Can Cats Eat Paprika?

It is not advisable for cats to eat paprika.

Available in red, orange, or yellow varieties, paprika is a spice that comes from dried and ground peppers. In some countries, the name also refers to the plant or its edible fruit. This particular spice has a wide range of flavours, from sweet and mild to spicy and flaming hot.

Though the sweet form may be palatable for cats, the spicy variety is not safe for them. Since it may be difficult to distinguish what kind of paprika you have, it’s best to avoid giving it altogether to prevent accidents from occuring. Spicy food can cause problems such as watery eyes, runny nose, vomiting, and upset stomach.

What to do if your cat accidentally eats paprika: Check the ingredients used to make the paprika. If it includes toxic ingredients for cats, contact your veterinarian immediately. If your cat eats paprika containing the compound capsaicin, she may experience a burning sensation in her tongue, mouth, and stomach.

Similarly, if she eats food flavoured with paprika, check all of the ingredients used to make the dish. If it contains seasonings such as garlic, onion, and salt, let your vet know as well. Try to determine how much she ate since these ingredients are also harmful for her.

In summary: Avoid giving your cat paprika as your pet won’t be able to differentiate the sweet and spicy varieties. Though paprika may offer some health benefits, it would be easier to give her cat-safe fruits and vegetables. Check which other human foods you can and should not feed her by reviewing our “can cats eat” blog category.