✕ Toxic

Alcohol

Alcohol (ethanol) is highly toxic to cats, far more so than to humans, because cats lack robust alcohol dehydrogenase enzyme activity in the liver — meaning they cannot metabolise ethanol efficiently. Even tiny amounts are dangerous. Ethanol is absorbed rapidly through the gastrointestinal tract, crosses the blood-brain barrier acting as a severe CNS depressant, causes acute liver injury, triggers metabolic acidosis, and leads to dangerous heat loss through vasodilation. Symptoms typically appear within 30 to 60 minutes of ingestion. Beyond alcoholic beverages, hidden sources include raw yeast dough (which ferments in the stomach), rotting fruit, and certain mouthwashes or hand sanitisers (which may contain methanol or isopropanol, both even more toxic than ethanol).

Important Notes

Symptoms: Disorientation, loss of coordination (ataxia), lethargy, muscle tremors, vomiting, diarrhea, abnormally low body temperature (hypothermia), and metabolic acidosis; severe cases progress to respiratory depression, seizures, coma, and death.

Tiny amounts matter: As little as one teaspoon of alcohol can put a cat into a coma and cause severe liver or brain damage.

Hidden sources: Raw bread/pizza dough, rotting fruit, mouthwash, and some cleaning products — not just alcoholic drinks.

Potentially Toxic Parts

Whole

Possible Symptoms Reported in Cats

Neurological Impairment

Neurological · Within 30 to 60 minutes

Respiratory Depression

Respiratory · Within 1 hour to progressive stages

Acute Organ Damage

Gastrointestinal · Progressive (can occur rapidly after absorption)

Hypothermia

Cardiac · Within 30 to 60 minutes

Metabolic Acidosis

Hematological · Within 1 hour (progressing as the alcohol is metabolized)

Gastrointestinal Upset

Gastrointestinal · Within 30 to 60 minutes

Disclaimer: This summary was compiled from multiple sources and is for informational use only. It is not a diagnosis or treatment plan. Toxicity can vary based on the substance, amount, plant part, and individual cat. If you think your cat may have been exposed to a toxic substance, contact a veterinarian right away.