Can cats drink alcohol?
Also called: beer, wine, spirits, liquor, ethanol, hand sanitiser, hand sanitizer
Toxic
Is absorbed quickly and can cause collapse, breathing problems and death.
No. Alcohol is absorbed quickly and can cause vomiting, wobbliness, breathing problems, coma and death. Hand sanitiser and raw bread dough contain alcohol too.
Signs to watch for
- Vomiting, diarrhoea, poor coordination, depression, difficulty breathing, tremors, coma and death.
How cats get exposed
- Hidden sourcesAlcohol-based hand sanitiser and unbaked yeast dough can also cause alcohol poisoning.
Where this comes from
ASPCA Animal Poison Control
can cause vomiting, diarrhea, incoordination, depression, difficulty breathing, tremors, changes in blood pH, coma and even death.
Alcohol is rapidly absorbed after ingestion, so it’s important to take prompt action in seeking veterinary attention if your pet has had exposure.
Read "People Foods to Avoid Feeding Your Pets"
Checked 9 October 2026
Where this comes from
ASPCA Animal Poison Control
can cause vomiting, diarrhea, incoordination, depression, difficulty breathing, tremors, changes in blood pH, coma and even death.
Alcohol is rapidly absorbed after ingestion, so it’s important to take prompt action in seeking veterinary attention if your pet has had exposure.
Read "People Foods to Avoid Feeding Your Pets"
Checked 9 October 2026
Pet Poison Helpline
Alcohol or ethanol toxicity can occur when an animal ingests alcoholic beverages, alcohol-based hand sanitizer, yeast bread dough, etc.
Checked 9 October 2026
Where this comes from
ASPCA Animal Poison Control
Alcohol is rapidly absorbed after ingestion, so it’s important to take prompt action in seeking veterinary attention if your pet has had exposure.
Read "People Foods to Avoid Feeding Your Pets"
Checked 9 October 2026
Where this comes from
ASPCA Animal Poison Control
can cause vomiting, diarrhea, incoordination, depression, difficulty breathing, tremors, changes in blood pH, coma and even death.
Read "People Foods to Avoid Feeding Your Pets"
Checked 9 October 2026
Where this comes from
Pet Poison Helpline
Alcohol or ethanol toxicity can occur when an animal ingests alcoholic beverages, alcohol-based hand sanitizer, yeast bread dough, etc.
Checked 9 October 2026