Cats are curious creatures who explore the world with their senses, often sticking their nose in places they shouldn’t. If you’ve ever noticed your cat trying to stick its head in your glass of coke, you may wonder: can cats drink coke, or is it bad for them?
If you’re short on time, here’s a quick answer to your question: No, cats should not drink coke or any caffeinated beverages. Caffeine is toxic to cats and can cause serious health issues if ingested.
In this approximately 3000 word article, we’ll take an in-depth look at the effects of caffeine on cats. We’ll cover topics like:
Caffeine Toxicity in Cats
How Caffeine Affects Cats
Caffeine is a stimulant that affects the central nervous system. Unlike humans who can metabolize caffeine efficiently, cats lack the specific liver enzymes needed to break down and eliminate caffeine from their system.
As a result, high levels of caffeine can rapidly build up in a cat’s bloodstream and tissues, making them highly susceptible to caffeine poisoning.
The toxic dose of caffeine for cats is much lower than it is for humans. Just 2-3 teaspoons of coffee grounds can be toxic for an average-sized cat, whereas a human would need to consume around 80-100 cups of coffee to reach toxic levels!
Small amounts that we may not think twice about can be incredibly dangerous for cats.
Signs of Caffeine Poisoning in Cats
Caffeine poisoning causes hyperactivity of the central nervous system. Common signs of toxicity include:
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Restlessness
- Rapid breathing
- Muscle tremors
- Heart palpitations
- Hypertension
- Seizures
- Coma
These symptoms are not always immediate and can take up to 12 hours to develop as the caffeine accumulates and starts to have effects. If you suspect your cat has ingested caffeine, monitor them closely over the next half day for any concerning signs.
How Much Caffeine is Toxic to Cats
Experts estimate that ingesting as little as 30-100mg of caffeine per kg body weight can be toxic for cats. As a rough guide, this means:
| Cat Weight | Potentially Toxic Dose of Caffeine |
|---|---|
| 5 lbs | 100 mg |
| 10 lbs | 200 mg |
| 15 lbs | 300 mg |
For reference, an 8 oz cup of brewed coffee contains 95-200mg caffeine. As you can see, it really does not take much at all to poison cats.
The lethal oral dose is approximately 150 mg per kg body weight. So for a 10 lb cat, ingesting around 340 mg caffeine could be deadly.
If you have any suspicions your cat may have ingested caffeine, call your vet or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center right away as delayed treatment increases the risk and severity of poisoning.
Dangers of Cats Drinking Coke
Caffeine Content in Coke
Coca-Cola contains around 34 mg of caffeine per 12 oz serving. This amount can be dangerous to cats, who are much smaller than humans and weigh only 8-10 lbs on average. Caffeine is toxic to cats because their livers cannot effectively metabolize it like humans can.
Just 2-3 laps of a caffeinated soda can result in caffeine toxicity.
Signs of caffeine toxicity in cats include restlessness, rapid breathing, heart palpitations, muscle tremors, fits and collapsing. It’s a scary sight for any cat owner! Even small amounts of caffeine can make cats very ill. The lethal oral dose of caffeine for cats is 150 mg per kg of body weight.
So a 3 kg (6 lb) cat could die from ingesting just 450 mg.
Health Risks of Cats Drinking Coke
Aside from caffeine, Coke contains phosphoric acid and high amounts of sugar, both of which are dangerous for cats:
- Phosphoric acid – Can cause gastrointestinal issues like nausea, vomiting and diarrhea.
- Sugar – Cats’ bodies are not designed to process sugary foods and drinks. Excessive sugar intake can lead to obesity, dental issues and even diabetes in cats.
Other potential health risks of cats drinking Coke include:
- Dehydration – The caffeine in Coke acts as a diuretic, meaning it makes cats urinate more frequently. This can lead to dehydration.
- Nutritional imbalance – The sugar and lack of nutrients in Coke can cause an imbalance of vitamins, minerals and electrolytes.
- Dental decay – The high sugar content can erode tooth enamel and cause decay.
Some preservatives like sodium benzoate in Coke may also be toxic to cats in large doses.
Other Ingredients in Coke that are Harmful to Cats
Aside from caffeine, phosphoric acid and sugar, other Coke ingredients that can negatively impact cats include:
| Ingredient | Potential Harm |
| Carbonated water | Can cause digestive upset |
| Caramel color | Contains carcinogens like 4-MEI |
| Natural flavors | Unknown effect, may contain allergens |
The carbonation and gassiness of soda like Coke can lead to bloating and flatulence in cats. The caramel coloring contains a potentially carcinogenic compound called 4-MEI that may pose health risks over time.
Natural flavors are a mystery ingredient and the source is rarely disclosed. Cats may have unexpected reactions or allergies to whatever compounds make up “natural flavors.”
Safer Treats and Drinks for Cats
Water
Water is the healthiest drink for cats. It helps keep them hydrated and supports kidney function. Cats that primarily drink water are less likely to develop urinary tract diseases. Make sure your cat has access to clean, fresh water at all times. Change the water daily and wash the water bowl weekly.
Some cats prefer running water, so consider getting a cat water fountain. The flowing water encourages more drinking. Also, add more water bowls around your home so your cat has easy access.
Cat Milk and Broths
While milk isn’t toxic to cats, many are lactose intolerant. This means regular milk may give them an upset stomach or diarrhea. Instead, choose lactose-free cat milk or broths. Cat milk is made from real milk but contains enzymes to improve digestibility.
Look for brands made for kittens or adult cats. Broths like chicken or fish can also make an appetizing, low-calorie treat. Just avoid onions, garlic or other seasonings that may be toxic to cats.
Cat Treats and Snacks
Treats and snacks specifically made for cats are safer options. Choose options that are all-natural with recognizable ingredients. Some healthy cat treats include freeze-dried meat, cheese, fish and real meat pieces in gravy. Just be sure to follow package instructions for treat amounts.
Excess treats can lead to obesity. Other cat-safe snacks include boiled chicken, tuna, plain yogurt, chopped fruits and veggies. But introduce new foods slowly in case they upset your cat’s stomach. Also avoid grapes, raisins, onions, garlic, chocolate and anything with caffeine, as these can be toxic for cats.
When giving your cat people food or snacks, use caution. While tiny amounts are generally safe, human food lacks vital nutrients cats need. Feeding table scraps can also encourage begging. Instead, stick to high-quality cat food and occasional cat treats.
And always avoid anything containing caffeine, like coffee or soda. While a few licks of coffee may not contain enough to cause toxicity, the stimulant effects can upset your cat’s stomach and heart rate.
Keeping Cats Away from Caffeine
Store Drinks Safely Out of Reach
Cats are naturally curious and will explore anywhere they can access. To keep your cat from accidentally ingesting caffeine, store any drinks containing it in a cabinet or fridge that your cat can’t get into. Never leave coffee, soda, energy drinks, or tea unattended on a counter or table.
It only takes a second for your cat to jump up and start lapping it up. Stay vigilant!
Train Your Cat Not to Jump on Counters
Preventing counter surfing is one of the best ways to keep your cat safe from caffeine. Start training kitty as a kitten not to jump up on kitchen counters or tables. Provide alternative high perches like cat trees and towers for them to climb and survey their domain.
If they try jumping up, immediately say “no” firmly and place them back on the floor. Reward them with treats when they stop trying. Stay consistent, and they’ll learn counters are off limits.
Keep a Close Eye on Your Cat’s Exploring
Even the best-trained cats can sometimes get curious and leap up somewhere they shouldn’t. Always supervise your cat when they’re exploring around food prep areas. If you spot them licking your coffee mug or trying to grab a packaged energy drink, distract them with a toy and move the item out of reach.
The more you can monitor their antics, the less likely they’ll manage to sneak any caffeine.
Vigilance is key to keeping your cat from ingesting any amount of caffeine. A few sips can be deadly, so be sure to store drinks securely, provide plenty of climbing areas, and try to train them not to counter surf.
With some effort, you can help ensure your cat lives a long, healthy, caffeine-free life.
What to Do if Your Cat Ingests Caffeine
Look for Symptoms of Caffeine Poisoning
If you suspect your feline companion has consumed caffeine, watch closely for signs of caffeine toxicity. According to the ASPCA, symptoms generally occur within 12 hours of ingestion and can include restlessness, rapid breathing, heart palpitations, muscle twitching, fits and vomiting.
In severe cases, caffeine poisoning can cause seizures and even be fatal.
The amount of caffeine that can cause poisoning depends on the size of the cat. Typically, ingestion of more than 150 milligrams per kilogram of weight is considered toxic. So a 4 kilogram (9 pound) cat could display symptoms after eating just 600 mg of caffeine – equal to about 7 cups of coffee (😳).
Small cats are at greater risk.
Call Your Vet Right Away
If you notice any symptoms of caffeine poisoning in your cat, contact your veterinarian or the ASPCA Poison Control Center (https://www.aspca.org/pet-care/animal-poison-control) right away. The sooner treatment begins, the better the chances for recovery.
Be prepared to describe how much your cat ingested, when it happened and the symptoms you are observing.
To prevent dehydration, the vet may advise you to make your cat vomit by giving 1 teaspoon of 3% hydrogen peroxide per 5 lbs of body weight. However, do not attempt to induce vomiting unless specifically instructed by your vet, as this can sometimes make things worse.
Treatment Options
Treatment for caffeine poisoning usually involves supportive care to address symptoms and prevent complications. For instance, medications like diazepam may be prescribed to control seizures and tremors. Agitated cats can also be given mild sedatives.
Meanwhile, IV fluids help restore fluid balance and maintain kidney function.
In most cases, cat parents start seeing improvement within 24 hours of treatment as the caffeine works its way out of the feline’s system. However, it can sometimes take 48-72 hours for a full recovery, so don’t hesitate to call your vet if symptoms persist.
The prognosis is generally good if treated promptly, but sadly 5-10% of cats with caffeine toxicity may still suffer serious neurological effects or even death 😢. So keep your java out of kitty’s reach and call for help immediately if you believe they’ve gotten into caffeine.
Conclusion
While our caffeinated drinks may perk us up, they can be extremely dangerous and even lethal to cats. Cats’ livers cannot metabolize caffeine efficiently, causing it to build to toxic levels in their systems. If you suspect your cat has ingested caffeine, call your vet immediately.
Better yet, be diligent about keeping all caffeinated food and drinks out of your cat’s reach. When in doubt, stick to cat-safe treats and plain, fresh water to keep your feline healthy and happy.
