Can cats eat peppers?

Can cats eat peppers? You pet people always ask the best questions! Let’s chow down on some veggie facts to find out if cats can eat bell peppers, whether they should be included in a cat’s diet, and if they can eat other types of peppers too.

Key takeaways

• Feeding small amounts of bell pepper to your cat occasionally can have many health benefits for them.
• Bell peppers are a great source of vitamins for cats, as well as a great way to give them extra iron and water in their diet. This can help prevent anemia, dehydration, reduce the risk of cancers, and help an upset stomach.
• Other types of peppers are also not toxic to cats. However, spicy peppers can cause a cat's gastrointestinal tract (GI tract) to become irritated making them sick, so avoid giving them anything like jalapenos or chillis.

Can cats have bell peppers​?

Firstly, are pepper plants toxic to cats​? The actual plant is, yes, but the fruit (the bell pepper) is not toxic to cats. Like anything outside of their normal diet, always check with their vet before introducing anything new to your cat’s diet. If they give you the green light, make sure you feed your cat a very small piece of raw bell pepper that doesn’t contain any seeds or rind, nor should it be cooked or seasoned. Just oh natural!

Do cats like bell peppers?

Cats are carnivores with tiny tummies designed to digest mean, cartilage, and all the other yummy things found on their prey. Because a cat’s diet is mostly made up of meat, given the choice between a tasty tuna snack or a small piece of pepper, most kitties will choose the tuna.

However, that isn’t to say they’ll completely turn their nose up at it. Cats are curious and they can sometimes explore the world using their mouths, meaning they may at least try it. Whether cats like the sensation of biting into a bell pepper or they actually like the taste is up for debate, but try a small amount of raw bell pepper with your kitty to see what they do.

Health benefits of bell peppers for cats

Bell peppers are a great source of vitamins and minerals for us humans, but not so much for our purr babies. A cat’s diet needs a different balance of nutrients, so things like fruit and veg aren’t essential. Basically, cats don’t need five a day!

But, a small amount of bell pepper can contain a nice added extra bit of iron, vitamin C, and water into their diet every now and again. This can help with bloodflow, keep their eyes and digestion healthy, as well as keep them hydrated.

Can cats eat different types of peppers?

Can cats eat green peppers​?

Green peppers are peppers when they are at their least ripened stage while being edible (if that makes sense!) Because of this, they will have a far more bitter taste than a more developed orange or red pepper which cats won’t like as much. The lack of sugars in the pepper at this stage can also mean it’s much harder for a cat’s GI tract to digest, so they’re more likely to cause an upset stomach. 

Can cats eat jalapenos?

Technically, yes. Similar to green peppers, they’ll be harder for cats to digest but they aren’t toxic. However, jalapenos also have an added spicy kick which can also cause an upset stomach and be difficult for them to digest.

​Can cats eat chilli​?

Just like with jalapenos, cats can eat chili peppers but they probably won’t find them as appealing. Many animals can smell the spice of these fruits before they’ve even been cut open, so your kitty may be wary even before you’ve served them up a slice.

Can cats eat paprika​?

While this is simply a freeze-dried version of bell peppers, paprika isn’t toxic to cats. However, the fine powder consistency it comes in could irritate your cat’s nose and airways, meaning it’s probably best avoided.

Whether you have a spicy kitty or a mild-mannered munchkin, we’ve got the perfect pet sitter out there for you. Find cat sitters near you to provide loving, in-home kitty care when you need to be away from home.