Why it is dangerous for cats
The caffeine in coffee stimulates the nervous system and the heart. In a cat it can cause restlessness, a racing heart, vomiting and tremors, and in severe cases seizures or collapse.
How much caffeine causes harm depends on the cat, and it cannot be judged at home. A cat is small, so even a small amount can harm it. Coffee beans, ground coffee, capsules and grounds hold more caffeine than brewed coffee, and tea and energy drinks contain it too.
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
- Restlessness, a racing heart and fast breathing.
- Vomiting and diarrhoea.
- Tremors, and in severe cases seizures and collapse.
- Coffee beans, ground coffee and capsules hold a lot of caffeine, so even a small amount is dangerous.
- Tea and energy drinks contain caffeine 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