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How do I keep my curious cat away from cherry tomatoes and salad greens at an outdoor BBQ?

Cats · Food safety

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

Short answer

Keep your cat indoors or in a secure carrier during the party. Ripe tomato flesh in tiny amounts is low risk, but the green stems and leaves on the vine are toxic. It’s too easy for a cat to nibble the wrong part in the chaos of a gathering. Clear plates quickly and keep all food on high tables out of reach. If she does sneak a bite of a ripe tomato piece, just watch her; call your vet if she vomits or seems unwell.

Tomato — Food safety facts

Feed with care · Cats · full breakdown on the linked food page

Ripe red fruit is fine in small pieces. Green parts (leaves, stem, unripe fruit) contain solanine, which is toxic.

Dogs and cats carry the same rating (Feed with care), so the notes below hold for either pet.

Tomato is not poisonous to cats, but it is easy to over-feed. Rich fat, salt or seasoning can bring on vomiting or diarrhoea within a day, and repeated large portions are a recognised trigger for pancreatitis.

If it ate some before you noticed, watch for vomiting, diarrhoea, loss of appetite, unusual tiredness or a painful, swollen abdomen over the next 24 hours. A one-off small amount in a healthy adult usually passes with water and rest; repeated exposure, a puppy or kitten, a senior, or a pet with an ongoing illness is a reason to call your vet the same day.

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

Open the full food page: Tomato food facts →