Can cats eat pepperoni?
Quick verdict
Unsafe
Key risk
Garlic toxicity plus high salt, fat and spice make it dangerous.
Why
Pepperoni is too salty and spicy and contains toxic garlic, so avoid it for cats.
Can cats eat pepperoni, and why?
Pepperoni is too salty and spicy and contains toxic garlic, so avoid it for cats. Garlic toxicity plus high salt, fat and spice make it dangerous.
Cats are obligate carnivores: they must get most of their nutrition from meat and need nutrients such as taurine that only animal products provide. They lack some enzymes for processing plants and carbohydrates, so fruit and veg offer little benefit and can upset their stomach; many cats are also lactose intolerant.
Warning — what to watch for
Garlic toxicity plus high salt, fat and spice make it dangerous.
If your cat has eaten pepperoni, don’t wait for symptoms — contact your vet immediately, or call the Animal PoisonLine on 01202 509000 (24/7, UK). Signs of a problem can include vomiting, diarrhoea, drooling, lethargy, tremors or loss of appetite.
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Frequently asked questions
Can cats eat pepperoni?
Unsafe. Pepperoni is too salty and spicy and contains toxic garlic, so avoid it for cats.
What happens if my cat eats pepperoni?
Garlic toxicity plus high salt, fat and spice make it dangerous. If your cat has eaten pepperoni, contact your vet or the Animal PoisonLine (01202 509000) straight away — don’t wait for symptoms.
Is pepperoni poisonous to cats?
Unsafe. Pepperoni is too salty and spicy and contains toxic garlic, so avoid it for cats.
Check pepperoni for another pet