Growli
Let's go

Pet safety

Is Fish Pepper toxic to cats?

Capsicum annuum 'Fish'

Mildly toxic to cats

Mildly. The ASPCA lists fish 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 (the Fish pepper) is not individually listed on the ASPCA toxic plant list, so pet-safe status cannot be affirmatively claimed; the ASPCA 'Ornamental Pepper' listing is for Solanum pseudocapsicum, a different plant. Capsaicin in these medium-hot pods is a mucous-membrane and GI irritant to cats and dogs, so treat with caution, keep pods and the attractive foliage out of reach, and consult a vet if a pet ingests any.

What to do if your cat ate fish pepper

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

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

Is fish pepper toxic to cats? — FAQ

Is fish pepper toxic to cats?

Mildly. The ASPCA lists fish 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 (the Fish pepper) is not individually listed on the ASPCA toxic plant list, so pet-safe status cannot be affirmatively claimed; the ASPCA 'Ornamental Pepper' listing is for Solanum pseudocapsicum, a different plant. Capsaicin in these medium-hot pods is a mucous-membrane and GI irritant to cats and dogs, so treat with caution, keep pods and the attractive foliage out of reach, and consult a vet if a pet ingests any.

What are the symptoms if a cat eats fish pepper?

Capsicum annuum (the Fish pepper) is not individually listed on the ASPCA toxic plant list, so pet-safe status cannot be affirmatively claimed; the ASPCA 'Ornamental Pepper' listing is for Solanum pseudocapsicum, a different plant. Capsaicin in these medium-hot pods is a mucous-membrane and GI irritant to cats and dogs, so treat with caution, keep pods and the attractive foliage out of reach, and consult a vet if a pet ingests any. 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 fish pepper.

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

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

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