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Is Aji Amarillo Pepper toxic to cats?

Capsicum baccatum 'Aji Amarillo'

Mildly toxic to cats

Mildly. The ASPCA lists aji amarillo pepper as mildly toxic to cats — a chewing cat typically gets mouth irritation, drooling, and vomiting rather than a medical emergency, but it is still best kept out of reach. This classification follows the ASPCA Toxic and Non-Toxic Plant List. Not individually listed by the ASPCA; true culinary Capsicum is not on its toxic-plant list (the ASPCA 'Ornamental Pepper' entry is the unrelated Solanum pseudocapsicum/Jerusalem cherry). However, capsaicin in the pods and foliage is a strong mucous-membrane and GI irritant that can cause drooling, mouth pain, vomiting and diarrhoea in cats and dogs. Treat with caution, keep pets from chewing the plant, and verify with a vet if ingested.

What to do if your cat ate aji amarillo pepper

  1. Remove any plant material from your cat's mouth and move aji amarillo pepper out of reach.
  2. Note how much was eaten and when, and watch for drooling, vomiting, or lethargy.
  3. Do not induce vomiting unless a vet or poison-control specialist instructs you to.
  4. Call your vet or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center on (888) 426-4435 and follow their advice.
  5. Bring a leaf or photo of aji amarillo pepper to the appointment so it can be treated correctly.

General guidance, not veterinary advice. If you think your cat has eaten aji amarillo pepper, contact your vet or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center on (888) 426-4435 — do not wait for symptoms to worsen.

Is aji amarillo pepper toxic to cats? — FAQ

Is aji amarillo pepper toxic to cats?

Mildly. The ASPCA lists aji amarillo pepper as mildly toxic to cats — a chewing cat typically gets mouth irritation, drooling, and vomiting rather than a medical emergency, but it is still best kept out of reach. Not individually listed by the ASPCA; true culinary Capsicum is not on its toxic-plant list (the ASPCA 'Ornamental Pepper' entry is the unrelated Solanum pseudocapsicum/Jerusalem cherry). However, capsaicin in the pods and foliage is a strong mucous-membrane and GI irritant that can cause drooling, mouth pain, vomiting and diarrhoea in cats and dogs. Treat with caution, keep pets from chewing the plant, and verify with a vet if ingested.

What are the symptoms if a cat eats aji amarillo pepper?

Not individually listed by the ASPCA; true culinary Capsicum is not on its toxic-plant list (the ASPCA 'Ornamental Pepper' entry is the unrelated Solanum pseudocapsicum/Jerusalem cherry). However, capsaicin in the pods and foliage is a strong mucous-membrane and GI irritant that can cause drooling, mouth pain, vomiting and diarrhoea in cats and dogs. Treat with caution, keep pets from chewing the plant, and verify with a vet if ingested. Signs usually appear soon after chewing rather than hours later — watch for drooling, pawing at the mouth, vomiting, loss of appetite, or unusual lethargy after your cat has had access to aji amarillo pepper.

What should I do if my cat ate aji amarillo pepper?

Stay calm. Remove any plant from your cat's mouth and take the plant away. Note how much was eaten and when, and do not induce vomiting unless told to. Call your vet or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center on (888) 426-4435 and follow their advice; a leaf or photo helps the vet treat it correctly.

Is aji amarillo pepper toxic to dogs too?

The ASPCA classification Growli uses applies to both cats and dogs: Aji Amarillo Pepper is mildly toxic to dogs as well. See the full aji amarillo pepper pet-safety guide for both species.

What is a cat-safe alternative to aji amarillo pepper?

For a similar look without the risk, see the best cats-safe plants list — every plant there is ASPCA non-toxic to cats and dogs.

Full aji amarillo pepper pet-safety