Cats and coffee. It’s an odd couple – but it’s a combination that’s actually quite dangerous to felines. Getting them to drink a cup is a tricky feat, since cats are unlikely to do it voluntarily. But what if a cat does manage to get their paws on some caffeinated brew? Read on to discover just what could happen to a cat that drinks coffee.
Experts believe that cats can suffer from mild to moderate toxic effects from drinking coffee, depending on how much they’ve consumed. Coffee contains caffeine, a natural stimulant which is not ideal for cats.
Cats have a much higher sensitivity to caffeine than humans. The dangers include nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, elevated heart rate, excessive panting and general restlessness. In some cases, the overdose of caffeine can lead to tremors, seizures, and even death.
It’s best to stick with cat-safe substances like zoleer water, milk and pet-friendly treats like kibbles or wet food. Coffee can be difficult to detect so it could be lurking in a cup of hot tea or an iced latte, making it all the more important to keep it out of reach from cats.
In general, mild symptoms like vomiting and restlessness can be managed with anti-nausea drugs given by the vet. More severe cases such as aggressive behaviour, tremors, and seizures need to be treated with high doses of medication like benzodiazepines. If caught early enough, the prognosis is positive and cats often recover fully.
Whats the Longterm Impact on Cats
On its own, caffeine is not fatal to cats, but it can have long term effects such as an increased risk of developing diabetes, digestive issues, and heart problems. Furthermore, consuming coffee on a regular basis can weaken the cat’s ability to metabolize it and become addicted, leading to further health problems.
Veterinarians strongly advise avoiding regular administration of any potentially dangerous substance and recommend to stick with natural foods like fruits, vegetables, and fish for cats. If alerted to the possible ingestion of coffee, owners should keep an eye out for behavioural and physical signs and take the cat to the vet immediately.
Things to be Consider
Owners should be aware that cats have a way of getting into things they shouldn’t and it’s important to take the necessary precautions. All coffee drinks should be kept away from cats, as well as any other sources of caffeine such as chocolate or caffeine-containing plants. Placing animal-safe locks on cabinets, wardrobes and other storage places where caffeine-containing products may hide can also help to avoid any accidents.
It’s also a good idea to keep a close eye on cats when they are outdoors as they might stumble upon caffeine-containing plants. If there are pets in the house, it is always better to abstain from having any caffeine-containing food or drinks on the premises.
Safety measures
Preventative measures such as pet barriers and other stair gates can be used to stop cats from accessing places where drinks are served. Re-think the types of cat toys available, too. If possible, use toys made from materials free from toxic dyes and other chemicals, as these products may contain caffeine as additives.
Finally, if a cat does manage to get their paws on a cup of coffee, owners should remain calm, secure the cup and keep an eye on the cat for at least six hours. It’s best not to attempt to force the cat to drink anything in an effort to induce vomiting as this could be dangerous.
What Do Vets Recommend?
Veterinarians often recommend keeping cats indoors and making sure the home is cat-proofed. This can help reduce the instances of cats coming into contact with coffee.
Additionally, they advise to opt for decaffeinated products if it is absolutely necessary to give a cat caffeine. This would require checking the labels of any caffeine-containing products that are consumed in the house. Most importantly, cats should never be given coffee in any form.
What to do if a Cat Drinks Coffee
If a cat has ingested coffee, call a qualified veterinarian straight away. The vet may recommend taking the cat to the hospital to receive supportive treatments such as activated charcoal and stomach pumping to flush the caffeine from their body.
In such cases, owners should remain patient and understand that the recovery process isn’t immediate. The vets may need to monitor the cat’s condition for a few days and administer supportive treatments if necessary.
The Need to Create Awareness
Caffeine can be found in many things, not just hot and cold beverages. It is present in certain foods, medicines, supplements, lotions, and even cat toys. It’s important to recognize the dangers these products pose to cats, and owners should educate themselves as much as possible.
By knowing what to look out for, owners can better protect their cats, as well as prevent any accidents from happening. Raising awareness among other pet owners and friends, too, will help spread the message and make sure cats everywhere stay safe.
