Have you ever noticed your cat staring at you as you are sitting down with a cup of tea? They are curious about what kind of treats you have in that cup. Your cat’s eager glances may have you wondering, “can cats drink tea?” In that case, we have the answer to your question.
Obviously, your cat can not drink tea. While your cat may be okay with eating a few drops of tea, they should not be allowed to consume any. Drinking tea can be toxic to cats, leading to health problems. Ingestion of too much tea can cause fatal illness.
Is Tea Harmful To Cats?
Cats are known to love a cup of tea. Their owners are also aware of this fact. Their desire to smell and touch the tea left behind can be overwhelming. If you are a fan of caffeinated beverages such as coffee and tea, keep them away from your cat.
Most tea options contain high levels of caffeine, which can be harmful to cats. Also, some of these include spices and herbal blends that can be toxic to our feline friends. Before allowing your cat to drink tea, make sure that the label is clearly written. This is why it is vital to limit the number of tea drinks your pet consumes.
Cats can get caffeine poisoning if they have consumed a lot of coffee. It can happen because it is impossible to keep an eye on them all the time. If your cat vomits after drinking coffee, it could be caused by restlessness or vomiting.
Other possible side effects include diarrhea, heart palpitations, and muscle spasms. Fast breathing and allergic reactions are also possible. Caffeine is the primary concern for most people when giving their pets caffeine. Since cats have a higher sensitivity to it than humans, it should not be given to them.
Drinking small amounts of tea can cause a cat’s body to become hypersensitive to caffeine, similar to an excess of caffeine in humans. Your cat might become frightened or restless after experiencing an alarming situation. She could also start to rush around aimlessly.
Your cat may be more prone to destructive behavior and fighting with other animals. It is essential to let your cat calm down for a couple of hours. While the first sign of gastrointestinal distress is not too worrying, it can make your cat feel uncomfortable. More severe symptoms include vomiting, loose feces, and excessive drooling.
Getting diarrhea and vomiting are some of the harmful effects of caffeine that can be harmful to your cat. Even a little amount of caffeine can cause your animal to become disoriented and confused. They can also become incredibly ill and possibly collapse if exposed to caffeine. This can cause them to have seizures and possibly even die. Immediately call your veterinarian.
Can I Give My Cat A Cup Of Tea?
Although it is not recommended to give your cat a cup of tea, If you are planning on feeding your cat tea, make sure that it is made from natural herbal products instead of the caffein-based varieties. Steeping it can upset the delicate balance of the animal’s stomach. You will also need to let the tea cool down before you allow you give your cat to drink it. It can burn their sensitive nose. Also, you can place the tea in a saucer or bowl to allow them to drink it.
Several herbal teas contain no caffeine and can be used as a pet’s calming drink. Some of these include chamomile, valerian root, apple, and peppermint. They can also help lower anxiety and provide your cat with antioxidants.
Read also: 5 Best Calming Treats for Cats on a Budget
Why Do Some Cats Like To Drink Tea?
Cats are known to be extremely attracted to tea due to its powerful and pleasant scent. Also, this is the reason why many people drink tea. While it is important to note that cats have a much better sense of smell than humans, they can still scent anything in their environment, such as tea. Even if it is hidden inside a kitchen cabinet, your pet will still snatch it up.
Another reason cats will go for a cup of tea is its creamy appearance. They love the creamy taste of milk. Even though most cats are intolerant to milk, they still have an affection for milk. The creamy and sweet scent of tea is very appealing to cats. This is why some cats are attracted to it, while others seem to be indifferent. This behavior is similar to other strange eating habits observed in domesticated cats.
Your cat likes to drink tea because it calms his senses. However, if he starts developing a fancy for your teabags, you might want to keep them away from him. Some types of tea should not be served to cats.
What Will Happen If My Cat Drinks My Tea?
Drinking tea can be very dangerous for cats as it can cause them to become hypertensive and vocalize constantly. The major reason is the presence of caffeine, which can cause a cat’s heart rate to increase.
Some of the other symptoms that can occur when a cat drinks tea that has caffeine are diarrhea, vomiting, frequent urination, and higher blood pressure.
Very severe cases of cats dying or even passing away due to the effects of caffeine in certain types of tea are known to occur. Aside from this, other ingredients such as fruit and herbal teas can also threaten feline health. For instance, Artificial flavors and colors are sometimes used in food products. Some of these include citrus and essential oils.
Can Cats Drink Tea With Milk?
Some people believe that giving cats milk and tea is better than drinking coffee or tea. This is untrue on several levels. It is not advantageous for cats as it can cause negative effects. Although milk can help lower the number of chemicals in the tea, it does not remove the harmful effects of the compounds it contains.
Milk is not considered a healthy food for cats, but most cats are also intolerant to lactose. This condition will prevent them from properly consuming milk. It is also hazardous for cats to drink tea, as it can trigger an allergic reaction in their bodies. Also, adding milk can make the drink even worse for them. Their digestive system is more sensitive to caffeine than ours, meaning it will respond sooner.
Due to the lack of a lactase enzyme in their digestive tract, cats cannot digest milk properly. This condition can cause various gastrointestinal issues, such as vomiting and diarrhea. Also, it is very unhealthy for cats to eat milk fat, as it can increase their risk of developing various health conditions. If your cat has diabetes, avoid all fatty and sugary food.
Read also: Can Cats Drink Coconut Milk?
What Kind Of Tea Can Cats Drink?
Although some cats are allowed to drink herbal teas, some are safe to consume for their health. These include certain teas that can help reduce stress and improve one’s overall well-being.
What Happens If A Cat Licks Tea?
Many pet products contain tea tree oil, which can be toxic to both animals and humans if ingested. While all-natural products are gaining popularity, it is important to note that these are not always safe for humans and animals.
Although tea tree oil has anti-fungal and antibacterial properties, it can also be toxic when ingested at high levels. The compounds found in oils are known as terpenes, which can cause allergic reactions in pets. Due to the way their fur and skin are groomed, it is also possible for them to get sick from the effects of the oil. Undissolved tea tree oil is especially dangerous as it can potentially cause poisoning. This product can be obtained by either skin or oral ingestion.
If you suspect that your pet has been poisoned, please seek immediate veterinary attention. Terpene can be toxic to the liver and can cause liver supplements to be needed for two weeks following exposure.
So, Can Cats Drink Tea?
High levels of caffeine and essential oils in tea can be harmful to cats. However, some teas can be safely given to your cat if you dilute them and keep them at room temperature. Drinking coffee or tea that contains caffeine can cause various health problems, such as poisoning. It’s important to provide water instead of caffeinated drinks to avoid getting sick.
Tea is often laced with caffeine, which can be toxic to felines. Drinking tea without your permission can cause them to get sick and even die. Symptoms of poisoning can include vomiting, seizures, and even death.
Read also: Can Cats Drink Tap Water?
