It’s common knowledge that alcohol is not safe for humans, but what about cats? If you are a cat owner, you may be wondering if there
are safe ways to give your feline friend a sip of beer or wine in small quantities. Let’s dive into the facts, so you can make an informed decision about whether or not your cat can drink alcohol.
Health Impacts of Alcohol on Cats
The short answer is no, cats should never have access to alcohol in any form. This includes things like a mixed drink or other types of alcohol pet parents may have around the house. The reason why is because cats have a low tolerance for alcohol and can suffer serious health consequences if they consume it. When cats drink alcohol, their livers cannot process it due to a lack of metabolic acidosis and blood chemistry. This means that the effects of alcohol will be more intense and last longer in cats than they do in people. Some of the potential health impacts of consuming alcohol include impaired coordination, respiratory failure, gastrointestinal upset, heart attack, brain damage, digestive upset, difficulty breathing, kidney failure, lowered body temperature, slowed reflexes, tremors, comas, and even death (most extreme cases).
Why Alcohol Is Toxic to Cats
Alcohol has more of an effect on felines than it does on humans, mainly because cats have less body mass and therefore require less alcohol to become inebriated. Cats also lack the enzyme responsible for metabolizing the ethanol in alcoholic drinks, which means they will feel the effects of alcohol far more quickly than humans do. Small doses of booze can be enough to make have an adverse effect.
This can cause serious health issues—even if they consume only a small amount of alcohol, cats can suffer from dehydration, vomiting, diarrhea, breathing difficulties, comas, or death. In addition to the physical effects of alcohol poisoning, it can also affect cats’ central nervous system by causing seizures or tremors. It’s important to remember that any amount of alcohol is dangerous for cats—even if your cat seems okay after drinking a small amount of beer or other alcoholic beverage, there may still be long-term damage that won’t be immediately apparent.
What Are the Dangers of Cats Drinking Alcohol?
The short answer is yes—cats can become intoxicated if they consume too much alcohol. However, it is extremely dangerous for cats to ingest any kind of alcoholic beverage. Cats absorb alcohol more quickly than humans do, meaning that cats are more susceptible to the adverse effects of intoxication such as weakness, vomiting, disorientation, and even coma or death in extreme cases. It is best to keep all alcoholic beverages away from your cat at all times.
What Happens When Cats Drink Alcohol?
When cats consume alcohol, it enters their bloodstream through their digestive system and begins to affect the central nervous system (CNS). The CNS regulates basic body functions such as breathing, heart rate, and coordination. When these functions become impaired by excessive amounts of alcohol in the bloodstream, cats can experience life-threatening consequences including respiratory distress or organ failure. Cats may also show signs of alcohol toxicity. In severe cases, a cat may even go into a coma or die from consuming too much alcohol (especially on an empty stomach).
Signs That Your Cat Has Ingested Alcohol
If you suspect that your cat has ingested any amount of alcohol, watch for signs such as vomiting, upset stomach, or diarrhea and take them to the vet immediately. Alcohol is very dehydrating and may cause your feline friend to be put on intravenous fluids. Other signs that your cat may have consumed too much alcohol include disorientation, rapid breathing, and drooling excessively. If these signs are present or you suspect that your cat has had access to any type of alcoholic beverage, it is important to seek medical attention right away in order to avoid any potential health issues. Contact your local veterinarian or pet poison helpline.
Preventing Alcohol Consumption by Cats
It goes without saying that the best way to prevent your cat from consuming too much alcohol is to keep all alcoholic beverages safely stored away where they cannot reach them. Additionally, always supervise your pet when they are around other people who may be drinking alcoholic beverages so you can ensure they don’t get access to them (even accidentally). Finally, if you think there’s a chance that your cat has already consumed too much alcohol—even if it was just a sip—it’s better to be safe than sorry and contact a veterinarian right away for assistance. Cat owners may find it to be a good idea to lock their cat in a room when company is over to prevent a cat from ingesting human foods or any type of alcohol or hard liquors that may be out.
What About Non-Alcoholic Drinks?
Non-alcoholic drinks like kombucha and hard ciders contain trace amounts of alcohol which could still have an adverse effect on your cat’s health so these should be avoided as well. If you want to give your cat something special, stick with healthy treats like plain cooked chicken or tuna (in moderation). Treats made specifically for cats will also provide them with essential vitamins and minerals that they need for a healthy diet.
Safety Tips for Your Cat
If you notice that your cat has consumed any kind of alcoholic beverage (or food containing alcohol), call your veterinarian right away—they will provide instructions on how to best proceed with treatment based on the quantity consumed and your cat’s current condition. To avoid any potential mishaps with alcohol in the future, make sure all alcoholic beverages are stored in safe places where your cat cannot get access to them (and remind your guests not to leave drinks unattended!). If you are hosting a party and you want your feline friend nearby, set up a special area for them where they can relax without having access to alcoholic drinks.
Simple Answer: No
In conclusion, it’s important to note that while some people believe giving their pets small amounts of alcohol can help calm them down or make them feel better—this couldn’t be further from the truth! And while it might seem funny at first to watch our four-legged friends enjoying a “taste” of human drinks every now and then—it’s important to remember that alcohol is very dangerous for our furry friends! Alcohol poses serious risks for cats because their bodies process it differently than ours do. Keep all alcoholic beverages out of reach from curious kitties and if you suspect your cat consumed some type of alcoholic substance seek professional help right away. By taking these precautions and being aware of the signs associated with excessive consumption of alcohol by cats—you can help keep your beloved pet happy and healthy!