What are the symptoms of Caffeine poisoning in cats?

restlessness and hyperactivity, vomiting, rapid breathing, rapid heart rate, muscle tremors, seizures

Caffeine

Q: Can cats eat Caffeine?

Dangerous: Never — caffeine poisoning can be fatal in cats. Caffeine is a methylxanthine, the same class of compounds as theobromine in chocolate. Cats are highly sensitive to caffeine due to their small size and slow metabolism of methylxanthines. Sources include coffee, espresso, tea, energy drinks, diet pills, and some medications. Even coffee grounds or tea bags can cause toxicity. Cats are less likely to drink coffee than dogs, but exposure through spilled drinks or flavored foods is possible. Source: ASPCA.

Dangerous

Verdict

Never — caffeine poisoning can be fatal in cats.

Toxic principle: caffeine

Source: ASPCA · Verified 2026-06-12

If your cat ate this

Cats hide symptoms — don't wait and see. Even small amounts of certain substances can be fatal to a cat. Act fast.

1. Call your veterinarian immediately
US — National hotline: ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (888) 426-4435 aspca.org(24/7, Consultation fee may apply.)
US — National hotline: Pet Poison Helpline (855) 764-7661 petpoisonhelpline.com(24/7, $89 per incident fee; also covers Canada.)
GB — National hotline: Animal PoisonLine 01202 509 000 animalpoisonline.co.uk(24/7, £35 per call (8am–8pm weekdays), £45 at other times.)
AU — National hotline: Animal Poisons Helpline 1300 869 738 animalpoisons.com.au(24/7)
NZ — National hotline: Animal Poisons Helpline 0800 869 738 poisons.co.nz(11am–7pm NZ time (currently being extended), Charges apply.)
CA — National hotline: Pet Poison Helpline (855) 764-7661 petpoisonhelpline.com(24/7, $89 per incident fee.)

Verified 2026-08-06

Verdict

Caffeine is a methylxanthine, the same class of compounds as theobromine in chocolate. Cats are highly sensitive to caffeine due to their small size and slow metabolism of methylxanthines. Sources include coffee, espresso, tea, energy drinks, diet pills, and some medications. Even coffee grounds or tea bags can cause toxicity. Cats are less likely to drink coffee than dogs, but exposure through spilled drinks or flavored foods is possible.

Symptoms to watch for

• restlessness and hyperactivity
• vomiting
• rapid breathing
• rapid heart rate
• muscle tremors
• seizures

What to do

Contact your vet or ASPCA Poison Control (888-426-4435) immediately. There is no specific antidote; treatment focuses on supportive care and controlling symptoms. Act fast.

ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center: (888) 426-4435 aspca.org