Can cats have coffee or caffeine?
Also called: coffee, caffeine, tea, energy drink, coffee grounds, espresso, cola
Toxic
Caffeine overstimulates the heart and nervous system, like chocolate.
No. Coffee and other caffeinated products cause the same kind of poisoning as chocolate: vomiting, a racing heart, tremors and seizures. The more caffeine, the greater the risk.
Signs to watch for
- Vomiting, diarrhoea, panting, extra thirst and peeing, hyperactivity, an abnormal heart rhythm, tremors and seizures.
Where this comes from
ASPCA Animal Poison Control
methylxanthines can cause vomiting and diarrhea, panting, excessive thirst and urination, hyperactivity, abnormal heart rhythm, tremors, seizures and even death.
Read "People Foods to Avoid Feeding Your Pets"
Checked 9 October 2026
VCA Animal Hospitals
Products with caffeine cause similar signs.
Read "Household Hazards – Toxic Hazards for Cats"
Checked 9 October 2026
Where this comes from
ASPCA Animal Poison Control
methylxanthines can cause vomiting and diarrhea, panting, excessive thirst and urination, hyperactivity, abnormal heart rhythm, tremors, seizures and even death.
The darker (higher cacao percentage) the chocolate, or the higher the caffeine content, the greater the risk for toxicity.
Read "People Foods to Avoid Feeding Your Pets"
Checked 9 October 2026
VCA Animal Hospitals
Products with caffeine cause similar signs.
Read "Household Hazards – Toxic Hazards for Cats"
Checked 9 October 2026
Where this comes from
ASPCA Animal Poison Control
methylxanthines can cause vomiting and diarrhea, panting, excessive thirst and urination, hyperactivity, abnormal heart rhythm, tremors, seizures and even death.
Read "People Foods to Avoid Feeding Your Pets"
Checked 9 October 2026