Can Cats Drink Coffee?

crazy by Editorial Staff | Posted on November 18th, 2022

Caffeine is a stimulant and can cause restlessness, rapid breathing, heart palpitations, and even death in cats. If you are worried your cat has ingested coffee, contact your veterinarian immediately.


So, can your cat drink coffee?

No, cats cannot drink coffee. Coffee is extremely harmful to cats to consume. Even though a few drops won’t hurt them, you should make sure your cat does not have access to any coffee whatsoever.

Cat and coffee

Is coffee poisonous to cats?

Caffeine is present in coffee beans, grounds, and brewed coffee, and it is an extremely hazardous and poisonous toxin for cats and dogs.

Even small amounts of caffeine can be very dangerous for cats to drink. While a couple of drops might not do them too much harm, you should never give coffee to your cat as it can be very harmful, even potentially deadly.

How much coffee is toxic to cats?

For cats, the amount of coffee with caffeine toxicity ranges from 80-150 mg/kg (36 – 68 mg/lb), according to Vetmeds. Here is the chart they provided regarding the amount of coffee and toxicity based on your cat’s weight.

Cats: Caffeine Toxic Consumption
Most CatsLarge Cats
1 – 10 lbs.
(0.45 – 4.6 kg)
11 – 25 lbs.
(5 – 11.4 kg)
cat1fat cat
Vivarin Tablets> 0.15 tablets> 1.5 tablets
Tea> 1.5 oz> 22 oz
Coffee Beans> 0.05 oz> 0.5 oz
Regular Coffee> 1.5 oz> 38.5 oz
Decaffeinated Coffee> 45 oz> 500 oz
Cola Beverages> 4.5 oz> 53 oz

What does caffeine do to cats?

Caffeine is a stimulant that can have harmful effects on cats. Caffeine can cause increased heart rate, restlessness, and tremors. In large amounts, caffeine can be toxic to cats and even fatal. If you believe your cat has consumed caffeine, you should seek medical attention immediately.

Do cats even like coffee?

Yes and no; as discussed in the previous section, a cat’s likes and dislikes vary greatly from one cat to the next.

Generally, it is unusual for a cat to seek a cup of coffee to sample. Your cat is unlikely to enjoy the taste of coffee, and you shouldn’t be concerned about your cat stealing your cup of coffee. But that doesn’t mean you should let your guard down completely.

why do cats like coffee?
Source: thecafemeow.com

Do cats like the smell of coffee?

No, cats do not like the coffee smell. The smell of coffee can act as a deterrent to some cats. Cats have remarkably sensitive noses that attract them attracted to strong smells. So, they might not like the coffee smell but become attracted to sniffing it. Because caffeine is poisonous to cats, they probably evolved to loathe the smell. However, cats did not spend much of their development around coffee beans. Thus this is most likely a coincidence at best.

Cats are drawn to smelly foods high in proteins and fats, such as oily fish and poultry. A cat’s keen sense of smell is used to locate food, so the more fragrant, the better.

What happens if cats drink coffee?

Assume you suspect your cat has consumed caffeine through coffee, coffee grounds, or food containing coffee as an ingredient. In that case, you should contact your veterinarian to see how quickly they can be seen.

It is critical to keep your cat from getting any more caffeine to help reduce the severity of the symptoms. This includes cleaning up spilled coffee and ensuring that your pets do not consume caffeinated beverages or food. If your cat drank a lot of coffee or showed signs of severe caffeine poisoning, he should be taken to an emergency veterinarian.

What are the signs of caffeine toxicity in cats?

Mazzaferro says that cats may exhibit clinical signs of caffeine toxicity within 30 to 60 minutes of consumption. Symptoms to watch for include vomiting, diarrhea, panting, excessive thirst and urination, abnormal heart rhythm, tremors, and seizures. Depending on the amount ingested, toxicity signs may also include hyperactivity, restlessness, elevated heart rate, high blood pressure, and abnormal heart rhythms.

what to do if my cat drank coffee?

What to do if my cat drank coffee?

Cats cannot drink coffee. Coffee is harmful to cats and can cause severe health issues. If your cat accidentally ingests coffee, it is important to seek medical attention immediately. Depending on how recently the coffee was consumed, a veterinarian may be able to treat the toxicity and prevent serious health problems.

The Bottom Line

Coffee is bad for cats and can even be life-threatening. Caffeine poisoning can be severe, so it’s best to avoid giving coffee to your cat altogether.

Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links, which means I may receive a small commission, at no extra cost to you, if you make a purchase using these links. Remember to support us by purchasing through the Amazon/Walmart/Impact Radius links provided. Last update on 2024-03-19 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

Disclosure: No compensation or free products were received in exchange for writing this review.

crazy

Editorial Staff

The editorial staff at Crazy Coffee Crave is a team of coffee enthusiasts & Baristas who enjoy the one thing we all think about as soon as we get up in the morning. Trusted by thousands of readers worldwide.