If you are a cat owner and a pepperoni lover, you might have wondered if you can share this delicious treat with your feline friend. After all, pepperoni is made mainly of meat, which is a natural source of protein for cats. And it smells so good that your cat might be tempted to try it out.

But can cats eat pepperoni? Is it safe for them? Or is it harmful? In this article, we will answer these questions and more. We will explore the pros and cons of feeding pepperoni to cats, the alternatives to it, the risks involved, and the precautions you should take.

The Pros of Feeding Pepperoni to Cats

Let’s start with the positive aspects of feeding pepperoni to cats. Here are some of them:

• Pepperoni is made mainly of meat, which is a natural source of protein for cats. Cats are obligate carnivores, which means they need meat to survive and thrive. Meat provides them with essential amino acids, such as taurine, that they cannot synthesize on their own. Protein also helps them build and maintain muscle mass, support their immune system, and regulate their metabolism.
• Pepperoni is not toxic for cats and can be safely eaten in small amounts. Unlike some other human foods, such as chocolate, grapes, or onions, pepperoni does not contain any substances that are poisonous for cats. As long as your cat does not have any allergies or sensitivities to it, eating a small piece of pepperoni once in a while will not harm them.

Can pepperoni kill a cat?

No, pepperoni is not toxic for cats and won’t kill them, but it is not recommended to feed it to them willingly due to the potential health risks it poses. Pepperoni is high in fat, salt, preservatives, and colorings that are not designed for cats to eat. It can cause stomach upset issues, pancreatitis, organ damage, and other health complications in cats.

According to the Pet Poison Helpline¹, salt is poisonous to cats if consumed in large quantities. It can cause symptoms such as:

• Vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Lethargy
• Excessive thirst
• Excessive urination
• Tremors
• Seizures
• Incoordination
• Coma

In the worst-case scenario, it can lead to death. If you suspect your cat has eaten more pepperoni than may be good for them and they’re exhibiting any of these signs, call the Pet Poison Helpline or your veterinarian for immediate advice.

The best way to prevent your cat from eating pepperoni is to keep it out of their reach and avoid leaving any leftovers or scraps on the table or counter. You should also choose cat-friendly treats that are specially formulated for their nutritional needs and preferences.

What to do if my cat ate pepperoni

If your cat ate pepperoni, you should do the following steps:

• Remove any remaining pepperoni from your cat’s reach so they do not eat anymore. If it is safe, retrieve any food from your cat’s mouth. Take care not to get bitten or scratched.
• Monitor your cat for any signs of discomfort or illness such as vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy, loss of appetite, abdominal pain, excessive thirst, excessive urination, or difficulty breathing. These signs may indicate a serious health problem that requires immediate medical attention.
• Contact your veterinarian or the Pet Poison Helpline for advice on what to do next. Depending on the amount and type of pepperoni your cat ate, they may need to induce vomiting, administer activated charcoal, or provide supportive care. Do not try to treat your cat at home without consulting a professional first.
• Prevent your cat from eating pepperoni again by keeping it out of their reach and avoiding leaving any leftovers or scraps on the table or counter. You should also choose cat-friendly treats that are specially formulated for their nutritional needs and preferences.

Can kittens eat pepperoni?

Kittens can eat pepperoni, but it is not recommended to feed it to them willingly due to the potential health risks it poses. Pepperoni is high in fat, salt, preservatives, and colorings that are not designed for kittens to eat. It can cause stomach upset issues, pancreatitis, organ damage, and other health complications in kittens.

According to Cat Kingpin¹, cats can and will eat pepperoni, but the main drawbacks are that too much pepperoni can make your kitty fat, and spicy pepperoni can give them an upset tummy. They also warn that you should stay alert after feeding pepperoni to your kitten because, rarely, bacteria could be present that can make your kitty sick.

According to Wise Kitten², cats should not eat pepperoni or anything that includes pepperoni because it is not safe for them. They list several ingredients in pepperoni that are harmful or toxic for cats, such as salt, nitrates, garlic, flavorings and spices.

Therefore, the best advice is to avoid giving your kitten any pepperoni or other processed meats, such as sausages or salami. These meats are not suitable for kittens and can cause health problems. If you want to feed your kitten some meat, choose lean proteins such as chicken, turkey, or beef that are cooked without any seasonings or oils. These meats are more nutritious and safer for your kitten than pepperoni.

The Cons of Feeding Pepperoni to Cats

However, there are also some negative aspects of feeding pepperoni to cats. Here are some of them:

• Pepperoni is highly fatty and spicy, which can cause stomach upset issues in cats. Cats have a different digestive system than humans, and they are not used to eating foods that are rich in fat or spices. Fat can overload their liver and pancreas, leading to inflammation and pain. Spices can irritate their stomach lining and cause gastritis or ulcers. Both fat and spices can also cause vomiting, diarrhea, or constipation in cats.
• Pepperoni contains preservatives and colorings that are not designed for cats to eat, and some of them have the potential to make your cat sick. Pepperoni is a processed food that undergoes curing, smoking, drying, and seasoning to enhance its flavor and shelf life. However, these processes also involve adding chemicals, such as nitrates, nitrites, sodium erythorbate, sodium nitrate, paprika extract, and others, that are not natural for cats to consume. Some of these chemicals can cause oxidative stress, inflammation, or cancer in cats.
• Pepperoni is a processed food that lacks essential nutrients for cats. Pepperoni is not a complete or balanced food for cats. It does not provide them with all the vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, or fiber that they need for optimal health. It also has a high sodium content, which can increase their blood pressure and risk of kidney disease. Feeding pepperoni to cats can result in nutritional deficiencies or imbalances that can affect their growth, development, and well-being.

The Alternatives to Feeding Pepperoni to Cats

If you want to feed your cat something other than pepperoni, there are some better options available. Here are some of them:

• Lean meats such as chicken, turkey, or beef are better options for cats than pepperoni. These meats are lower in fat and salt than pepperoni and do not contain any artificial additives or spices. They also provide more protein and other nutrients for cats than pepperoni. You can cook these meats without any seasonings or oils and offer them to your cat as a treat or a supplement to their regular diet.
• Commercially-available cat foods that contain pepperoni as an ingredient are safer than feeding raw or cooked pepperoni to cats. Some cat food manufacturers use pepperoni as one of the ingredients in their products. These products are formulated to meet the nutritional needs of cats and have undergone quality control and safety tests. They also have lower amounts of fat, salt, preservatives, and colorings than raw or cooked pepperoni. However, you should still read the labels carefully and choose products that have high-quality ingredients and no artificial flavors or fillers.
• Treats that are specially formulated for cats are more suitable than pepperoni for rewarding your cat. There are many types of treats available for cats that are designed to appeal to their taste buds and provide them with some health benefits. For example, there are dental treats that help clean their teeth and gums, hairball treats that help prevent hairballs from forming in their stomachs, or functional treats that support their joint health or urinary tract health. These treats are made with natural ingredients and have low calories and fat content.

The Risks of Feeding Pepperoni to Cats

Feeding pepperoni to cats can pose some serious risks for their health if done excessively or frequently. Here are some of them:

• Feeding pepperoni to cats can lead to obesity, diabetes**, pancreatitis**, or other health problems**. Obesity is a common problem among cats that are overfed or fed inappropriate foods. Obesity can increase their risk of developing diabetes mellitus**, a condition where their body cannot regulate their blood sugar levels properly. Obesity can also cause pancreatitis**, an inflammation of the pancreas that can be life-threatening if left untreated. Other health problems that can result from obesity include arthritis**, heart disease**, liver disease**, or respiratory problems**.
• Feeding pepperoni to cats can cause allergic reactions, vomiting**, diarrhea**, or other digestive issues**. Some cats may be allergic or intolerant to some of the ingredients in pepperoni**, such as pork**, beef**, chicken**, wheat**, soy**, dairy**, or spices**. Allergic reactions can manifest as skin rashes**, itching**, swelling**, hives**, or anaphylaxis**. Vomiting and diarrhea can occur due to the high fat and spice content in pepperoni, or due to bacterial contamination or spoilage. Other digestive issues that can arise from feeding pepperoni to cats include gas**, bloating**, acid reflux**, or indigestion**.
• Feeding pepperoni to cats can make them addicted to it and refuse to eat other foods. Pepperoni has a strong and enticing flavor that can make cats crave more. However, this can also make them lose their interest in their regular cat food, which is more nutritious and balanced for them. Cats that become addicted to pepperoni may become picky eaters and reject other foods, which can lead to malnutrition or weight loss.

The Precautions of Feeding Pepperoni to Cats

If you decide to feed pepperoni to your cat, you should take some precautions to minimize the risks and maximize the benefits. Here are some of them:

• If you decide to feed pepperoni to your cat, do it sparingly and occasionally. Pepperoni should not be a staple food for your cat, but rather a rare treat or a special occasion food. You should limit the amount of pepperoni you give to your cat to no more than a small slice or a few bits per week. You should also monitor your cat’s reaction to pepperoni and stop feeding it if you notice any signs of discomfort or illness.
• If you notice any signs of discomfort or illness in your cat after eating pepperoni, contact your veterinarian immediately. Some of the signs that your cat may have eaten too much pepperoni or had a bad reaction to it include vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy, loss of appetite, abdominal pain, excessive thirst, excessive urination, or difficulty breathing. These signs may indicate a serious health problem that requires immediate medical attention. Do not wait for the symptoms to go away on their own or try to treat them at home without consulting your veterinarian.
• If you want to feed pepperoni to your cat, choose a low-fat, low-sodium, and unspiced variety. Not all pepperoni products are created equal. Some of them have higher amounts of fat, salt, preservatives, and colorings than others. You should read the labels carefully and choose a product that has the lowest possible amounts of these ingredients. You should also avoid products that have added spices, such as garlic, onion, paprika, or chili, as these can be harmful for cats.

Conclusion

In conclusion, cats can eat pepperoni, but it is not recommended to feed it to them willingly due to the potential health risks it poses. Pepperoni is made mainly of meat and is not toxic for cats, but it is highly fatty and spicy, which can cause stomach upset issues in cats. Pepperoni also contains preservatives and colorings that are not designed for cats to eat, and some of them have the potential to make your cat sick.

There are better alternatives to feeding pepperoni to cats, such as lean meats, commercially-available cat foods that contain pepperoni as an ingredient, or treats that are specially formulated for cats. These alternatives are lower in fat and salt than pepperoni and do not contain any artificial additives or spices. They also provide more protein and other nutrients for cats than pepperoni.

If you decide to feed pepperoni to your cat, you should do it sparingly and occasionally, and take some precautions to minimize the risks and maximize the benefits. You should limit the amount of pepperoni you give to your cat to no more than a small slice or a few bits per week. You should also monitor your cat’s reaction to pepperoni and stop feeding it if you notice any signs of discomfort or illness. You should also choose a low-fat, low-sodium, and unspiced variety of pepperoni.

Feeding pepperoni to cats is not a good idea in general, but it is not a fatal mistake either. As long as you are aware of the pros and cons of doing so, and follow the recommendations we have given you in this article, you can enjoy this treat with your feline friend once in a while without compromising their health.

FAQs

Here are some frequently asked questions about feeding pepperoni to cats:

• Q: Can cats eat pizza with pepperoni on it?
• A: No, cats should not eat pizza with pepperoni on it. Pizza is another human food that is not suitable for cats. It contains ingredients that are high in fat, salt, sugar, or carbohydrates, such as cheese, tomato sauce, bread dough, or toppings. These ingredients can cause obesity**, diabetes**, pancreatitis**, or other health problems in cats. They can also cause allergic reactions**, vomiting**, diarrhea**, or other digestive issues in cats.
• Q: Can cats eat salami instead of pepperoni?
• A: No, cats should not eat salami instead of pepperoni. Salami is another type of cured meat that is similar to pepperoni in many ways. It is also high in fat and salt and contains preservatives and colorings that are not designed for cats to eat. It can also cause the same health risks and issues as pepperoni in cats. Salami is not a good alternative to pepperoni for cats.
• Q: Can cats eat turkey pepperoni instead of regular pepperoni?
• A: Yes, cats can eat turkey pepperoni instead of regular pepperoni, but only in moderation and with caution. Turkey pepperoni is a type of pepperoni that is made from turkey meat instead of pork or beef. It is lower in fat and calories than regular pepperoni, but it still has a high salt content and contains preservatives and colorings that are not natural for cats to consume. It can also cause stomach upset issues or allergic reactions in some cats. You should follow the same precautions and recommendations as for regular pepperoni if you want to feed turkey pepperoni to your cat.
• Q: Can cats eat cheese with pepperoni?
• A: No, cats should not eat cheese with pepperoni. Cheese is another human food that is not suitable for cats. It is high in fat and lactose, which can cause obesity**, diabetes**, pancreatitis**, or other health problems in cats. It can also cause allergic reactions**, vomiting**, diarrhea**, or other digestive issues in cats. Most cats are lactose intolerant, which means they cannot digest the sugar found in milk and dairy products. Feeding cheese to cats can result in gas**, bloating**, or cramps** in their stomachs.
• Q: Can cats eat raw or cooked pepperoni?
• A: No, cats should not eat raw or cooked pepperoni. Raw pepperoni can contain harmful bacteria, such as salmonella or e.coli, that can cause food poisoning or infections in cats. Cooked pepperoni can lose some of its preservatives and colorings, but it still has a high fat and salt content and can cause stomach upset issues in cats. Both raw and cooked pepperoni are not complete or balanced foods for cats and can result in nutritional deficiencies or imbalances that can affect their growth, development, and well-being.