Can cats drink coffee? While preparing yourself a hot cup of coffee as part of your morning routine, you might have wondered if your cat can also drink coffee. If humans can drink coffee, can cats safely drink it too?
The short answer is no, cats can’t safely drink coffee. In fact, if a cat drinks coffee or ingests coffee beans or grounds, it can lead to very serious health problems.
Here’s what you need to know about coffee and cats.
Why Is Coffee Bad For Cats?
First of all, there is no worthwhile nutritional benefit of a cat drinking coffee or eating coffee grounds or beans. This also applies to other foods and drinks that might also contain coffee among their ingredients.
Coffee contains caffeine, which is a stimulant. This means that if a cat consumes coffee, it might cause their heart rate to increase. Along with acting hyperactive and restless, coffee can also result in a cat feeling the need to constantly meow and vocalize.
Some of the other potential effects of a cat drinking or eating coffee include:
- Vomiting
- Having to urinate more frequently
- Fever
- Higher blood pressure and cardiac arrhythmias
- Diarrhea
In the most severe cases of coffee adversely affecting a cat, they may slip into a coma or even pass away.
What Should I Do If My Cat Drinks Coffee?
If you notice that your cat has consumed coffee, it’s important to note how much coffee your cat has ingested. If your cat took only a tiny sip of coffee, whether on its own or with milk added to it, there’s a good chance that they’ll be okay.
In these cases, make sure to monitor your cat and look out for them experiencing any adverse symptoms. If you see signs of a bad reaction, contact your vet.
It’s estimated that ingesting nine milligrams of caffeine per pound of the cat’s weight is the level at which coffee can bring on negative symptoms. At around 75 milligrams, seizures might happen.
If you see your cat consuming more than a very tiny amount of coffee, it’s important to seek the advice of your veterinarian straight away. Depending on the symptoms and the amount of coffee consumed, they may induce vomiting, prescribe activated charcoal to help absorb the toxins, or use an intravenous drip.
Has your cat ever accidentally drank some of your coffee? Did your vet give you any helpful advise? Let us know in the comments below!
