reason for this: solanine, which is poisonous in larger doses. And frankly, I don’t believe there’s a cat that would meow desperately at your feet, begging for more tomatoes. They’d much rather have their steak or salmon, gladly leaving salads to their owners.
But if turns out your little buddy likes them, serve tomatoes in minimal portions and only occasionally. They’re good in hot weather when pets need much more hydration than usual. And, since we can’t emphasize this enough – no green tomatoes are allowed!
