What to do if your pet ate it
Contact your vet or a poison line right away, report how much Chili pepper was eaten and your pet's weight, and keep any packaging or leftovers. Do not induce vomiting unless your vet tells you to.
Signs to watch for
- Vomiting and diarrhoea
- Lethargy and weakness
- Loss of appetite
- Severe: tremors, breathing trouble, collapse
If your pet shows vomiting, lethargy or any unusual behaviour after eating Chili pepper, go to the nearest emergency vet immediately.
Dogs and cats carry the same rating (Do not feed), so the notes below hold for either pet.
Other foods that are toxic or dangerous
The full A–Z food list groups every food by verdict for each species.
Frequently asked questions
Can cats eat Chili pepper?
NO — do not feed. Capsaicin causes severe mouth pain, drooling, vomiting and stomach irritation.
What if my cat already ate Chili pepper?
Call your vet or a poison line now with the amount of Chili pepper eaten and your cat's weight, and do not induce vomiting unless a vet tells you to. If Chili pepper was eaten and you then see vomiting, lethargy, tremors or breathing changes, go straight to the nearest emergency clinic.
Is there a safe amount of Chili pepper for cats?
There is no accepted safe dose of Chili pepper for cats; it is classed as toxic or dangerous, and reactions vary with the individual animal, so it is not something to feed at any amount.
How often can cats have Chili pepper?
Chili pepper is not something to feed at any interval; it stays off the menu entirely.
What are safer treats than Chili pepper for cats?
Pick from the safe list instead — Snap peas or Spaghetti squash carry none of the risk that Chili pepper does, and they work better as an everyday treat.