Why it is dangerous for cats
Alcohol depresses a cat's brain and nervous system. It can cause an unsteady walk, vomiting, drowsiness and slowed breathing, and lower blood sugar and body temperature; in severe cases the cat can collapse.
A cat is small, so a far smaller amount harms it than would harm a person, and exactly how much cannot be judged at home. Alcohol is not only in drinks but also in desserts with liqueur, hand sanitiser and raw yeast dough, which produces alcohol in the stomach.
Signs may not appear straight away. Contact a vet or an emergency clinic now and tell them what your cat drank or ate and when; take the packaging if you can.
What to watch out for
- An unsteady walk, drowsiness and weakness.
- Vomiting.
- Slowed breathing, a drop in body temperature and in blood sugar.
- Desserts with liqueur, hand sanitiser and raw yeast dough contain alcohol too.
What it can cause
Signs that can appear after eating it. Each page explains what to look out for and when to hurry to a vet.
What to give instead
Foods that are safer to give.
- Chicken Yes, plain cooked chicken without bones, skin or seasoning is one of the best treats you can give a cat. Safe
- Eggs Yes, a well-cooked egg, boiled or cooked without fat, is fine for a cat, but it is better not to give a raw egg. Safe
- Cucumbers Yes, a small piece of fresh cucumber is harmless to cats, but pickled cucumbers are not suitable for them. Safe