How bad is soda for cats? Maybe this is something that you’ve considered if your cat tried to sneak a sip while you were reaching for a can or bottle of your favorite brand of soda. If humans can drink soda, can cats safely have some too?
The short answer is no, cats can’t safely drink soda. There are a number of ingredients in most sodas that can be harmful to cats, including caffeine, added sugars, and artificial sweeteners.
Here’s what you need to know about soda and cats.
Why Is Soda Bad For Cats?
While there are a wide range of different brands and flavors of soda available, commercial sodas nearly all have a number of common ingredients that can be very harmful and even toxic to your cat.
First of all, many sodas contain caffeine, which is a stimulant and is definitely something that you want to make sure your cat avoids.
Secondly, sodas usually contain high amounts of sugar. This is another ingredient that you should keep out of your cat’s diet as much as possible.
Sodas are often flavored with artificial sweeteners. In some cases, certain brands of soda might use xylitol as a sweetener. While xylitol is much more toxic for dogs than cats, it’s still an ingredient you want to keep your kitty away from.
Finally, the carbonated nature of soda means that some cats might have problems properly digesting the drink.
What Should I Do If My Cat Drinks Soda?
If you see your cat sipping a tiny amount of soda, the good news is that such a small amount likely won’t cause your cat any immediate harm. Additionally, the strong, artificial smell and the carbonated nature of soda mean that many cats won’t show much interest in consuming it in the first place.
If a cat drinks too much soda, they might display similar symptoms to caffeine poisoning. Some of the most common symptoms of a cat consuming too much soda include:
- Acting hyperactive
- Diarrhea
- Vomiting
- Having an increased heart rate
- Seeming very weak
If you discover that your cat has consumed soda, monitor them very closely for any of the above symptoms and contact your veterinarian for advice.
In more severe cases, they might experience a seizure or collapse. In those cases, contact an emergency veterinarian immediately.
Has your cat ever accidentally had a sip of soda? How do you keep your drinks out of your cat’s reach? Let us know in the comments below!
