Can Cats Eat Pepperoni?
By Pettings · Sources checked Nov 2, 2026
No. Keep pepperoni away from cats. Pepperoni is a dry-cured sausage, so it combines a lot of salt and fat with a spice blend that often includes garlic. The ASPCA lists garlic among foods to keep from pets and says cats are more susceptible to it than dogs.
Why Pepperoni Is a Problem for Cats
Each slice packs salt, fat and spice into a small piece. The ASPCA warns that too much salt can cause increased thirst and urination and, with larger amounts, vomiting, diarrhea, depression, tremors and seizures. The fat content is high as well, and Tufts Petfoodology lists high fat foods among those that can bring on vomiting or diarrhea in pets. The Merck Veterinary Manual recommends low fat treats for cats with pancreatitis. Pepperoni seasoning commonly includes garlic and paprika or other chili, and Merck reports that garlic is three to five times more potent than onion and that dried, granulated forms cause most garlic and onion poisonings in cats and dogs. A small cat does not need much. WSAVA sets the daily treat allowance for a 9 to 11 pound adult cat at only about 22 to 25 calories, and a few slices can exceed it. Pepperoni pizza adds more cheese, sauce that often contains garlic and onion, and crust. Turkey pepperoni and pepperoni sticks are cured and seasoned in the same way.
Signs to Watch For
The ASPCA lists heavy thirst and frequent urination as early signs of too much salt, with vomiting, diarrhea, low energy, tremors and seizures in more serious cases. Tufts notes that fatty foods can cause vomiting or diarrhea. If garlic was in the mix, Merck describes weakness, pale or yellow gums, rapid breathing, dark urine and collapse. These signs tend to show up a few days later, once red blood cells are damaged.
What to Do If Your Cat Ate Pepperoni
One slice is usually not an emergency for an adult cat, but watch closely for several days because garlic effects can be delayed. If your cat ate several slices, a pepperoni stick or pizza with sauce, call your veterinarian or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at (888) 426-4435 right away. Do not try to make your cat vomit unless a veterinarian tells you to. Bring the package so the vet can read the ingredient list.
If your cat has a medical condition or eats a special diet, ask your veterinarian before sharing any human food.
Common Questions
Can cats eat pepperoni pizza?
Cats should not eat pepperoni pizza. Along with the salty, spiced pepperoni, pizza sauce often contains garlic and onion, which the ASPCA lists as foods to keep away from pets. The cheese adds fat, and the ASPCA notes that many pets lack enough lactase to digest dairy well. If your cat stole a bite, watch for vomiting or diarrhea and call your veterinarian if you see weakness.
What happens if a cat eats one slice of pepperoni?
A single slice of pepperoni usually causes no more than mild thirst or stomach upset in an adult cat. Pepperoni often contains garlic, and the Merck Veterinary Manual notes that signs of garlic poisoning can take several days to appear. Watch for vomiting, weakness, pale gums or dark urine, and call your veterinarian if any of these show up.
Can cats eat turkey pepperoni?
Turkey pepperoni is not a better choice for cats. It is still cured with salt and seasoned with the same spice blend, which often includes garlic. The ASPCA warns that salty foods can cause vomiting, diarrhea and tremors, and it lists garlic among foods to avoid. Plain cooked turkey breast with nothing added is the turkey worth sharing.
Can kittens eat pepperoni?
Kittens should not eat pepperoni. Their small size means a little salt or garlic goes further, and the Merck Veterinary Manual says cats are the most sensitive species to garlic and onion. If a kitten ate pepperoni, call your veterinarian for advice and have the package ready so the vet can check the ingredients.
Why does my cat like pepperoni?
Cats are drawn to the strong smell of fat and meat, and pepperoni has both in concentrated form. The Cornell Feline Health Center notes that cats evolved eating prey high in protein with moderate fat. Interest in a food does not make it a fit treat. A small piece of plain cooked chicken or turkey gives your cat real meat without the salt and spices.