Growli
Let's go

Pet safety

Is 'Jalapeño' Pepper toxic to cats?

Capsicum annuum 'Jalapeño'

Toxic to cats

Yes — 'jalapeño' pepper is toxic to cats according to the ASPCA. Keep it well away from any cat that chews plants; reactions can be significant. This classification follows the ASPCA Toxic and Non-Toxic Plant List. Capsicum annuum is a Solanaceae nightshade; the ASPCA lists ornamental pepper (Capsicum annuum) as toxic to cats and dogs, with solanine in the foliage as the toxic principle, causing gastrointestinal upset and vomiting. Beyond this, the capsaicin in jalapeño pods is a strong irritant to pets' mouths, eyes, and gut, so keep both plant and fruit away from cats and dogs.

What to do if your cat ate 'jalapeño' pepper

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

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

Is 'jalapeño' pepper toxic to cats? — FAQ

Is 'jalapeño' pepper toxic to cats?

Yes — 'jalapeño' pepper is toxic to cats according to the ASPCA. Keep it well away from any cat that chews plants; reactions can be significant. Capsicum annuum is a Solanaceae nightshade; the ASPCA lists ornamental pepper (Capsicum annuum) as toxic to cats and dogs, with solanine in the foliage as the toxic principle, causing gastrointestinal upset and vomiting. Beyond this, the capsaicin in jalapeño pods is a strong irritant to pets' mouths, eyes, and gut, so keep both plant and fruit away from cats and dogs.

What are the symptoms if a cat eats 'jalapeño' pepper?

Capsicum annuum is a Solanaceae nightshade; the ASPCA lists ornamental pepper (Capsicum annuum) as toxic to cats and dogs, with solanine in the foliage as the toxic principle, causing gastrointestinal upset and vomiting. Beyond this, the capsaicin in jalapeño pods is a strong irritant to pets' mouths, eyes, and gut, so keep both plant and fruit away from cats and dogs. 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 'jalapeño' pepper.

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

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

What is a cat-safe alternative to 'jalapeño' 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 'jalapeño' pepper pet-safety