To some, paprika is one spice they never want to miss some of their foods. Can cats eat paprika or foods that have this spice?
Paprika is a powdered spice made from the sweet red varieties of Capsicum annuum’s Longum group. As you know, C. annum is a member of the nightshade family, Solanaceae. However, the word may mean a spice made from varieties in the Grossum group like bell peppers.
While most paprikas are sweet-tasting, it is possible to get pungent ones. Similarly, you will find some in other colors, including the yellow and orange types.
Finally, besides being used as a garnishing of salads, most people use this spice to season and color rice, soups, and stews in making spices, among other dishes or cuisines.
Toxic or safe?
The answer isn’t a yes or not, but it depends on which kind of pepper it has. Paprika made from sweet peppers (not spicy or hot) is safe for cats, and cats can eat it if used in cat-safe home foods. However, if it is hot, i.e., it has capsaicin, don’t give it to your cats.
Paprika is rich in vitamins A, B6, and E and has carotenoids. For instance, the red-colored paprika has capsanthin and capsorubin, while the yellow or orange-colored ones have lutein, zeaxanthin, beta-cryptoxanthin, alpha-carotene, and beta-carotene.
Cats need all these vitamins and carotenoids (antioxidants that will boost immunity, neutralize free radicals, and offer many benefits.
However, if you have hot paprika, don’t give it to your feline friend as the capsaicin will cause gastric and oral distress. Your cat may end up vomiting, having watery eyes and nose as well as salivate.
Spices and cats
We have noted that paprika that doesn’t have any hot pepper type is safe for cats. However, it is worthwhile stating that these animals don’t like and shouldn’t be given spicy foods.
If your cat eats a piece of meat or food with paprika, don’t worry as it won’t harm them. However, don’t deliberately give kitties foods with this spice as it is unnecessary.
It is worth noting that some spices, herbs, and vegetables like onions, garlic, shallots, chives, scallions (fresh, dried, or powdered) are toxic to cats and should be avoided. All these genus Allium members may cause lethargy, weakness, pale gums, ataxia, brown or red urine discoloration, hypersalivation, and other symptoms.
Also, avoid nutmeg because it has myristicin, which when ingested in large amounts may result in stomach upset, hallucinations, increased heart rate, disorientation, abdominal pain, a dry mouth, high blood pressure, or even seizures.
Conclusion
Unless it has capsaicin, which is found in hot peppers, paprika is not harmful to cats and may have some nutritional and health benefits.
However, since cats don’t recognize spices’ taste as we do and spicy foods are not recommended, please don’t give them paprika.