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Pet safety

Is Anaheim Pepper toxic to cats?

Capsicum annuum 'Anaheim'

Mildly toxic to cats

Mildly. The ASPCA lists anaheim 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. Capsicum annuum (edible chile and sweet peppers) is not individually listed on the ASPCA toxic plant list, so an affirmative pet-safe status cannot be asserted; the ASPCA's 'Ornamental Pepper' entry refers to the unrelated Solanum pseudocapsicum, not this species. The capsaicin in the pods and the GI irritation peppers can cause in pets mean it should be treated with caution. Keep pods and plants away from cats and dogs and verify with a vet if ingestion occurs.

What to do if your cat ate anaheim pepper

  1. Remove any plant material from your cat's mouth and move anaheim 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 anaheim pepper to the appointment so it can be treated correctly.

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

Is anaheim pepper toxic to cats? — FAQ

Is anaheim pepper toxic to cats?

Mildly. The ASPCA lists anaheim 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. Capsicum annuum (edible chile and sweet peppers) is not individually listed on the ASPCA toxic plant list, so an affirmative pet-safe status cannot be asserted; the ASPCA's 'Ornamental Pepper' entry refers to the unrelated Solanum pseudocapsicum, not this species. The capsaicin in the pods and the GI irritation peppers can cause in pets mean it should be treated with caution. Keep pods and plants away from cats and dogs and verify with a vet if ingestion occurs.

What are the symptoms if a cat eats anaheim pepper?

Capsicum annuum (edible chile and sweet peppers) is not individually listed on the ASPCA toxic plant list, so an affirmative pet-safe status cannot be asserted; the ASPCA's 'Ornamental Pepper' entry refers to the unrelated Solanum pseudocapsicum, not this species. The capsaicin in the pods and the GI irritation peppers can cause in pets mean it should be treated with caution. Keep pods and plants away from cats and dogs and verify with a vet if ingestion occurs. 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 anaheim pepper.

What should I do if my cat ate anaheim 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 anaheim pepper toxic to dogs too?

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

What is a cat-safe alternative to anaheim 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 anaheim pepper pet-safety