Why?
Capsaicin, the compound that makes chili hot, strongly irritates the mouth, eyes, stomach and gut. In cats it can cause heavy drooling, vomiting, diarrhea and belly pain. Spicy dishes also often contain garlic, onion and salt, and it's wise to keep chili plants out of reach as well.
How much?
No amount is recommended. Watch out for hot sauce, spicy chips and chili dishes left on the table.
The risks
- Burning mouth and heavy drooling
- Vomiting and diarrhea
- Belly pain
- Eye irritation if they rub their face with a paw
Your cat ate some: what now?
If your cat swallowed a piece of chili or spicy sauce, call your vet right away, especially if the dish also had garlic or onion. Don't try to make your cat vomit; offer fresh water, and if the eyes are irritated, gently rinse them with clean water.
Better options
There's no need to spice up your cat's food: a bit of plain cooked fish or chicken will please them far more.
Common questions
Can I use cayenne pepper to keep cats out of plants?
It's not a good idea: cats can get it on their paws or face, then into their eyes and mouth while grooming. Move plants out of reach or offer a pot of cat grass nearby instead.
Are bell peppers safe for cats?
Bell peppers contain little to no capsaicin, so they're a different story. Cooked and plain, small pieces are fine once in a while.
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.