Can cats drink coffee?
No. Coffee contains caffeine, and cats are more sensitive to caffeine than people. Unused coffee grounds and beans can cause serious poisoning. Keep coffee out of reach and call your vet if your cat eats or drinks any.
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Why
Coffee is one of the main sources of caffeine at home. Cats are more sensitive to caffeine than people. Like chocolate, coffee and other caffeine-containing foods have high levels of stimulants called methylxanthines; caffeine speeds up the heart, makes cats restless and upsets the stomach.
Signs to watch for
- Restlessness, jitteriness, not wanting to lie still
- Hyperactivity
- Upset stomach
- Fast heartbeat or heart rhythm changes
What to do
Contact your vet or a pet poison helpline right away. Note what your cat swallowed (drink, grounds, beans, tea bag or tablets), how much and when. Don't wait for signs to appear, and don't try to make your cat sick at home.
24-hour help by country →Questions and answers
Are coffee grounds and beans worse than a cup of coffee?
Yes, they can be. Pet Poison Helpline warns that unused coffee grounds or beans could cause serious toxicity in cats. Keep coffee grounds and beans where your cat can't reach them.
Related foods
All foods: What can cats eat?Sources
- Caffeine Toxicity in Pets — VCA Animal Hospitals (R. Schmid, A. Brutlag, L. Buzhardt)
- Caffeine — Pet Poison Helpline
- Cats and human foods — Cats Protection
- Common cat poisons and toxins — Blue Cross
General information from the sources below, not reviewed by a vet and not a substitute for veterinary advice. When in doubt, call your vet.
How kids practise this in PetPrep
In PetPrep a child looks after a realistic cat: meals at the right times, water, walks and care. Knowing what is safe to share is part of being ready for a real pet.