It’s better to keep pepperoni off your cat’s menu. A small bite won’t harm them immediately, but the ingredients in pepperoni can upset their stomach and cause digestive issues.1
The name pepperoni comes from the Italian “peperone,” which means “bell pepper.” However, the pepperoni we know today is a type of dried salami made from pork or beef. It typically contains ingredients like sodium, nitrates, and spices such as red pepper flakes, black pepper, and garlic—many of which can be harmful to cats. For example:
Sodium – Pepperoni contains far more salt than your cat needs in a day. A single 2-gram slice has about 31.6mg of sodium, while cats only require around 10mg per kilogram of body weight per day.1 Too much salt, especially without enough fresh water, can lead to sodium poisoning. The signs for it include:
Lack of appetite
Lethargy
Vomiting and diarrhea
Excessive thirst and urination
Tremors or seizures
Lack of coordination
In severe cases, salt poisoning can even be fatal.1
If you’re still not convinced that pepperoni poses serious risks to your cat, here are a few more reasons why it’s best avoided.
Nitrates – These preservatives are commonly added to pepperoni to prevent bacterial growth and extend its shelf life. However, when consumed in excess, nitrates can be toxic to cats and may lead to serious health issues.
Spices and flavors – The bold, spicy taste of pepperoni comes from ingredients like red pepper flakes, black pepper, and garlic. While some of these may not be directly toxic, garlic is highly dangerous for cats. It can damage red blood cells, leading to anemia and digestive upset.2 If your cat ingests garlic by mistake, you may see the following signs of garlic toxicity:
Vomiting and diarrhea
Pale gums
Lethargy or collapse
Increased heart rate
Abdominal pain or discomfort (your cat may resist being picked up)
Beyond these risks, pepperoni contains large amounts of fats and calories which can contribute to weight gain and further digestive problems in cats.1
If you’re still thinking about giving your cat pepperoni after learning all this, either you really like your vet, or you’ve forgotten how much you adore your cat.
Can Cats Eat Cooked Pepperoni?
Pepperoni, whether cooked or raw, is not safe for cats. Cooking doesn't change its ingredients, so the high levels of fat, sodium, and nitrates remain just as harmful. Pepperoni can even lead to pancreatitis (inflammation of the pancreas) in cats which is a serious and painful condition.3
Is It OK for My Cat to Eat Pizza?
Pepperoni alone is enough to cause problems for your cat, and that's just one pizza topping. Thinking about sharing a whole pizza slice (or even a leftover bite)? It's best not to.
Most cats are lactose intolerant, which means cheese and dough are already off the table. On top of that, common pizza toppings like garlic, onions, and tomatoes can be very harmful to cats.4 And no, adding vegetables to the pizza doesn't suddenly make it healthy - for your cat or you!
It is estimated that 50% of all pizzas ordered include pepperoni.1 Well, if that’s the case, there is just no safe reason to share pizza with your cat.
However, if you’re really feeling bad about enjoying pizza with your friends with your cat staring at you from the corner, you can try offering a small piece of plan, cooked, unseasoned lean meats like chicken or turkey.
If you want to read everything about ‘Can cats eat pizza?’, we have an entire article about it. Check it out!
Can Cats Eat Turkey Pepperoni?
Simply put, no type of pepperoni is safe for cats. The risks here are the same – all the sodium, nitrate, fat, calories and seasonings. You can feed your cat all-natural turkey or chicken without added nitrates. Avoid anything with seasonings though.
Expert Insights from Spot
We all love giving our pets a little extra love, but not every snack meant for humans is safe for them. Spot Pet Insurance data shows that “dietary indiscretions” can cost pet parents an average of $642.* To help keep your furry friend healthy, check with your vet before adding anything new to their diet.
More About Spot Pet Insurance
You may think that pepperoni is a form of meat and cats being carnivorous should be able to eat it without any difficulty. But that’s not true. Pepperoni is processed meat with several added ingredients that are harmful and even toxic for cats.
Just like this, there can be several food items that you may think are safe for cats but will end up causing stomach problems in your cat. In case you’re wondering what are those foods that can be a potential harm to your cat, here are some –
Chocolate
Onions
Garlic
Grapes
Raisins
Tomatoes
Cherries
Raw fish, meat or eggs
Citrus fruits
(This is not an exhaustive list)
Some cases may get serious, and your cat may even need emergency attention. For those times and for all others when you have to take your cat to the vet unexpectedly, you can get up to 90% of the eligible costs reimbursed with pet health insurance.
Cat Insurance helps to provide pet parents with additional financial support and peace of mind when it comes to the health and wellness of their pets. With a Spot plan, pet parents can receive up to 90% cash back on eligible vet bills. This way, pet parents can focus on caring for and supporting their pets. Spot's also offers preventive care add-ons, which can help cover the eligible costs of spaying and neutering, dental cleaning, vaccinations, and other routine care services.
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If you need a story or someone to talk to your cat like a person, I’m your person. With 3 cats, 1 dog, and a lifetime of pets, I write from experience, usually with a cat on my keyboard and a dog in my lap.
*Jan 2019 to Aug 2024 Spot Pet Insurance Services, LLC claims data.
Adams, Christian. "Can Cats Eat Pepperoni?" Catster, 19 Jun. 2025, https://www.catster.com/nutrition/can-cats-eat-pepperoni/.
Skiver, Rayna. "Is Pepperoni Safe for Cats?" Green Matters, 26 Apr. 2024, https://www.greenmatters.com/pets/can-cats-eat-pepperoni.
"Pepperoni and Cats: Feline Diet Warnings." Bailey's CBD, n.d., https://baileyscbd.com/blogs/cat-nutrition/pepperoni-and-cats-feline-diet-warnings.
Villasenor, Yvonne. "Can Cats Eat Pizza?" The Spruce Pets, 10 Jul. 2025, https://www.thesprucepets.com/can-cats-eat-pizza-8730990.
The information presented in this article is for educational and informational purposes only and does not constitute or substitute for the advice of your veterinarian.
