Ezina · A Field Manual for Plant Care · United States Vol. I · Ed. 2027 · Proof copy

§ Toxic plants · Solanaceae · Checked Oct 2026

Is eggplant toxic to cats and dogs?

Yes. Eggplant (Solanum melongena) is toxic to cats and dogs, according to the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center. Plant Smart rates its effects Moderate, level 2 of 4.

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Eggplant (Solanum melongena)
Photo: (c) Eran Finkle, some rights reserved (CC BY), via iNaturalist

§ 010 · Signs

What to watch for

Signs include drooling, loss of appetite, belly pain, diarrhea, drowsiness, sluggish, unresponsive behavior, disorientation, weakness, dilated pupils and slow heartbeat. Signs can start within hours; some take a day or more to show.

§ 020 · If it happened

What to do if your pet ate it

Call your vet or a pet poison hotline straight away, even if your pet seems fine: the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center, (888) 426-4435, or Pet Poison Helpline, (855) 764-7661. Both are open 24 hours and charge a fee. Have the plant or a photo of it to hand, and don’t make your pet vomit unless a vet tells you to.

§ 030 · Same family

Other Solanaceae plants toxic to pets

Eggplant belongs to the Solanaceae family. ASPCA lists these relatives too.

§ 040 · Questions

Questions about eggplant and pets

Is eggplant toxic to cats?

Yes. ASPCA lists eggplant as toxic to cats.

Is eggplant toxic to dogs?

Yes. ASPCA lists eggplant as toxic to dogs.

What happens if my pet eats eggplant?

Signs include drooling, loss of appetite, belly pain, diarrhea, drowsiness, sluggish, unresponsive behavior, disorientation, weakness, dilated pupils and slow heartbeat. Plant Smart rates it Moderate, level 2 of 4.

What should I do if my pet ate it?

Call your vet or a pet poison hotline right away, even before signs appear: the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at (888) 426-4435, or Pet Poison Helpline at (855) 764-7661. Both charge a fee. Have the plant, or a photo of it, to hand.

What else is eggplant called?

Eggplant is also sold or known as wild eggplant.

Changes

5 Oct 2026: page drafted.

Sources

ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center: Toxic and Non-Toxic Plant List.

Plant Smart: Plant Smart: plants toxic to pets.

Photo: (c) Eran Finkle, some rights reserved (CC BY), via iNaturalist, source.

Checked Oct 2026.