By Dial A Vet Veterinary Team
Cats rarely choose to eat cayenne pepper. Exposure usually happens by accident: a lick of a spicy sauce, a paw in spilled powder, or a garden sprinkled with chilli to keep animals away. Cayenne is not considered a true poison in the way onion or lily is, but it is a strong irritant, and powder in the eyes or nose can make a cat very uncomfortable.
Key takeaways
- Cayenne pepper contains capsaicin, the compound that makes chillies hot.
- Capsaicin irritates the mouth, stomach and intestines, and is very irritating to the eyes and skin.
- Powders and sprays can be breathed in and irritate the airways.
- Spicy dishes often also contain onion and garlic, which are toxic to cats.
- Do not use cayenne or capsaicin products to deter cats.
- Related reading: can cats eat onions, vomiting and diarrhoea in cats.
How capsaicin affects cats
The National Pesticide Information Center at Oregon State University explains that capsaicin is the main chemical that makes chilli peppers hot. It notes that eating too much capsaicin can irritate the mouth, stomach and intestines, and that it is very irritating to the skin and eyes. In animals, it says capsaicin can cause coughing, temporary blindness and short-term loss of voice.
Cats are fastidious groomers, so powder on the fur or paws often ends up in the mouth as well.
The Merck Veterinary Manual lists cayenne or capsaicin among botanical products and notes it can cause gastrointestinal irritation when given by mouth. Merck also notes capsaicin can interact with some medications, including cyclosporine and some blood pressure and anti-clotting drugs. If your cat takes regular medication, mention any capsaicin exposure to your vet.
Common ways cats are exposed
- Spicy food. Curries, chilli con carne, salsas and spicy takeaway. These often contain onion and garlic too.
- Spilled powder. A jar knocked off a shelf or a dusting on the bench.
- Garden repellents. NPIC notes many capsaicin products are animal repellents and that pets may be exposed by being sprayed, eating treated plants or walking on wet sprayed surfaces.
- Home remedies. Some people sprinkle cayenne in garden beds or on furniture to keep cats away. This can cause pain and irritation and is not a humane deterrent.
Signs to watch for
After eating cayenne or spicy food:
- Drooling, lip licking or pawing at the mouth
- Shaking the head
- Vomiting or diarrhoea
- Reduced appetite
After contact with the eyes, nose or skin:
- Squinting, watering or rubbing the eyes
- Sneezing or coughing
- Red, irritated skin or paws
- Excessive grooming
What to do now
- Move your cat away from the powder or spill and clean it up.
- Offer fresh water.
- If powder is on the fur, gently wipe it off with a damp cloth, wearing gloves.
- Do not rub the eyes. Call your vet for advice before flushing them.
Do not try to make your cat vomit at home.
When to call a vet or the Animal Poisons Helpline
Call your vet or the Animal Poisons Helpline (1300 869 738) if your cat ate a spicy dish that may contain onion or garlic, got into a repellent product, or ate a noticeable amount of powder.
Call your vet if eye irritation does not settle quickly, if your cat is squinting or keeping an eye closed, or if vomiting or diarrhoea lasts more than a day.
Seek urgent care for breathing difficulty, ongoing coughing, facial swelling or collapse.
How vets help
Your vet will examine your cat's mouth, eyes and skin. They may flush the eyes and check for damage to the surface of the eye. For stomach upset, they can provide supportive care. If a spicy dish contained onion or garlic, they may recommend blood tests in the days that follow.
Humane ways to keep cats out of garden beds
- Cover soil with mesh, pebbles or pine cones
- Give your cat its own litter area or digging spot
- Use motion-activated sprinklers
- Ask your vet about cat-safe options
FAQ
My cat licked a bit of spicy sauce. What should I do?
Offer water and watch for drooling or an upset stomach. Check whether the sauce contained onion or garlic.
Is cayenne pepper toxic to cats?
It is not a classic poison, but capsaicin is a strong irritant and should be kept away from cats.
Is paprika the same?
Paprika is also made from peppers, and some types are milder. It is still not something cats need, and seasoning blends may contain garlic or onion.
Can I use cayenne to stop my cat scratching furniture?
No. It can irritate your cat's eyes, nose and skin. Your vet can suggest safer options.
Talk with a vet
If your cat got into cayenne powder, spicy food or a garden repellent, a Dial A Vet veterinarian can help you decide what to do next. Book a Dial A Vet consult.
References
- National Pesticide Information Center, Oregon State University. Capsaicin Fact Sheet.
- Merck Veterinary Manual. Table: Common Botanical Products in Veterinary Medicine.
- Merck Veterinary Manual. Garlic and Onion (Allium spp) Toxicosis in Animals.
- Animal Poisons Helpline (Australia, 1300 869 738). Animal Poisons Helpline | 24/7 Pet Poisoning Advice.
Disclaimer: Educational only. This page does not replace an examination or advice from your own veterinarian. If you are worried about your pet right now, contact your local vet or nearest emergency animal hospital.