If you’re a cat owner and also a garden lover, you might be wondering if black nightshade is toxic to cats. The answer is yes. Of all the nightshade plants, black nightshade (Solanum nigrum) is the most toxic to cats. All parts of the plant – leaves, stems, berries – contain solanine, a glycoalkaloid poison that can cause severe gastrointestinal upset and neurological problems. Symptoms of black nightshade toxicity in cats include vomiting, slow heart rate, diarrhea, drooling, weakness, and CNS depression.
If your cat has ingested any part of this plant, call your veterinarian or pet poison control center immediately.
Is Black Nightshade Poisonous to Touch?
Black nightshade (Solanum nigrum) is a herbaceous annual plant in the Solanaceae or nightshade family, native to Europe, north Africa and western Asia. The stem is erect and branched, bearing small white flowers with purple stamens. The leaves are alternate, simple ovoid-acute and pubescent on both surfaces.
The fruit is a black berry 5–10 mm diameter ripening in late summer to autumn. All parts of the plant contain high amounts of the alkaloid solanine and are therefore poisonous to humans and livestock if ingested in large quantities. Symptoms of poisoning include gastrointestinal upset, dilated pupils, convulsions and paralysis.
The active compounds in black nightshade are solanine and chaconine. Solanine is a glycoalkaloid poison which occurs naturally in many species of the genus Solanum, such as the potato (Solanum tuberosum), the tomato (Solanum lycopersicum) and eggplant (Solanum melongena). Chaconine is another toxic alkaloid found in potatoes and other members of the Solanaceae family.
These compounds can cause serious illness or death if consumed in large quantities. Both solanine and chaconine are present in all parts of the black nightshade plant – including the leaves, stem, flowers, berries and roots.
While black nightshade berries are not particularly appetizing to humans, they can be tempting for children or animals who may not know any better.
It’s important to keep an eye on pets and young children who may be tempted to taste-test this pretty but poisonous plant! If you suspect that your child or pet has eaten any part of a black nightshade plant, it’s important to seek medical attention immediately as symptoms can develop quickly.
How Much Black Nightshade Will Kill a Dog?
If you’re concerned that your dog has eaten black nightshade, it’s important to know how much is poisonous. All parts of the plant are toxic, including the berries, leaves and roots. Just a small amount can be harmful, so it’s best to err on the side of caution.
Symptoms of black nightshade poisoning in dogs include vomiting, diarrhea, drooling, weakness and paralysis. If your dog exhibits any of these signs after eating black nightshade, contact your veterinarian immediately. Treatment will likely involve aggressive IV fluids and close monitoring.
It’s important to keep your dog away from black nightshade plants, as even a small amount can be dangerous. If you suspect your dog has ingested any part of the plant, don’t wait to see if symptoms develop – call your vet right away!
Is Black Nightshade Poisonous to Dogs?
Yes, black nightshade (Solanum nigrum) is poisonous to dogs. All parts of the plant are toxic, including the berries, leaves, and roots. Symptoms of black nightshade poisoning in dogs include vomiting, diarrhea, drooling, weakness, tremors, and seizures.
If you suspect your dog has eaten any part of a black nightshade plant, contact your veterinarian or emergency animal hospital immediately.
Is Deadly Nightshade Poisonous to Humans?
From its name, it’s clear that it is deadly. Yes, deadly nightshade (Atropa belladonna) is poisonous to humans. All parts of the plant are toxic, including berries, leaves, and roots. The toxin in the plant is called atropine and it can cause a variety of potentially fatal symptoms if ingested.
Symptoms include blurred vision, headaches, Dysarthria, hallucinations, rash, convulsions, and sometimes death. If you suspect that someone has ingested deadly nightshade, call Poison Control immediately for instructions on how to proceed.
Is Black Nightshade Poisonous to Horses
Most horse owners are aware that nightshade is poisonous to horses, but many are unaware that there is a difference between black nightshade and other types of nightshade. Black nightshade (Solanum nigrum) is a member of the Solanaceae family, which also includes potatoes, tomatoes, and eggplants. The plant is native to Europe and Asia but has been introduced to North America, where it is now considered a weed.
All parts of the plant are poisonous to horses, including the berries, leaves, and stem. The toxicity of black nightshade varies depending on the stage of growth; young plants are more toxic than mature plants. Symptoms of black nightshade poisoning include colic, diarrhea, incoordination, weakness, paralysis, and death.
If you suspect your horse has ingested black nightshade, contact your veterinarian immediately.
Credit: wagwalking.com
Is Black Nightshade Poisonous to Animals?
Black nightshade is poisonous to animals like cats, dogs, and horses.
What Happens If a Cat Eats Nightshade?
If a cat eats nightshade, it will likely experience vomiting and diarrhea. In more severe cases, the cat may have difficulty walking and experience seizures. If the plant is ingested in large enough quantities, it can be fatal.
What Animals Eat Black Nightshade?
The black nightshade (Solanum nigrum) is a flowering plant in the Solanaceae or nightshade family. The name “black” refers to the dark colour of the berries, which are actually more of a deep purple. The nightshade moniker comes from the fact that all parts of the plant contain alkaloids, which can be poisonous to humans and animals if consumed in large quantities.
Despite its toxicity, black nightshade is actually quite popular with some animals. Birds, for example, seem to enjoy eating the berries (though they usually don’t suffer any ill effects). Black bears have also been known to eat the berries, as have deer and other mammals.
In fact, black nightshade is sometimes used as a form of wildlife management; by planting it in areas where deer are a problem, farmers can deter them from eating their crops. Of course, not all animals are immune to the toxic effects of black nightshade. Cattle and sheep have been known to die after consuming large quantities of the plant, and even rabbits can be affected if they eat too much of it.
So while some animals may enjoy snacking on black nightshade, it’s best to err on the side of caution and keep this potentially dangerous plant away from your pets and livestock.
What is the Difference between Black Nightshade And Deadly Nightshade?
The difference between black nightshade and deadly nightshade is that black nightshade is not as toxic as deadly nightshade. Both plants belong to the Solanaceae family and contain the toxic compound solanine. However, the concentration of solanine in black nightshade is much lower than in deadly nightshade.
This means that eating black nightshade will not likely cause serious poisoning, while consuming deadly nightshade can be fatal.
Deadly Nightshade Has The Deadliest Berries On Earth
Conclusion
Yes, black nightshade is toxic to cats. The plant contains solanine, a glycoalkaloid poison that can cause gastrointestinal and neurological problems in cats. Symptoms of black nightshade toxicity include vomiting, diarrhea, drooling, weakness, and seizures.
If you think your cat has eaten any part of the plant, contact your veterinarian immediately.
