Growli
Let's go

Pet safety

Is Jalapeño toxic to cats?

Capsicum annuum

Mildly toxic to cats

Mildly. The ASPCA lists jalapeño 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. ASPCA lists Capsicum foliage as toxic to cats and dogs due to solanine; capsaicin in fruit causes oral and GI irritation. Keep pets away from harvest.

What to do if your cat ate jalapeño

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

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

Is jalapeño toxic to cats? — FAQ

Is jalapeño toxic to cats?

Mildly. The ASPCA lists jalapeño 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. ASPCA lists Capsicum foliage as toxic to cats and dogs due to solanine; capsaicin in fruit causes oral and GI irritation. Keep pets away from harvest.

What are the symptoms if a cat eats jalapeño?

ASPCA lists Capsicum foliage as toxic to cats and dogs due to solanine; capsaicin in fruit causes oral and GI irritation. Keep pets away from harvest. 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.

What should I do if my cat ate jalapeño?

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 toxic to dogs too?

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

What is a cat-safe alternative to jalapeño?

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 pet-safety