Affiliate disclosure: Dog Product Picker is reader-supported. When you buy through links on our site we may earn an affiliate commission, at no extra cost to you. We only recommend products we believe in.
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!
Additional Recommended Reading:
About the author
How Much Does a Main Coon Cat Cost?
How much does a Main Coon cat cost? Maine Coon cats are one of the largest breeds of domestic cats. They're also one of the most beloved cat breeds in the world. Aside from their stunning looks and friendly personalities, these cats are also known for their large size and quirky behaviors. Due to their popularity, however, many people are curious about a Maine Coon cat's cost and how to ensure they find appropriate Maine Coon breeders. If you're considering adding a Maine Coon cat to your family or going to find a breeding program, it's important to understand the factors that contribute to their high price. In this blog post, we'll cover everything you need to know about the cost of owning a Maine Coone. Cost The cost of a Maine Coon cat is between $300 - $2500 and […]
How Many Puppies Can a Pocket Bully Have?
Just how many puppies can a Pocket Bully have? Are you the proud owner of an American Pocket Bully? If so, you may be wondering how many puppies they can have. It's a common question for pet owners and dog lovers alike. While the answer can vary depending on several factors, there are a few things you should know about Pocket Bullies, their breeding, and their health. Today, we'll go over what you need to know about Pocket Bullies and their litter sizes. What is a Pocket Bully? First things first, what is a Pocket Bully? This breed is not recognized by the American Kennel Club (AKC), although there is an American Bully Kennel Club based in Virginia, and the United Kennel Club has officially recognized the breed. The AKC registers these as rather a type of Standard American Bully […]
Do Puppies Need Their Glands Expressed?
Do puppies need their glands expressed? Being good pet parents is no easy feat, especially when it comes to taking care of your furry friends. Dogs are prone to several health issues, some of which can be quite uncomfortable for them. One of these issues involves the anal glands located in your dog's anus. If you're a new dog owner, you may be wondering whether puppies need their glands expressed. The answer is not straightforward, and it depends on various factors. In this blog post, we'll dive deep into the topic of a dog's anal gland expression, the need for it, and what you should do if your puppy experiences anal gland infections. What is An Anal Gland? For starters, let's briefly explain what anal gland expression is. Dogs have anal sacs, also known as anal glands, located on either […]
Can You Catch a Cold from Your Cat?
Can you catch a cold from your cat? Is that even possible? Have you ever heard the phrase, “You can catch a cold from a cat”? If so, you may be wondering if it is true or just an old wives’ tale. As a cat owner, it is important to understand the facts about catching a cold from your pet in order to protect yourself and your feline friend's immune system. Read on to learn more about cat colds and how cats can transmit colds and other illnesses. What Is a Cold? Human colds are infectious diseases caused by viruses that can easily spread between humans. Cold symptoms include congestion, runny nose, coughing, sneezing, sore throat, headache, and fatigue. Because some of these symptoms overlap with those of allergies or the flu, it can be difficult to distinguish between them […]
Fattening Up Your Cat: A Guide
If your cat is a little too skinny, it may not be getting the nutrition they need to stay healthy. If this is the case, you'll want to consider putting a few extra pounds on them. But how do you go about doing that? How can you ensure that your underweight cat is getting the nourishment it needs while also making sure they don't become overweight? This guide will provide some tips on fattening up your cat. Older cats might struggle with this, along with your younger feline friend(s). Feeding Your Cat High-Calorie Food The first step in fattening up your cat is to increase its calorie intake by feeding them high-calorie foods, which will encourage weight gain. There are plenty of commercial cat foods available that contain higher levels of protein, fat, and carbohydrates than their regular diets. These foods […]
How to Make a Cat Throw Up Safely
If you’ve ever had a cat, you know that it can be very curious and get into all sorts of mischief. Unfortunately, this can sometimes mean that cats swallow foreign objects they shouldn’t, such as string or small toys. In these cases, it may be necessary for cat owners to make their cat throw up in order to safely remove the foreign object from their system. Thankfully, there are ways to do this safely and effectively. Let’s take a look at how to make a cat throw up without causing an upset stomach. Determine if Your Cat Needs to Throw Up The first step is determining whether or not your cat needs to vomit. If they have ingested something toxic or dangerous, it's best to take them to the vet immediately and let the professionals handle it from there. If […]
Related
The Best Houseplants for Cats
Adding new plants to your home isn’t always as easy as it sounds when you live with a furry friend like a cat. Luckily, there are a few common houseplants that are safe for cats, so you can place them indoors around your home without worrying about whether they’re chewed on from time to time. In this article, we share the best houseplants for cats so you can rest easy knowing that your home is full of greenery that is safe for cats. Why Look for Non-Toxic Plants? Unfortunately, a lot of plants are toxic to cats but at the same time, many cats also like eating plants which is why it’s important to look for a safe houseplant to add into your home. However, just because a plant is deemed “non-toxic” doesn’t mean it won’t cause an upset stomach […]
Can Cats Eat Raspberries?
Apart from being one of the most nutritious fruits available on the market, raspberries have many health benefits for our bodies. Still, their bright red color may be too irresistible for your feline friend, and they may end up begging you to feed them these human foods. If you’re tempted to throw them some, you might be wondering, “Can cats eat raspberries?” Here, we’ll provide you with answers and explore all you need to know about feeding this to your cats. Can Cats Eat Raspberries? Cats can be pretty persistent when begging to be given human food; in many cases, your little friend will meow for raspberries out of hunger. Sometimes, it could be just out of their feline curiosity but either way, you’ll find yourself wondering whether or not raspberries are safe for cats. The short answer is yes […]
Best Dry Food for Cats with Sensitive Stomachs
New cat owners may not always be aware that cats have sensitive stomachs and that a cat’s food is the key when it comes to keeping them happy and healthy. A cat’s diet will need to specifically address their needs; while there are various kinds of cat food that you can look into, there are only a few kinds that are suitable for a sensitive cat. Here, we discuss the best dry food for cats with sensitive stomachs and why cats suffer from digestive issues. What are Digestive Sensitivities in Cats? Much like humans, our cats can have an allergic reaction to certain foods or ingredients and when this happens, we will need to choose the right food for them to ensure they don’t develop worse medical conditions. Unfortunately, many people will often confuse food intolerance with cat food allergies […]
How to Introduce a Puppy to an Aggressive Cat?
Everyone loves to see pictures of cats and dogs coexisting in peace — it’s like watching a Disney movie become reality and there’s nothing cuter than such a scene. But can we really expect a new dog to instantly become best friends with an adult cat during their first meeting? Unfortunately, this won’t always be the case, especially with a senior cat that may want nothing to do with a puppy — here’s how you can introduce a puppy to an aggressive cat. How to Introduce a New Pet to Cats As pet owners, we need to understand that cats and dogs can sometimes be the total opposites of each other. While a confident cat may not see new animals as a threat and instantly become friends with them, older pets may not be as welcoming to new family members. […]
The 8 Best Cat Food for Kidney Disease
While kidney problems may seem like a debilitating condition for cats, they can often be managed through prescription diets. Using a therapeutic kidney diet is the most important thing you can do to limit the progression of kidney disease. But because there are so many options available in the market, looking for the best diet for your cat can be overwhelming. Be sure to work with your vet to get the right food for your feline friend, and read below to find out more about the 8 best cat food for kidney disease. What is Feline Kidney Disease? Before we jump straight to the best cat food that can help support your cat’s kidney function, let’s first discuss what this disease means for cats. Just like in humans, healthy kidneys play a vital role in cats, and are responsible for […]
What is the Biggest Maine Coon Cat?
While we find the average house cat entertaining even when it completely ignores us, there’s something about the beloved Maine Coon cat that captures our hearts. These stunning cats come with a distinctive appearance and impressive size that has cemented their reputation as the largest domestic cat breeds today. While they can certainly grow to a massive size, this article discusses the biggest Maine Coon cats to ever exist and where you can find them. What are Maine Coon Cats? Maine Coons are among the largest cats in the world, along with Norwegian Forest Cats. These felines come with long hair, large size, shaggy coat, and bushy tail which gives them a formidable appearance. Even so, they’re known to be gentle giants, which contributes to their overall appeal; they also have long, muscular-looking bodies with proportionately long legs, creating a […]
