Cats should not be given pepperoni on purpose, and any ingestion should be treated as an accident and kept to very small amounts at most.

Why pepperoni is unsafe

Pepperoni is a cured, fatty meat loaded with salt, preservatives (like nitrates), and strong seasonings such as garlic and chili, several of which are toxic or irritating to cats. Even a single slice can meet or exceed a cat’s safe daily sodium intake, and the fat and spices can trigger vomiting, diarrhea, or even pancreatitis in sensitive animals.

Garlic and related seasonings can damage a cat’s red blood cells and cause anemia, so any pepperoni containing garlic (which many do) carries an added toxicity risk. Nitrates and nitrites used to preserve pepperoni also are not designed for feline diets and may contribute to illness if eaten in significant quantities.

If your cat already ate some

If your cat just stole a tiny piece, most healthy cats will be okay but may have mild stomach upset; offer fresh water and monitor closely for 24 hours. Contact a vet or emergency clinic right away if you see repeated vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy, pale gums, weakness, tremors, or if your cat ate a large amount or pepperoni that definitely contains garlic or onion.

Safer treat options

Instead of pepperoni, offer small pieces of plain cooked chicken, turkey, or other unseasoned meat with no salt, onion, garlic, or sauces. Commercial cat treats formulated for feline nutrition are also safer and help avoid the high fat, salt, and additives found in human processed meats.

Quick comparison

Item| Okay for cats?| Main concerns for cats
---|---|---
Pepperoni| No| High salt, fat, garlic/onion, nitrates, spices.1234
Plain cooked chicken| Yes, in moderation| Must be unseasoned, boneless, fully cooked.138
Cat-specific treats| Yes, in moderation| Formulated for cats; still treat, not main diet.38

So, do not intentionally give cats pepperoni; keep it out of reach and use plain meat or cat treats instead.