Can Cats Safely Enjoy Spicy Foods? A Vet’s Guide

If you have a cat, you may enjoy eating some of the same things like fish, meat, cheese, certain crackers, and even eggs. Speaking of eggs, how about a nice Mexican omelette? That sounds really good, doesn’t it? All you need to do is hold the onions and a few other things like. . . wait up. Can cats have spicy foods?

I’m going to answer that question first, with a yes. However, make sure you keep reading because can and should are often times two different things. Yes. Cats can have spicy foods, just not too often nor too much. But wait a moment, it really isn’t that simple. Please read on for more information.

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Can cats taste spicy?

Cats are amazing animals gifted with a variety of special skills. Not only are they fast, they can jump six times their own height. Imagine being able to do that. They can see in the dark far better than we can. That means they can see their prey in very dark conditions.

Cats are obligate carnivores who hunt and eat their prey almost immediately. Sure, they can be scavengers as well, and due to their heightened sense of smell, which is estimated to be 14 times more powerful than ours, they are able to tell if meat is good or not, without going as far as tasting it first. That’s good because they only have a few hundred taste buds compared to humans who have around 9000. With so very few taste buds, they are unable to taste sweet or spicy things. On the other hand, with such a strong sense of smell, they can smell spices quite well. But since spices are not too often on the menu in the wild, they may not be attracted to the smell. They may even shy away from it due to its powerful odor and the effect it has when it comes in contact with the skin of their mouths, throats, stomachs and digestive systems.

When we chew or bite into chili peppers, capsaicin is released. This is the pepper’s way of defending and protecting itself. Capsaicin or cayenne pepper can be a powerful deterrent against plants and animals. In fact, if you want to keep a stray cat out of your yard, sprinkle some cayenne pepper around. One whiff of that and most cats will not stick around. It is what I used to keep the neighbor’s cat from constantly pooping under my motorcycle.  

Is spicy food bad for cats?

Frankly, yes. Most spicy food contains capsaicin and if your cat eats it, it may regret doing so. Although some cats may enjoy the warmth it gives them in their mouths. Some sources say it may remind them of live prey. While not deadly toxic to your cat, capsaicin will surely make your cat feel horrible if it gets enough of it.

Let’s not forget that besides capsaicin, onions which are often times found in spicy foods can be deadly to your cat. You should never allow your cat to eat any at all. According to Hill’s Pet, onions, garlic, shallots and scallions are foods you should keep away from your cat. They can cause damage to your cat’s red blood cells and lead to anemia.

What happens if your cats eat spicy food?

Well, in some cases it may be okay. However, the more that is eaten, the worse it may be. Like you and I, they will suffer burning mouths and watering eyes, but it does not stop there. Their throats and stomachs may burn as well along with vomiting and diarrhea. If your cat eats enough spicy hot food, it could be in for a very rough night for them. Therefore a trip to the veterinarian may be a good idea, especially if your cat ate onions, garlic, shallots or scallions.