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Is 'Shishito' Pepper toxic to cats?

Capsicum annuum 'Shishito'

Mildly toxic to cats

Mildly. The ASPCA lists 'shishito' 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 is not individually listed by the ASPCA (the ASPCA 'Ornamental Pepper' toxic entry is Solanum pseudocapsicum, not culinary peppers). Although Shishito is mild for people, its capsaicin and plant foliage still irritate pets' mucous membranes and gut, causing drooling, mouth pain, vomiting or diarrhoea. Keep pods and plants away from cats and dogs and check with a vet if eaten.

What to do if your cat ate 'shishito' pepper

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

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

Is 'shishito' pepper toxic to cats? — FAQ

Is 'shishito' pepper toxic to cats?

Mildly. The ASPCA lists 'shishito' 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 is not individually listed by the ASPCA (the ASPCA 'Ornamental Pepper' toxic entry is Solanum pseudocapsicum, not culinary peppers). Although Shishito is mild for people, its capsaicin and plant foliage still irritate pets' mucous membranes and gut, causing drooling, mouth pain, vomiting or diarrhoea. Keep pods and plants away from cats and dogs and check with a vet if eaten.

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

Capsicum annuum is not individually listed by the ASPCA (the ASPCA 'Ornamental Pepper' toxic entry is Solanum pseudocapsicum, not culinary peppers). Although Shishito is mild for people, its capsaicin and plant foliage still irritate pets' mucous membranes and gut, causing drooling, mouth pain, vomiting or diarrhoea. Keep pods and plants away from cats and dogs and check with a vet if eaten. 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 'shishito' pepper.

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

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

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