Can cats drink tea?
No. Many teas contain caffeine, and cats are more sensitive to caffeine than people. Tea bags are especially risky. Don't share your tea, and call your vet if your cat chews a tea bag or drinks caffeinated tea.
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Why
Many teas contain caffeine. 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.
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Are tea bags dangerous?
Yes. Pet Poison Helpline warns that eating tea bags could cause serious toxicity in cats. Throw used tea bags away 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.