Home › Foods for cats › Coffee
Can Cats Eat Coffee?
Do not give coffee to cats.
Is coffee safe for cats?
Coffee contains caffeine, a stimulant that affects the heart and nervous system more strongly in pets than in people. Coffee, coffee grounds and beans are toxic to cats. A lick is unlikely to cause serious harm, but grounds, beans and supplements are far more concentrated and can be dangerous.
What to do instead
- Keep coffee grounds, beans and pods sealed and out of reach
- Wipe up spills promptly, especially around small cats
- If your cat ate coffee grounds or beans, call your vet or a poison hotline right away
- Choose a treat made for cats instead
What to avoid
- Coffee grounds and whole or ground beans, which are far more concentrated than brewed coffee
- Tea, energy drinks and caffeine pills, which contain the same stimulant
- Chocolate-covered coffee beans, which combine two hazards
How much coffee can my cat have?
There is no amount of coffee that we can recommend for cats. Skip it entirely.
Signs your cat may be having a problem
Watch for vomiting, diarrhea, drooling, pawing at the mouth, loss of appetite, tiredness, a swollen or painful belly, or trouble breathing. Contact your vet right away if you see these signs, or if your cat has eaten any of the parts listed above.
Important: Signs can include restlessness, a racing heart, high blood pressure, tremors and, in serious cases, seizures. Coffee grounds and beans are more concentrated than brewed coffee, so treat any amount eaten seriously.
Frequently asked questions
Can kittens eat coffee?
No. Coffee should not be given to cats of any age.
What should I do if my cat ate coffee?
Call your vet or an animal poison hotline right away, even if your cat seems fine. Tell them what was eaten, roughly how much, when, and your cat's weight. Do not try to make your cat vomit unless a vet tells you to.
Is there a safe amount of coffee for my cat?
There is no amount of coffee that we can recommend, and some cats react to very small amounts. It is best not to give any.
More questions cat owners ask
Wondering about the other pet in your home? Can Dogs Eat Coffee?