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Can cats eat alcohol?

Ask your vet about your own pet. This page is general information from the sources below.

No. Never share alcohol with cats; call your vet or a poison line if some is eaten. Pet Poison Helpline says the signs apply to dogs and cats, and the FDA says to keep pets away from alcohol. Severe cases can lead to coma and death. Call a vet or poison line if a cat licks or drinks any.

Checked October 29, 2026.

By Peabody editors. How we write and check.

Never: call nowKeep it away from them.

Why

Pet Poison Helpline says the signs apply to dogs and cats, and the FDA says to keep pets away from alcohol. Severe cases can lead to coma and death. Call a vet or poison line if a cat licks or drinks any.

Good to know

A pet does not need to drink much: Pet Poison Helpline says poisoning often comes from licking spilled drinks.

Watch for: Alcohol also hides in candies with liquor centers and in raw yeast bread dough.

Already ate it?

Call now, even if your pet seems fine. Say what was eaten, how much and when, and have your pet's weight ready.

Poison emergency? Call now

ASPCA Animal Poison Control: (888) 426-4435, 24 hours a day, every day. A consultation fee may apply.
Pet Poison Helpline: (855) 764-7661, 24/7. $99 per incident, follow-up calls included.
Or call your vet or the nearest emergency vet.

For the children

"Alcohol can make cats very sick. Never share this food, and tell a grown-up right away if a pet gets some."

A job: Be the label reader. Before a grown-up shares any food with the cat, check this page, and ask a grown-up if the food is not on it.

A fridge sheet

Never give cats alcohol.

If cats eat some, don't wait. Call right away, even if they seem fine.

ASPCA Animal Poison Control (888) 426-4435, 24 hours. A consultation fee may apply.
Pet Poison Helpline (855) 764-7661, 24/7. $99 per incident, follow-ups included.
Or call your vet or the nearest emergency vet.

This page is general information from the sources below, not veterinary advice. Your own vet knows your cat. Cats differ.

Sources