Is Tea Toxic to Pets?
Yes — tea is toxic to cats. Yes — tea is toxic to dogs. Yes — tea 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
- Camellia sinensis
- Toxic compound
- Caffeine
- Toxic parts
- Tea leaves, bags and concentrated drinks
- Also known as
- black tea, green tea, tea bags
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 tea
- 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 tea
- 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 tea
- 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
Tea contains caffeine; a few sips are unlikely to harm, but tea bags and leaves can cause caffeine poisoning.
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Frequently asked questions
Is tea toxic to cats?
Yes — tea is toxic to cats. Common signs include vomiting, diarrhea, drooling.
Is tea toxic to dogs?
Yes — tea is toxic to dogs. Common signs include vomiting, diarrhea, drooling.
Is tea toxic to horses?
Yes — tea is toxic to horses. Common signs include vomiting, diarrhea, drooling.
Which parts of tea are toxic?
Tea leaves, bags and concentrated drinks.
What makes tea toxic?
Caffeine.