Cats And Beer: Is It Safe For Your Feline Friend?

Cats are curious creatures, and it's only natural to wonder if they can join you for a drink. However, when it comes to beer, the answer is a firm no. Beer and other alcoholic beverages are highly toxic to cats and can cause serious health issues, including ethanol toxicosis, metabolic acidosis, respiratory problems, and even death. Even a small amount of alcohol can lead to fatal alcohol poisoning, and there is no safe dose for cats to consume. So, while you may enjoy a cold one, it's best to keep your cat away from the beer to ensure their health and safety.

Why cats are attracted to beer

Cats are attracted to beer for a variety of reasons. Firstly, they are curious creatures and are naturally drawn to explore and taste new things. This includes lapping up any beer that may be left unattended or within their reach. Additionally, cats may be enticed by the scent of beer, which contains ingredients such as hops, wheat, barley, and carbonation that are also found in plants and grains that cats naturally eat to aid their digestion. The carbonation may also be a factor, as some cats enjoy the sensation of bubbles.

While it is important to never intentionally give your cat beer, as it can cause alcohol poisoning and other adverse health effects, it is understandable that cats may be attracted to the unique combination of scents and sensations that beer provides.

It is worth noting that most cats are not usually attracted to beer, and alcohol poisoning from beer is rare in cats due to their natural aversion to the smell. However, this does not mean that beer is harmless to cats. Even a small amount of beer can be toxic and lead to severe health issues. Therefore, it is crucial to keep beer and all forms of alcohol out of your cat's reach to prevent accidental ingestion.

If you notice your cat drinking beer or displaying any symptoms of alcohol poisoning, such as difficulty breathing, vomiting, weakness, or lack of coordination, it is important to seek immediate veterinary assistance.

How much beer is dangerous for cats?

Beer, like any other alcoholic drink, is extremely toxic to cats and can cause alcohol poisoning, a potentially fatal condition. There is no safe dose of alcohol for cats, and even a teaspoon of alcohol is enough to cause alcohol toxicity. The signs of toxicity depend on the alcohol content of the beer and the cat's unique metabolism. However, in general, alcohol produces an increasingly severe set of signs as the dose increases.

The amount of beer that is dangerous for a cat depends on the cat's size and weight. The published lethal dose of ethanol in dogs is about 6 grams per kilo of body weight of 100% ethanol, which is approximately 7.5 milliliters of 100% ethanol per kilo of body weight. The toxic dose for cats is likely to be even less than this. For example, if a cat of average weight (2-4 kg) drinks 25 ml of 40% vodka (approximately one vodka shot), it would ingest 10 ml of ethanol, which could be fatal.

If your cat ingests any amount of beer, it is important to monitor them closely for signs of alcohol toxicity, such as lack of coordination, vomiting or retching, weakness or collapse, low body temperature, and difficulty breathing. If you suspect your cat has ingested beer or is showing any signs of toxicity, immediately separate them from the alcohol and contact your veterinarian for advice.

To prevent accidental ingestion, it is crucial to keep all alcoholic beverages, including beer, out of your cat's reach.

What to do if your cat drinks beer

Cats should not drink beer under any circumstances. Alcohol is toxic to cats, and there is no safe dose they can consume. If your cat has drunk beer, you should take the following steps:

Separate Your Cat From the Alcohol

Ensure that no other alcohol-containing products are within your cat's reach. If necessary, close your cat away from the alcohol to prevent them from drinking more.

Identify What Your Cat Has Consumed

Try to identify exactly what your cat has swallowed, how much, and when. If the beer has a label, keep it so you can refer to the ingredient list. Hops (Humulus lupulus) can be dangerous to cats, so if you were brewing your own beer, be sure to mention this.

Monitor Your Cat for Symptoms

Check your cat for any unusual changes or symptoms of alcohol poisoning. These can include:

• Lack of coordination
• Tremors
• Nausea
• Vomiting or retching
• Weakness or collapse
• Low body temperature
• Difficulty breathing
• Increased thirst
• Stumbling
• Deliriousness
• Seizures
• Stopping breathing

Contact Your Veterinary Clinic

Contact your local veterinary clinic as soon as possible and relay all the information you have gathered. Follow their instructions, which will likely involve a visit and a check-over from a veterinarian. The sooner you seek expert help, the better the outcome is likely to be.

Prevent Future Incidents

To prevent your cat from drinking beer in the future, keep all alcohol out of their reach. Beer bottles and open containers should not be left on counters or tabletops. Remember that cats are notorious for knocking things off counters!

What are the symptoms of alcohol poisoning in cats?

Alcohol is toxic to cats, and there is no safe dose they can consume. Even a teaspoon of alcohol is enough to cause alcohol toxicity in cats, and signs of poisoning can be seen within 30 minutes of ingestion. If you suspect your cat has ingested alcohol, take them to the nearest emergency clinic immediately.

The symptoms of alcohol poisoning in cats can be severe and quick to appear. They include:

• Lack of coordination
• Vomiting or retching
• Weakness or collapse
• Low body temperature
• Difficulty breathing
• Increased thirst
• Tremors in the muscles
• Slow and shallow breathing
• Absence of awareness
• Seizures
• Cardiac arrhythmia
• Death

If you see any of these symptoms in your cat, it is important to act quickly and seek veterinary help. Do not wait to see if your cat develops signs of toxicity, as alcohol works very fast and the consequences can be fatal.

It is also important to keep all alcohol out of reach of your cat and to be careful when consuming it yourself. This includes being mindful of spills and open containers that your cat could access.

How to prevent your cat from drinking beer

Cats should never consume beer or any other alcoholic beverage. Alcohol is toxic to cats, and there is no safe dose. Even a small amount of alcohol can be lethal.

• Keep all alcoholic beverages out of your cat's reach. Don't leave open containers of beer unattended, and be careful not to spill any. Cats are curious and may knock over bottles or glasses, so it's best to keep them out of reach.
• Be mindful of other products that may contain alcohol, such as mouthwash, hand sanitiser, or cleaning products. These can also be harmful to cats and should be stored securely.
• If you're cooking with beer, be aware that not all alcohol evaporates during the process. Do not share any dishes containing alcohol with your cat.
• If you notice your cat has a particular interest in beer, try to identify the cause. Some cats may be attracted to the smell of raw ingredients like hops or the CO2 bubbles. Understanding the attraction can help you find alternative ways to satisfy your cat's curiosity safely.
• If you suspect your cat has consumed beer or any other alcoholic substance, separate them from the alcohol immediately and contact your veterinarian right away. Signs of alcohol poisoning in cats include lack of coordination, vomiting, weakness, low body temperature, and difficulty breathing.

Frequently asked questions