Is Coffee Toxic to Pets?
Yes — coffee is toxic to cats. Yes — coffee is toxic to dogs. Yes — coffee is toxic to horses.
PawSafe Check is for general information only and is not veterinary advice. Always contact your veterinarian or a poison control service if you think your pet has been exposed.
- Scientific name
- Coffea spp.
- Toxic compound
- Caffeine
- Toxic parts
- Grounds, beans, pods, energy drinks, caffeine pills
- Also known as
- caffeine, espresso, coffee grounds, energy drinks
Symptoms
Cats (toxic)
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Drooling
- Reduced appetite
Dogs (toxic)
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Drooling
- Reduced appetite
Horses (toxic)
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Drooling
- Reduced appetite
What to do
If your cat ate coffee
- Call your vet or a pet poison control line immediately — don't wait for symptoms.
- Do not induce vomiting unless a vet tells you to.
- Bring the plant, label or packaging with you so the vet knows exactly what your cat ate.
- Note roughly how much was eaten and when.
If your dog ate coffee
- Call your vet or a pet poison control line immediately — don't wait for symptoms.
- Do not induce vomiting unless a vet tells you to.
- Bring the plant, label or packaging with you so the vet knows exactly what your dog ate.
- Note roughly how much was eaten and when.
If your horse ate coffee
- Call your vet or a pet poison control line immediately — don't wait for symptoms.
- Do not induce vomiting unless a vet tells you to.
- Bring the plant, label or packaging with you so the vet knows exactly what your horse ate.
- Note roughly how much was eaten and when.
Good to know
Caffeine causes restlessness, panting, vomiting, racing heart and tremors. Grounds and pills are the most concentrated.
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Frequently asked questions
Is coffee toxic to cats?
Yes — coffee is toxic to cats. Common signs include vomiting, diarrhea, drooling.
Is coffee toxic to dogs?
Yes — coffee is toxic to dogs. Common signs include vomiting, diarrhea, drooling.
Is coffee toxic to horses?
Yes — coffee is toxic to horses. Common signs include vomiting, diarrhea, drooling.
Which parts of coffee are toxic?
Grounds, beans, pods, energy drinks, caffeine pills.
What makes coffee toxic?
Caffeine.
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