Why?
Bell peppers belong to the nightshade family, like tomatoes, but the fruit contains no worrying level of alkaloids, and unlike chili peppers, it has no capsaicin. The flesh is mostly water and fiber, and cats don't need its vitamin C, since they make their own. The skin is a bit tough and some cats digest it poorly raw; keep the plant's leaves and stems out of reach as a precaution.
How much?
One or two small cubes of red, yellow or orange pepper, raw or cooked, once in a while. Remove the seeds and stem, and skip stuffed, pickled or roasted peppers made with oil and garlic.
The risks
- Soft stools or diarrhea if your cat eats too much
- Tough raw skin that some cats digest poorly
- Mix-ups with hot peppers, which irritate the mouth and gut
- Stuffed or sauteed peppers made with garlic or onion
Your cat ate some: what now?
A piece of bell pepper won't hurt your cat. If it ate a lot, watch its stools for 24 to 48 hours and call your vet if the trouble continues. If it was a dish made with garlic or onion, call your vet right away.
Better options
Cucumber and zucchini are even milder options. And if your cat mainly wants something to chew, a bite of cooked chicken will suit it better.
Common questions
Can cats eat green bell peppers?
Yes. Green peppers are simply picked before they ripen, so they're more bitter and a little harder to digest than red, yellow or orange ones, which are the better pick.
Can cats eat jalapenos or hot peppers?
No. Hot peppers contain capsaicin, which burns the mouth and irritates a cat's stomach and gut. Keep them, and spicy dishes, out of reach.
This information is general and does not replace advice from a veterinarian. If your cat has swallowed something toxic, call your vet or an animal poison control center right away, without waiting for symptoms.