Can Cats Eat Coffee?

⛔ No — toxic

No. Caffeine is toxic to cats. A lick of coffee is unlikely to cause harm, but grounds, beans, tea bags, energy drinks and caffeine pills can.

Reviewed by Plan for Paw · Updated October 2026 · 2 sources

If your cat ate coffee
  1. Call your vet or a poison line, especially for grounds, beans, pills or energy drinks.
  2. Treatment can include fluids and medicines to calm the heart.

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
Caffeine (a methylxanthine, like the theobromine in chocolate)
Signs appear
Usually within 1–2 hours

Symptoms to watch for

  • Restlessness and hyperactivity
  • Vomiting
  • Racing heart
  • Panting
  • Tremors
  • Seizures

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.