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If your cat ate 'california wonder' bell pepper — do this now

  1. Take the plant away and clear any pieces from their mouth.
  2. Do not induce vomiting unless told to by a professional.
  3. Call your vet or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center on (888) 426-4435 now.

'California Wonder' Bell Pepper is toxic to cats (ASPCA).

Pet emergency

My cat ate 'California Wonder' Bell Pepper — what to do

Step by step

  1. Take 'california wonder' bell pepper away and remove any plant material from your cat's mouth so they cannot eat more.
  2. Note roughly how much was eaten and when — this helps the vet judge the risk.
  3. Do NOT induce vomiting unless a vet or poison-control specialist tells you to.
  4. Call your vet or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center on (888) 426-4435 (a consultation fee may apply) and follow their advice.
  5. Watch for drooling, pawing at the mouth, vomiting, loss of appetite, or lethargy, and bring a leaf or photo to the appointment.

This is general guidance, not veterinary advice. Pets vary, and a reaction may be to soil, fertiliser, or pesticide as well as the plant. When in doubt, call your vet or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center on (888) 426-4435.

My cat ate 'california wonder' bell pepper — FAQ

Is 'california wonder' bell pepper poisonous to cats?

Yes — the ASPCA lists 'California Wonder' Bell Pepper (Capsicum annuum 'California Wonder') as toxic to cats. Capsicum annuum is a Solanaceae nightshade; the ASPCA lists ornamental pepper (Capsicum annuum) as toxic to cats and dogs, with solanine as the toxic principle. The foliage and stems are the hazard, and ingestion can cause gastrointestinal upset, vomiting, and depression. The ripe sweet fruit itself is edible to people but the plant should be kept away from pets.

How serious is it if my cat ate 'california wonder' bell pepper?

'California Wonder' Bell Pepper is toxic to cats and reactions can be significant, so treat any ingestion as urgent. Call your vet or poison control on (888) 426-4435 straight away rather than waiting to see if symptoms develop.

What symptoms should I watch for?

Signs usually appear soon after chewing: drooling, pawing at the mouth, vomiting, loss of appetite, or unusual lethargy. Capsicum annuum is a Solanaceae nightshade; the ASPCA lists ornamental pepper (Capsicum annuum) as toxic to cats and dogs, with solanine as the toxic principle. The foliage and stems are the hazard, and ingestion can cause gastrointestinal upset, vomiting, and depression. The ripe sweet fruit itself is edible to people but the plant should be kept away from pets. Any worsening or persistent symptoms warrant an immediate vet visit.

Should I make my cat vomit?

No — do not induce vomiting unless a vet or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center specifically tells you to. The wrong action can make things worse. Call (888) 426-4435 and follow professional advice.

How do I stop this happening again?

Keep 'california wonder' bell pepper well out of reach, or swap it for an ASPCA non-toxic plant — see the best cats-safe plants list.

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