Cats are one of the cutest pets living on earth. Cats were kept as domesticated animals even before 3100BC. Also, cats are thought to be one of the most curious pets. And they love to be with humans, and another thing they love is food. But can they eat black pepper? Let’s find out.
Can cats eat black pepper?
Cats’ food habits are quite different from each other. Though they love different types of food, using black pepper in their food is not suggested. Because cats don’t love the smell and the flavor of black pepper. Though black pepper in a tiny amount won’t harm them, it is still not recommended.
Table of Contents
Let’s walk through this section to know if your furry friends can have the following sorts of black pepper –
Cracked black pepper:
Cracked black pepper contains bigger chunks of dried black pepper fruits. Which contains many black pepper chunks. It has more flavor and kicks to it. This cracked black pepper can be used in different foods, such as salads, steak, pasta, and soup.
The black pepper will enhance the food’s flavor. Here is the catch, the more black pepper’s flavor, the more unlikable the cat. Cats don’t love the harsh flavor, as they have a sensitive nose.
Cats may eat meat covered with black pepper, but it will be quite unhealthy for the cat.
Black pepper flakes:
Black pepper flakes are the powdered form of whole black pepper. Like cracked black pepper, the powdered black pepper or black pepper flakes are used in different foods, such as chips, fries, and other ingredients that need seasoning.
It is a handy thing to put on food to have the spicy kick of black pepper.
Generally, the oil, salt, and spices used in fried food are not healthy for cats. On the other hand, if you somehow add black pepper flakes, it will increase the unhealthiness of the food. Also, if a cat sniffs black pepper flakes, it can cause some lung issues.
Whole black pepper:
Whole black pepper is used in the foods that will be cooked for a while so that the black pepper’s flavor can reside in the food. Generally, in Indian foods, the whole black pepper is used. The flavor will be subtle, so the cat may eat food with whole black pepper.
But, if the cat eats a whole black pepper, it will cause some problems in its digestive system.
Do cats dislike the smell of black pepper?
Yes, cats dislike the smell of black peppers. Or any sort of spices that have a harsh smell to them. Cats generally have fewer taste buds than humans. On the other hand, cats have a stronger smelling sense than humans.
Cats are deterred by the powerful smell of black pepper. Also, if cats eat too much black pepper, it will cause their tummy to go bad.
Rather than domesticated cats, cats generally are chasers of food. Felines are carnivores. Felines love to chase vermin or other bigger animals such as deer and eat them fresh. Domesticated cats are kept and fed different things. Cats, rather than other felines, love to eat fish.
Without frying or seasoning with any salt, onion, pepper, or other spices, make the best food for the cats. So, before making food for a cat, you should not add any flavoring to it.
Are cats allergic to black pepper?
Cats are not allergic to black pepper. But, if somehow black pepper triggers the cat, it will show some weird symptoms. Watch over a cat that has encountered black pepper or any harsh spices.
If the cat is not showing any sort of distortion through its behavior, then there is nothing to be afraid of. Then again, if the cat is triggered by black pepper, starts vomiting, gets diarrhea, and becomes ill, don’t push the cat to eat anything.
Give food with less sodium and avoid seasoned foods. Monitor the cat for twelve hours. If the situation does not change, contact a vet as soon as possible. Always put spices away from the cats. Their lungs and stomach are sensitive to all sorts of spices.
So, If you do not put black pepper in cats’ food, cats are highly unlikely to taste black pepper.
Does black pepper hurt cats?
Yes, it can hurt cats. If a cat eats black pepper by a large number, then there is a high chance that the cat might feel bad. If the cat takes black pepper by its nose, it can worsen.
Even humans cannot stand strong against black peppers when the black pepper somehow gets inside their noses. Cats may not show the symptoms immediately, but the adverse impact on cats will be visible. The cat will not respond normally.
It will be tiring, and if the situation worsens, it will start vomiting.
Also, if the black pepper gets inside the cat while breathing, it will cause sneezing and coughing problems. You should see a doctor if such things happen with your cat. Or the cat will not recover from black pepper easily.
What does black pepper do to cats?
Reading the following section will let you know what actually black pepper does to your cat –
Regular Behavior Changes:
As we know, cats are pretty interested in everything. They love to run around, and they love to have food. These small felines love care and affection, and that’s why they always roam around their caregiver.
Also, these felines can easily be scared of things and make them anxious.
But, when the cats have anything unpleasant in their tummy, it will hamper their regular behavior. After eating anything not good for their stomach, it will cause them to feel ill. And the illness will be reflected through their actions.
Cats become Lethargic:
Cats are always so anxious about everything. They will run from one place to another, and their stomach is filled every time they eat. They will sleep happily.
But, when cats eat black pepper, onion, salts, and any other bad things, it will make them sluggish. They will not be going to respond as they usually do. They will not be going to sleep well.
Cats start Vomiting:
The worst that can happen is vomiting. If these symptoms are visible, don’t give the food you have given earlier. If the problem persists, take the cat to a vet as soon as possible.
Constipation & Diarrhea:
A bad food pattern will cause the digestive system of cats to go unsound. So, when the cats have an ill digestive system, it will cause constipation or diarrhea. Both can happen for eating anything bad such as black pepper.
How to treat cats that ate black pepper?
Cats generally will not come closer to black pepper. Black pepper or any sort of pepper works as a cat deterrent. When cats come closer to black pepper or any harsh smell, they will be excited and stay away from it.
So, if a cat ate black pepper in a small amount, it may not cause any problem. But, if the cat somehow eats a lot of them, that will cause the digestive system to work unwell. The cat may start vomiting, which can be treated by stopping the cat from eating anything for half a day.
In these twelve hours, give the cat water to drink, and if the cat doesn’t vomit again in these 12 hours, then give some food. That will help the cat’s stomach. Cats are highly sensitive to their foods, and they need to care properly. It is better not to provide cat food with seasoning.
Can cats eat white pepper?
Cats cannot tolerate any harsh smell, whether the normal pepper, black pepper, or white pepper. White pepper has the same intense flavor and almost the same kick. Like black pepper, if cats take white pepper in small amounts, it will not harm.
Peppers can cause humans to sneeze, so cats have smaller and more sensitive lungs. If white peppers get inside their lungs, it will be severe for the cat. When cats sneeze or catch a cold, it is more than dangerous for them.
If the symptoms deteriorate, the cat owner must show their cat to a vet. Cats are curious animals. They will try to sniff anything and everything. So, make sure to keep all the spices out of cats’ reach.
Final Thoughts
Cats cannot eat black pepper directly. If a small portion of black pepper is consumed, it may not show any symptoms of illness. But It’s advised for the cat owners not to put any seasoning on their cat food. Also, be very careful about giving food to a cat covered with black pepper.