Catster is reader-supported. When you buy via links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission at no cost to you. Learn more.

Can Cats Eat Paprika? Vet-Reviewed Facts & FAQ

Written by: Christian Adams

Last Updated on January 12, 2024 by Catster Editorial Team

Can Cats Eat Paprika

Can Cats Eat Paprika? Vet-Reviewed Facts & FAQ

VET APPROVED

Dr. Lorna Whittemore Photo

REVIEWED & FACT-CHECKED BY

Dr. Lorna Whittemore

Vet, MRCVS

The information is current and up-to-date in accordance with the latest veterinarian research.

Learn more »

Paprika is a common household spice that’s derived from dried peppers. Depending on the spice it comes from, paprika may be hot or sweet or mild.

Humans enjoy paprika to spice up a variety of dishes, but can cats eat paprika? Is it healthy for them? Whether cats can eat paprika depends on the pepper it’s made from, so it’s best to avoid it altogether. It offers almost no nutritional value for your cat, but it does carry some risks.

divider-catclaw1 About Paprika

Paprika is made from dried peppers. It can come from sweet peppers or hot peppers, such as poblanos, which are much too spicy for your cat. Because cats can’t taste spicy flavors, they can eat too much of it quickly and suffer digestive upset.

If the paprika is made from sweet peppers, such as bell peppers, it may be safe for your cat. It can be difficult to determine, however, so it’s best to avoid feeding it to your cat.

Fortunately, cats tend to be repulsed by strong, spicy scents like paprika. In fact, paprika can be helpful for keeping cats out of your garden.

Paprika
Image by: Pixabay

Does Paprika Have Health Benefits?

Paprika has plenty of health benefits—for humans. Capsaicin, the compound found in peppers, has antioxidant properties, and can help to reduce the risk of cancer and heart disease.

Cats don’t need these nutrients or properties since they get everything they need from their commercial food and treats. As obligate carnivores, they need animal protein sources and fat, as well as a range of other vitamins and minerals that are found in commercial cat food.

yarn ball divider

Other Foods That Are Toxic to Cats

While it may be tempting to give your cat table food, there’s a lot more than paprika that can pose a health risk to your cat.

cat eating food in the bowl
Image Credit: Okssi, Shutterstock

Here are some other foods to avoid:

  • Tuna: This can be tough since cats are often attracted to the strong smell of tuna and other fish. Small portions of plain tuna are fine for your cat but feeding it regularly could leave your cat malnourished. Tuna alone doesn’t satisfy your cat’s nutritional needs, and too much can cause mercury poisoning.
  • Onions, garlic, and chives: All foods in the allium family, which include garlic, onions, leeks, chives, and scallions, are toxic to cats. Whether powdered, raw, cooked, or dehydrated, these foods break down a cat’s red blood cells and can lead to anemia. This is true whether your cat eats a large portion at once or small portions over time, so it’s best to avoid it completely.
  • Dairy: While not completely “toxic,” dairy products are not ideal for your cat. Most cats are lactose-intolerant, so their digestive systems can’t process dairy like milk, cream, or cheese. As a result, they’ll get diarrhea and stomach upset.
  • Grapes: Grapes and raisins are easy to give as a quick treat for your cat, but you can risk kidney failure. Though it’s unclear why, grapes and raisins can cause kidney failure in cats, even in small amounts. Even if your cat seems fine after eating a grape or raisin, it’s best to keep them out of reach to avoid future problems.
  • Caffeine: In large quantities, caffeine can be fatal to your cat. Caffeine poisoning in cats includes rapid breathing, heart palpitations, restlessness, and muscle tremors. Avoid giving your cat anything with caffeine, including coffee or tea, coffee grounds or beans, cocoa, chocolate, soda, and stimulant drinks.
  • Chocolate: Aside from the risks of caffeine, chocolate itself is toxic to cats. It contains theobromine, which is found in dark chocolate, unsweetened baking chocolate, and white chocolate. Eating chocolate can cause abnormal heart rhythms, seizures, tremors, and death.
  • Raw eggs: Though cats may be interested in eating raw eggs, that carries risks. Cats may get food poisoning from bacteria like salmonella. In addition, a rare condition caused by the protein in raw egg whites can interfere with the ability to absorb biotin, which causes skin and coat problems.
  • Raw meat: Similar to raw eggs, raw meat and fish can contain bacteria that may lead to food poisoning. Also, an enzyme in raw fish can destroy thiamine, which is an essential vitamin for your cat. Without it, your cat can suffer neurological issues.
  • Alcohol: Any alcohol, whether liquor, beer, or wine, is bad for your cat. Alcohol has a similar effect on a cat’s system as humans, but they’re smaller, so it takes less to cause significant damage. Just a few teaspoons can cause a coma in a small cat.

divider-catclaw1 Conclusion

Cats are curious creatures and may want a taste of whatever we’re cooking, but as diligent pet owners, it’s important for us to keep them away from potentially toxic foods. Paprika may be safe for your cat, depending on the pepper it’s made from, but it’s best to avoid giving it to your cat altogether rather than risk a reaction.

Get Catster in your inbox!

Stay informed! Get tips and exclusive deals.
Catster Editors Choice Badge
Shopping Cart

Pangolia

© Pangolia Pte. Ltd. All rights reserved.