Can Cats Eat Alcohol?

Q: Can cats eat alcohol?

Unsafe. Ethanol can cause serious harm, including death. Merck lists alcohol toxicosis as a risk to every species. No cat dose is published. Serving guidance: None. Frequency: Never.

Unsafe

Ethanol can cause serious harm, including death. Merck lists alcohol toxicosis as a risk to every species. No cat dose is published.

Portion:None

Frequency:Never

Watch for: Vomiting, loss of coordination, respiratory distress, coma, death.

Ethanol poisoning.

Warning: Lethal hazard. Keep all drinks, mouthwashes, and hand sanitizers out of reach.

Contact a local veterinarian right away

The Full Picture

Why Unsafe?

Merck lists alcohol toxicosis as a risk to every species, with effects on the nervous system that can progress to coma, seizures or death. No cat-specific dose is published.

No cat-specific toxic amount was found in the sources checked, so no safe amount can be given. Any known ingestion, including foods containing alcohol or raw yeast dough, is a reason to contact a veterinarian straight away.

FAQ

Common Questions

How much alcohol is dangerous for a cat?

No cat-specific amount is published in the sources we checked, so no amount can be called safe. Merck lists alcohol toxicosis as a risk to every species. Contact a veterinarian if your cat has had any.

What should I do if my cat drank alcohol?

Contact a licensed veterinarian or an animal poison helpline straight away. This includes foods that contain alcohol and raw yeast dough, which ASPCA warns can also cause alcohol toxicity.

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References

General public resources referenced while researching this tool's topic.

ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center — general public database of toxic and non-toxic foods for pets
ASPCA: People foods to avoid feeding your pets — chocolate, caffeine, alcohol, yeast dough, onion and garlic, xylitol, salt, dairy, raw meat and eggs, bones
Merck Veterinary Manual: Allium (garlic and onion) toxicosis — cat onion figures, less than a teaspoon cooked or 5 g/kg raw
Merck Veterinary Manual: Chocolate toxicosis — methylxanthines; dose figures are given for dogs only
Merck Veterinary Manual: Food hazards — grapes and raisins (1 cat reported), macadamia nuts (dogs only)
Merck Veterinary Manual: Nutritional disorders of the spinal column — vitamin A toxicity in cats fed large amounts of liver; raw fish and thiamine deficiency
VCA Animal Hospitals: Cat treats — treats limited to 10% of daily calories
VCA Animal Hospitals: Using food and treats for training cats — people foods offered without seasonings; foods to avoid
VCA Animal Hospitals: Human foods that kittens should avoid — lactose intolerance, fat trimmings, tuna and mercury
ASPCA toxic and non-toxic plants: catnip, peach, apple, cherry, plum — catnip listed toxic to cats (vomiting, diarrhea); cyanogenic glycosides in stems, leaves and seeds

General educational guidance based on the references above, not veterinary advice. See our editorial policy for how we choose sources.

Important Safety Notice

Last updated: August 2026

This tool is intended for educational purposes only and should not be used as a substitute for emergency veterinary advice, diagnosis, or treatment.

If your pet may have consumed toxic foods, chocolate, medications, chemicals, or other dangerous substances, seek immediate help from a licensed veterinarian or emergency animal service in your area. Do not delay professional care based on calculator or search results alone.

Pet poison hotlines (24/7, US and Canada): ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center: (888) 426-4435 · Pet Poison Helpline: (855) 764-7661
Pet Poison Helpline states its service covers the U.S., Canada and the Caribbean. The ASPCA line is also used by Canadian pet owners. A consultation fee may apply to both. In Canada, your nearest 24-hour emergency vet clinic is the best first call; elsewhere, use local emergency veterinary directories.

How we calculate results: This tool uses commonly referenced veterinary toxicity thresholds and food safety guidelines. Actual toxicity can vary based on your pet's size, health status, and exact substance consumed. These results are estimates only and do not replace a veterinary assessment.

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