Alcohol Poisoning in Cats

When alcoholic beverages are given to pets, it can cause them not only to get drunk but may also cause death. The death can be caused by the cat simply ingesting the alcohol.

  1. Ethanol

    • Alcoholic beverages are made up of ethanol (grain and ethyl alcohol). Ethanol is poisonous to pets, including cats. There is ethanol is most alcoholic beverages.

    Amount

    • There is 3 to 5 percent of ethanol in beer, according to VeterinaryPartner.com. There is 9 to 12 percent of ethanol in wine. In whiskey, there is 40 to 90 percent ethanol.

    Poisoning

    • A cat may be poisoned depending on its weight and how much alcohol it ingests. Poisoning may also depend on the percentage of ethanol in the alcohol.

    Symptoms

    • The symptoms of alcohol poisoning in cats include decreased reflexes, over-excitement and loss of coordination. These symptoms usually happen 15 to 20 minutes after ingestion.

    Accidental Poisoning

    • Alcohol poisoning in cats can also be accidental. Ethanol can be found in medications and fermented products (such as bread dough).

    Warning

    • If you believe your cat may have alcohol poisoning, seek professional medical advice immediately.