Suspect poisoning? US: ASPCA Poison Control (888) 426-4435 · UK: 01202 509 000 · Severe symptoms → nearest emergency vet now.

My 4-month-old kitten licked some leftover salsa with tomato bits from a bowl. Should I be worried?

Cats · Food safety

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

Short answer

Yes, be concerned. The tomato fruit in salsa is safe, but sauces often contain bits of stems or leaves, which are toxic to cats. Watch your kitten closely for signs like drooling, vomiting, or lethargy. If you see any of these symptoms, call your vet or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at (888) 426-4435 right away.

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.

Tomato leaves & stems has no place in everyday feeding: keep the rest of the day's food unchanged after this and watch the litter box and how quickly they finish the next meal.

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 →