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Are Pepper Plants Toxic to Cats?

Are Pepper Plants Toxic to Cats?

Some pepper plants are poisonous to cats. 

A member of the nightshade family Solanaceae, Capsicum or peppers are flowering plants that bear fruits. They come in many sizes, colours, and spice levels, and are edible for humans. However, cats cannot consume some kinds of peppers, especially chili peppers that pack a lot of heat. 

When it comes to growing pepper plants, not all varieties are recommended for cat owners. Some plants include the toxic substance solanine, which can lead to complications when consumed. Ornamental peppers are the best example of poisonous peppers. Their berries are known to have highly concentrated amounts of solanine. Also called Jerusalem cherry, natal cherry, and winter cherry, these foul-tasting plants can cause gastrointestinal disturbances. Your cat may experience ulcers, seizures, depression, respiratory depression, and/or shock after eating them. 

What to do if your cat accidentally comes into contact with, chews, or eats spicy or poisonous pepper plants: If you own or have come across ornamental pepper plants, keep them away from your cat at all times. You don’t want them to manifest the aforementioned symptoms, or worse, experience damage to their central nervous system. Drooling, diarrhea, fatigue, vomiting, weakness, and decreased respiratory rate may also manifest.

Did your cat touch or eat hot peppers or ornamental peppers? Contact your veterinarian immediately. On the other hand, cats can eat non-spicy bell peppers in limited amounts no matter what colour they come in. Just make sure they don’t eat the hard parts such as the seeds and stems. This will help prevent accidental choking and intestinal blockage.

In summary: Remember, not all pepper varieties are good for cats. Play it safe by checking these lists from ASPCA, Pet Poison Helpline, and PetMD before bringing home a new houseplant or growing one in your backyard. Remember to find out what their scientific name and common names are, and consult with your vet before growing them. 

References:

Capsicum – Wikipedia

Toxic Plants For Cats

Ornamental Pepper | ASPCA

Ornamental Pepper Poisoning in Cats



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