Can Cats Drink Alcohol?

Alcohol is not good for cats and should therefore never be given to them. This includes beer, liquor, wine, whiskey, etc. Alcohol has the same affect on a cat’s liver and brain as it does on humans. However it takes far less of it to do damage to a feline as it would to a human. In fact, just a teaspoon or two of whiskey can cause a coma in a 5 pound cat and more than this could lead to fatality. The higher the proof of the alcohol, the worse the symptoms and the more serious the case.

Absorption And Alcohol Content

The speed at which alcohol is absorbed into your cat’s system depends on several different factors. These factors include age and weight and both determine just how intoxicated your cat will become. If your cat ingests alcohol on an empty stomach, the effects may have an even quicker onset and before more noticeable than if your kitty had a full stomach when it ingested the alcohol. The type of alcohol consumed may also create differences in the onset, symptoms, and outcomes of the situation.

Alcohol In Lethal Doses

For most cats and dogs, the lethal dose of ethanol (grain alcohol) is said to be around 5 and a half grams per kilogram of bodyweight. This means that if your cat weighs 10 pounds it will most likely not survive an ethanol dosage of more than 25 grams. To put things into perspective, a 12 ounce can of beer, a 4 ounce glass of wine, and/or a 1.25 ounce shot of whiskey all contain enough ethanol to kill your feline companion.

Symptoms Of Alcohol Poisoning In Cats

Most pets who have consumed alcohol whether intentionally or accidently will begin showing symptoms of alcohol poisoning anywhere from 30 minutes to several hours after ingesting alcohol. The following are common symptoms of alcohol poisoning in cats:

• Confusion
• Staggering
• Behavioral Changes
• Excitement
• Depression
• Urinating or Defecating In The House
• Loss of consciousness
• Vomiting
• Diarrhea

Even if you only suspect that your cat may have gotten a hold of alcohol, do not ignore the above symptoms. If left untreated, your cat could die within a matter of hours. Call or visit your local veterinarian or poison control center for animals immediately. If your animal has any chance of recovering it will usually take at least 8 to 12 hours with veterinary supervision. This is no laughing matter.