Matcha

Q: Is Matcha toxic to cats?

Warning: Toxic. Matcha is finely ground green tea leaf powder from the Camellia sinensis plant. It is toxic to cats. Unlike brewed tea, where most of the leaf is discarded, matcha is the whole leaf consumed as powder, so it delivers a much more concentrated dose of caffeine and theobromine. These stimulants affect a cat's heart and nervous system, and cats are far more sensitive to them than people are. A lick of a matcha latte or dessert may cause restlessness and a faster heart rate. Eating a teaspoon of matcha powder, or a matcha-heavy dessert, can cause vomiting, diarrhea, panting, excessive thirst and urination, muscle tremors, an abnormal heart rhythm and seizures. Signs usually appear within one to two hours. Matcha drinks and desserts often also contain milk, sugar or chocolate, which add to the problem. If your cat has eaten matcha powder or more than a lick of a matcha product, contact your veterinarian or a pet poison hotline right away. Do not wait for signs to appear; early treatment is much more effective.

Q: What are the symptoms if a cat eats Matcha?

Restlessness, hyperactivity and rapid heart rate, Vomiting, diarrhea, panting, excessive thirst and urination, Muscle tremors, abnormal heart rhythm and seizures

Camellia sinensis

Also known as: Matcha Powder, Green Tea Powder, Matcha Latte, Matcha Dessert

Matcha is finely ground green tea leaf powder from the Camellia sinensis plant. It is toxic to cats. Unlike brewed tea, where most of the leaf is discarded, matcha is the whole leaf consumed as powder, so it delivers a much more concentrated dose of caffeine and theobromine. These stimulants affect a cat's heart and nervous system, and cats are far more sensitive to them than people are. A lick of a matcha latte or dessert may cause restlessness and a faster heart rate. Eating a teaspoon of matcha powder, or a matcha-heavy dessert, can cause vomiting, diarrhea, panting, excessive thirst and urination, muscle tremors, an abnormal heart rhythm and seizures. Signs usually appear within one to two hours. Matcha drinks and desserts often also contain milk, sugar or chocolate, which add to the problem. If your cat has eaten matcha powder or more than a lick of a matcha product, contact your veterinarian or a pet poison hotline right away. Do not wait for signs to appear; early treatment is much more effective.

Important Notes

Main hazard: Caffeine and theobromine; matcha is whole-leaf powder, so it is far more concentrated than brewed tea.

Symptoms: Restlessness, rapid heart rate, vomiting, diarrhea, panting, excessive thirst and urination, tremors, abnormal heart rhythm and seizures, usually within 1 to 2 hours.

Why cats get exposed: Licking matcha lattes, ice cream or desserts, or getting into open matcha powder.

Action: Call a vet or pet poison hotline immediately if your cat ate matcha powder or more than a lick of a matcha product; do not wait for signs.

Potentially Toxic Parts

Powder

Possible Symptoms Reported in Cats

Muscle tremors, abnormal heart rhythm and seizures

Neurological · Within a few hours of a larger ingestion

Restlessness, hyperactivity and rapid heart rate

Cardiac · Within 1 to 2 hours of ingestion

Vomiting, diarrhea, panting, excessive thirst and urination

Gastrointestinal · Within 1 to 2 hours of ingestion

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.