Bell Pepper / Chili Pepper / Ornamental Pepper

Symptoms reported in cats

Most serious first.

1. 1
   Vomiting, Diarrhea, and Hypersalivation (Drooling) 2–24 hours. · The main effect of edible peppers in cats. Capsaicin in spicy peppers causes an immediate burning sensation that can lead to drooling and vomiting; low-level solanine in chewed foliage adds mild irritation to the stomach and intestinal lining. Generally self-limiting and not life-threatening.
2. 2
   Abdominal Pain (Colic) 2–24 hours. · A cat may show a tense abdominal wall or vocalize pain upon palpation. This can follow the initial vomiting phase.
3. 3
   Burning sensation, Coughing, Watery Eyes Immediate (upon contact or ingestion). · Specific to capsaicin found in chili and ornamental peppers. Contact can cause conjunctivitis (eye irritation), and inhalation or swallowing can trigger a cough reflex and intense burning of the mouth and throat.

Important notes

Bell peppers, chili peppers, and ornamental peppers all belong to the Capsicum annuum species of the nightshade family (Solanaceae). For cats, edible peppers are a mild gastrointestinal irritant rather than a serious systemic toxin — ingestion is not likely to be life-threatening. Ripe bell pepper flesh is essentially non-toxic and considered "rather harmless," though it is still not recommended as a regular food. Spicy chili and ornamental peppers contain capsaicin, the compound that makes them hot; it is a potent irritant to the mucous membranes, eyes, skin, and gastrointestinal tract, causing drooling, vomiting, and diarrhea on contact or ingestion. The plant's foliage (leaves and stems) contains low levels of solanine-type glycoalkaloids, which add to the stomach upset if chewed. Note: this entry covers true edible Capsicum annuum and should not be confused with Solanum pseudocapsicum (Jerusalem cherry), a distinct, genuinely toxic nightshade sometimes sold as "ornamental pepper."

• Capsaicin (chili peppers): Causes immediate drooling, coughing, gastroenteritis, tearing, and eye irritation on contact with mucous membranes.
• Solanine (foliage — leaves and stems): Low levels of glycoalkaloids in the green parts can add to stomach upset (vomiting, diarrhea) if chewed. Edible pepper fruit is not a significant source and is not expected to cause tremors, heart-rhythm changes, or other systemic poisoning in cats.
• Safest approach: Keep all pepper plants out of reach. If offering ripe bell pepper flesh as a very occasional treat, remove all seeds and offer only a tiny amount.