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Does my cat's pasta sauce contain tomato leaves or stems?

Cats · Food safety

Last reviewed: 2026-09-05 · Reference ranges: ASPCA, Pet Poison Helpline & Merck Veterinary Manual

Short answer

Yes, some jarred pasta sauces and even certain tomato-based pet supplements can contain traces of tomato leaves or stems. These parts of the plant are toxic to cats because they contain solanine and tomatine, which can cause gastrointestinal upset, lethargy, and weakness. Even a small amount from a sauce could be problematic for a cat, especially a small or senior one. If your cat ate any sauce that might contain these parts, call your vet or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at 888-426-4435 for advice.

Tomato leaves & stems — Food safety facts

Do not feed · Cats · full breakdown on the linked food page

The fruit is fine, but the leaves and stems contain solanine and tomatine.

Dogs and cats carry the same rating (Do not feed), so the notes below hold for either pet.

Tomato leaves & stems should not be given to cats at all. Even a small amount can do harm, so there is no portion small enough to be safe.

Do not induce vomiting and do not give milk or oil to “dilute” it. Note the food and roughly how much was eaten, then call your vet or a pet poison hotline and follow their advice on whether to bring the pet in straight away.

The full verdict, portion guidance and serving notes are collected on the Tomato leaves & stems food facts page.

Open the full food page: Tomato leaves & stems food facts →