Do you have one of those food-curious felines that always wants to stick their little face into whatever you're enjoying? I know I do!

So, naturally, as soon as your cat sees you sipping on a piping hot cup of tea and starts begging for a taste, you automatically start wondering if it's safe to give them a little sip.

While we drink caffeine regularly and without any serious problems, cats are far more sensitive to it than humans and can experience caffeine poisoning if they consume even the tiniest amounts. (Each kitty's tolerance level will vary jn terms of how sick they get but they WILL get sick so it's best to AVOID tea with caffeine altogether.)

In this blog post, we'll explore in further detail the question of whether or not cats can drink tea, as well as some signs of caffeine poisoning and herbal tea options that are safe for your feline friend. Let's get into it!

Why Can't Cats Drink Tea?

While small amounts of caffeine (even the small amount from green tea) may not be lethal to cats, it can and most likely WILL still lead to some pretty uncomfortable and potentially harmful side effects.

Just like humans, each cat metabolizes caffeine at a different rate and for some kitties, even small amounts of caffeine can result in restlessness, rapid breathing, and an elevated heart rate.

So unless you want your fur baby to turn into the furry equivalent of the energizer bunny (and not in a cute, light-hearted way) it's best to avoid giving them tea that contains caffeine altogether.

Signs Of Caffeine Poisoning In Cats

Caffeine poisoning in cats can occur when they consume large- and even SMALL- amounts of caffeine. Some signs of caffeine poisoning in cats include:

  • Restlessness
  • Rapid breathing
  • Increased heart rate
  • Muscle tremors
  • Seizures

If you notice any of these signs in your cat after they've had a taste of tea, it's important to take them to the vet immediately.

The vet will most likely either induce vomiting or administer IV fluids to flush your  kitty cat's system of the caffeine.

Can Cats Drink DECAF Tea?

If you're looking for a safe and healthy way to let your cat enjoy a cup of tea with you, there are some herbal teas that are perfectly safe for them to consume.

  • Catnip tea is a great option, as it contains no caffeine and is actually known to have calming effects on cats when its ingested vs when its smelled.
  • You can also try chamomile or lavender tea, both of which are also naturally caffeine-free and have calming properties. Just be sure to check the ingredients list on any commercial tea bags to make sure they don't contain any additional ingredients that could be harmful to your cat.
  • Chamomile tea, echinacea, licorice root, and dandelion tea are all safe teas that you can offer your feline friend. Just make sure to skip the milk, sugar, and honey when serving it up to your furry pal.

How To Brew DILUTED Herbal Tea For Your Feline Friend

If you want to give your cat a taste of herbal tea without worrying about them consuming too much caffeine or other potentially harmful ingredients, simply brew a cup of tea using one herbal tea bag and only steep it for half the amount of time as instructed for human consumption. The more diluted the better I say!

Once the tea has cooled down completely, offer your cat a small dish containing about ¼ cup of the diluted tea. If they seem interested and consume all of the liquid without any problems, mission accomplished! T'was a tea-time success!

If they show no interest in the diluted herbal tea or seem uninterested after trying it once, don't force them to drink it but instead try offering them one of their favorite foods as a treat while you enjoy your tea.

Final Thoughts On Cats Drinking Tea

As long as you're careful about how much tea your cat drinks and only give them unsweetened herbal teas without any added ingredients like milk or honey, there's no reason why your feline friend can't enjoy a delicious (micro) cup of diluted herbal tea just like you do!

Just remember that any amount of caffeine can be toxic for cats, so it's always best to err on the side of caution by giving them only HERBAL tea if any! And perhaps consult your veterinarian before you go experimenting at all. (I know I will be.) Thanks for reading and cheers! To you AND Kitty Mew Mew!