Can cats eat chilli?
Quick verdict
Unsafe
Key risk
Capsaicin causes mouth burning and stomach upset.
Why
Chilli is a strong irritant and must be avoided for cats.
Can cats eat chilli, and why?
Chilli is a strong irritant and must be avoided for cats. Capsaicin causes mouth burning and stomach upset.
Cats are obligate carnivores: they must get most of their nutrition from meat and need nutrients such as taurine that only animal products provide. They lack some enzymes for processing plants and carbohydrates, so fruit and veg offer little benefit and can upset their stomach; many cats are also lactose intolerant.
Warning — what to watch for
Capsaicin causes mouth burning and stomach upset.
If your cat has eaten chilli, don’t wait for symptoms — contact your vet immediately, or call the Animal PoisonLine on 01202 509000 (24/7, UK). Signs of a problem can include vomiting, diarrhoea, drooling, lethargy, tremors or loss of appetite.
More foods cats might eat
Make treat time better
Handy kit for feeding cats well:
Frequently asked questions
Can cats eat chilli?
Unsafe. Chilli is a strong irritant and must be avoided for cats.
What happens if my cat eats chilli?
Capsaicin causes mouth burning and stomach upset. If your cat has eaten chilli, contact your vet or the Animal PoisonLine (01202 509000) straight away — don’t wait for symptoms.
Is chilli poisonous to cats?
Unsafe. Chilli is a strong irritant and must be avoided for cats.
Check chilli for another pet