Can Cats Eat Jalapenos? (Toxic to Cats?)

Last weekend I returned from grocery shopping and started unloading my bags. As I put the groceries away, I noticed my cat eyeing up a jalapeno pepper that had fallen out of one of the bags.

I didn’t think much of it and went about my business. The next thing I know, my cat has taken a bite out of the jalapeno! I was so shocked that I didn’t know what to do. I did a quick Google search to see if it was safe for cats to eat jalapenos. After doing a little bit research I found the answer what I was afraid!

No, cats should not eat jalapenos. Jalapeno peppers contain a substance called capsaicin. Capsaicin is what gives jalapenos their spicy flavor. Although capsaicin is safe for humans to consume, it can be toxic to cats.

In large quantities, capsaicin can cause gastrointestinal upset and irritation in cats. It can even lead to more serious problems like difficulty breathing and an increased heart rate.

Are Jalapenos Toxic to Cats?

As any self-respecting foodie knows, jalapenos are an essential ingredient in many dishes. They add a spicy depth of flavor that can really make a dish sing. But what you may not know is that jalapenos can be toxic to cats.

That’s right, these little peppers pack a powerful punch when it comes to our feline friends. The problem lies in the fact that cats lack a key enzyme that helps to break down capsaicin, the compound that gives jalapenos their characteristic heat.

As a result, eating even a small amount of jalapeno can cause gastrointestinal upset and severe burning of the mouth and throat. In some cases, it can even lead to death.

So if you’re a cat owner, be sure to keep these peppers out of reach. And if your cat does manage to snag a jalapeno, call your veterinarian immediately.

Why You Shouldn’t Feed Your Cat Jalapenos?

If you’re like most people, you probably think of your cat as a member of the family. So it’s only natural that you want to share your favorite foods with them. But there are some foods that you should never share with your cat, and jalapenos are one of them.

Here I’ll explain a little bit about why these peppers can be so dangerous to cats.

1. Contain a substance called capsaicin

According to the ASPCA, jalapenos contain a substance called capsaicin. Capsaicin is what gives these peppers their characteristic heat.

And while it’s safe for humans to consume, it can be toxic to cats. In lower section in my article I’ll discuss more on capsaicin effects on cats.

2. Cause gastrointestinal upset

In large quantities, capsaicin can cause gastrointestinal upset and irritation in cats. It can even lead to more serious problems like difficulty breathing and an increased heart rate.

3. Can be deadly

In some cases, jalapenos can be deadly. If your cat consumes even a small amount of this pepper, it could lead to gastrointestinal upset, severe burning of the mouth and throat, and even death.

Capsaicin Effects on Cats

You ever see a cat eat a habanero pepper? It’s hilarious. They’ll make this face like they just stuck their nose in a vat of battery acid, and then they’ll start harking and drooling and their eyes will water. It’s great entertainment value, but it does beg the question: why do cats react that way to capsaicin?

The active ingredient in chili peppers, capsaicin is an irritant to mammals. It binds to a receptor in the lining of the mouth and throat that normally responds to heat.

When that receptor is triggered, it sets off a chain reaction that ends with the brain getting the message that you’re ingesting something hot.

Of course, cats don’t experience pain the same way we do, so there’s probably not actual pain involved. More likely, they’re just really uncomfortable.

What’ll Happen If My Cat Eats Jalapeno?

If your cat eats a jalapeno, the first thing you’ll probably notice is that they start drooling. This is because the capsaicin in the pepper is causing irritation in their mouths and throats.

They may also paw at their face or rub their head on something to try to get rid of the burning sensation. In severe cases, they may start vomiting or have diarrhea.

If your cat is experience any of these symptoms, it’s important to call your veterinarian right away. They may need to be treated for dehydration or other complications.

How to Prevent Your Cat from Eating Jalapeno?

Here I’ll give you some tips on how to prevent your cat from getting their paws on a jalapeno pepper.

1. Keep peppers out of reach

The first and most obvious step is to keep peppers out of reach. If you grow peppers in your garden, make sure they’re fenced off so your cat can’t get to them.

And if you have peppers in your house, keep them in a place where your cat can’t get to them, like the fridge or a cupboard.

2. Don’t feed your cat table scraps

Another way to prevent your cat from eating jalapeno is to not feed them table scraps. If you don’t want your cat to eat something, don’t give it to them.

It’s as simple as that.

3. Train your cat not to beg

One of the best ways to prevent your cat from getting their paws on a jalapeno is to train them not to beg for food in the first place.

This may take some time and patience, but it’ll be worth it in the end. There are a few different ways you can do this, but one of the most effective is to use positive reinforcement.

Every time your cat begs for food, turn away from them and ignore them. But if they leave you alone, give them a treat. Eventually, they’ll learn that begging gets them nowhere and they’ll stop doing it.

The Summary

Now that you know a little bit more about jalapeno peppers and their effects on cats, you can make sure your feline friend stays safe and healthy. Just remember to keep peppers out of reach, don’t feed your cat table scraps, and train them not to beg for food.

Do you have any other tips for keeping cats away from jalapenos? Share them in the comments below!