Can Cats Eat Alcohol?

🚨 No — an emergency

No. A cat's small body means even a few laps of alcohol can cause vomiting, loss of coordination, dangerously low blood sugar and breathing problems. Call a vet straight away.

Reviewed by Plan for Paw · Updated October 2026 · 1 source

If your cat ate alcohol

Call your vet or a poison line now and keep your cat warm.

Call your vet or a 24/7 animal poison line now: ASPCA Animal Poison Control (888) 426-4435 · Pet Poison Helpline (855) 764-7661

What makes it harmful
Ethanol

Symptoms to watch for

  • Vomiting
  • Wobbling
  • Drowsiness
  • Low body temperature
  • Slow breathing

Sources

General information checked against published veterinary sources. Every cat is different — ask your vet before changing its diet, and call them if it seems unwell.