Tomato Sauce, salsa di pomodoro (Italian), salsa roja (Spanish), or Neapolitan sauce refer to various sauces whose main ingredient is tomatoes served as a side dish, especially meats, vegetables, pasta, and Mexican salsas, and so on. However, depending on where you are, it may mean a condiment like ketchup.
Cats should never raw or green tomatoes (or tomato plants) as they have solanine harmful or toxic to cats, dogs, and even horses. Ingesting solanine will cause hypersalivation, slow heart rate, severe stomach upset, dilated pupils, reduce appetite, weakness, depression, and so on.
However, fully ripe tomatoes are safe for cats (non-toxic), and they are the ones used to make tomato sauce. Is it safe for cats or bad?
Is tomato sauce bad for cats?
Yes. Tomato sauce is bad for cats, and they shouldn’t eat it since it has some harmful ingredients or seasonings that may harm your cat or even dog.
To illustrate further, you should know that the basic ingredients it has are tomatoes cooked in olive oil and various seasonings. Typical seasoning includes onions, garlic, black pepper, epazote, white sugar, chili pepper, oregano, etc. However, the exact ones may vary.
For instance, looking at Muir Glen Organic Tomato Sauce 8 oz, available at Amazon, it has organic tomato puree (water and organic tomato paste), sea salt, organic onion powder, naturally derived citric acid, and organic garlic powder.
As you know, garlic and onions are toxic to cats and dogs since they have disulfides and thiosulphates that will damage red blood cells, causing Heinz body anemia, hemolytic anemia, etc., methemoglobinemia.
Additionally, as Pet Poison Helpline notes, “salt, while commonly used for cooking in the kitchen, is potentially poisonous to dogs and cats. The use of salt to induce vomiting in dogs and cats is no longer the standard of care and is not recommended for use by pet owners or veterinarians!”
That is not all. Some seasonings like epazote (Wormseed, Jusuit’s Tea, Mexican Tea, Paico) and oregano are toxic to cats and dogs, while some brands may have preservatives that are not safe for kitties
Therefore, cats shouldn’t have tomato sauce since it has garlic, onions, and other potentially toxic ingredients like epazote and oregano. Also, don’t give any food with tomato sauce to your feline pal.
What to do?
If your cat eats a lot of tomato sauce, check for any signs that all is not well, which may include things such as:
- Reduced appetite
- Lethargy
- Poor coordination
- Hypersalivation
- Vomiting or diarrhea
- Disorientation
The exact symptoms your feline pal will have will depend on the specific sauce’s toxic ingredient. If you notice anything abnormal, talk to your vet or call the American Association of Poison Control Centers (800) 222-1222, the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (800)426-4435 (may charge you a service fee), or the Pet Poison Helpline 1 (855) 764-7661.
Other toxic foods
Other harmful foods that you shouldn’t give your feline friend include the following:
- Raw eggs
- Tea and coffee
- Chocolate
- Raw dough
- Alcohol
- Grapes and raisin
- Mild and dairy products
- Foods sweetened with xylitol
Conclusion
To avoid poisoning, avoid sharing your food with tomato sauce, safely dispose of any food remains or table scrapes and ensure you store it well in locked cupboards or place where your feline pal cannot access.