Skip to Content

As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

Do Cats Like Coffee – Caffeine, Safety, & Your Feline

Do Cats Like Coffee – Caffeine, Safety, & Your Feline

Coffee might be a perfect morning pick-me-up for you, but that doesn’t mean that it’s a good option for your pets. So when your cat comes sniffing at your morning cup of joe, it’s understandable to be a little concerned about their interest. For all of you with cats that show more than casual interest in your morning coffee, there are a few questions. Do cats like coffee?

Cats like coffee. Coffee contains high levels of magnesium and caffeine which is harmful to cats. Coffee is not safe for cats to drink. Your cat’s body will struggle to remove caffeine from its system, which can lead to caffeine toxicity. 

So, while your cat might be interested in your cup of coffee, it’s probably best to prevent them from drinking any. Even decaffeinated coffee can be a problem since most blends still have a small amount of caffeine as it’s difficult to eliminate. Next, we’ll break down why cats love coffee so much, and some ways you can help protect them from consuming this beverage. 

Do Cats Like Coffee Smell

No, cats do not like coffee smell. The smell of coffee can act as a deterrent to some cats (more on this later). What cats do and don’t like can be kind of hard to track. 

With that in mind, no, most cats don’t like the smell of coffee. They might be interested in your coffee without actually wanting to try any. But some cats do like the smell of coffee and will drink it from your mug, play with, cuddle, or try to eat coffee beans, and more.

It’s important to pay attention to your cat’s behavior around your coffee. For the most part, a cat that isn’t interested will stay uninterested as they get older.

However, your cat’s interest level may change over time. If your cat is suddenly bugging you for a sip of your cup of joe, chances are they’re actually after one of the nutrients in the coffee. They might need some diet support.

Are Cats Attracted To Coffee

Yes and no, as we mentioned in the previous section, a cat’s likes and dislikes can vary significantly from cat to cat. We’ve heard of cats cuddling with coffee beans, going nuts for a chance at a mug of coffee, or getting intentionally covered in coffee grounds. But most cats aren’t that interested in coffee.

This is one area where you have to think of your cat as an individual and a member of their species. Most cats don’t like coffee or have any interest in it. But some cats are very interested and won’t leave coffee alone.

Paying attention to your cat’s behavior as they start growing up from a teenager to an adult can help you better predict your cat’s attraction to coffee and how carefully you’ll need to manage it.

Can Coffee Kill Cats

Yes, coffee can kill cats if consumed in large amounts. If your cat drinks a large amount of coffee, eats coffee grounds, or ingests enough coffee beans, it can be a fatal problem. The main issue with coffee is caffeine toxicity. Humans can also have caffeine toxicity, but it takes much higher caffeine concentrations to have a toxic effect.

In cats, their digestive systems aren’t equipped to process the caffeine out of their bodies. That means it takes longer to eliminate, and those smaller concentrations can quickly become harmful.

Coffee, energy drinks, and even strong teas can be potential risks for caffeine toxicity in cats. Decaf coffee is moderately safer but still runs the risk of having toxins. Plus, a lot of decaf coffee has low levels of caffeine that may not affect a coffee drinker but can still pose a threat to your cats.

What Happens If A Cat Licks Coffee

If your cat licks your coffee, chances are they are okay as long as they only got a lick or two. You should call your vet for recommendations. They might ask you to bring your cat in to be on the safe side, or they might give you a list of symptoms to watch for signs of possible caffeine toxicity.

If your cat got more coffee, or a more potent kind of caffeine like expresso, Turkish coffee, or an energy drink, you’d need to take your cat to the vet. Once there, the vet will probably induce vomiting to get as much caffeine out of their stomach as possible.

Your vet may also have your cat ingest charcoal to help absorb the caffeine so that it won’t be an issue for your cats.

Of course, all of these treatments are at your vet’s discretion, and they may recommend other different treatments depending on the situation and your cat’s age, weight, and overall health.

Can Cats Smell Coffee

Yes, cats can smell coffee, and some cats may even be attracted to coffee and want to eat it. Some cats will smell coffee, make a face, and walk away. You should be prepared for either reaction and everything in between when you get a new cat.

Do Coffee Grounds Keep Cats Away

Many gardening blogs recommend using coffee grounds to discourage cats and other animals from getting into your garden. But since we know some cats will go out of their way for a chance to drink coffee, does it work?

Most of the time, yes, coffee grounds can be an effective way to keep outdoor cats out of your garden. It’s less effective on indoor cats, especially if they live with coffee drinkers. That’s because the scent of coffee and coffee grounds are a lot more common inside. Your indoor cat isn’t as likely to be phased by the different scents because it’s something they live with every day you drink coffee.

Is Coffee Bad For Cats

Yes. All kinds of coffee should be considered bad for cats because they have a very low caffeine tolerance. Even decaf coffee can be dangerous, and special blends and kinds of coffee are no safer for your cat than regular coffee.

Some flavored coffees can even be more dangerous for your cat because of additional toxins. Mochas are more toxic because of the cocoa content, and other flavorings, artificial and natural, can cause more problems.

In general, you shouldn’t let your cat drink coffee, get into coffee grounds, or play with coffee beans.

Other Considerations

Cats can’t taste sweetness, so your coffee’s sugar won’t make it any more or less attractive to your cats. But, other additives, like creamer, cream, or milk, can all make your coffee more appealing and convince your cat to try and give it a taste.

It’s essential to keep an eye on your cat when you’re using whole cream, especially since it tends to float on top of the coffee and can look like an appealing treat.

Drinking coffee directly isn’t the only way your cat might be exposed accidentally. Getting into coffee grounds or grooming spilled coffee off their fur can also be a potential risk factor. If you spill your coffee grounds while you’re making your morning cup, it’s important to clean them up right away. That way, your cat isn’t tempted to eat or roll in the coffee grounds without you noticing.

We’ve mentioned it earlier, but it’s worth repeating that all sources of caffeine are potentially dangerous for your cat. That includes energy drinks, caffeinated candy, caffeinated teas, and all other potential sources of caffeine.

As long as you’re keeping your coffee and coffee grounds out of your cat’s reach, they should be fine. And should your cat get ahold of some coffee, monitor them closely and call your vet for the next steps. Remember that caffeine is almost always an emergency in cats, and acting quickly can help your cat have a better outcome.

Don’t wait to see if your cat has symptoms, even if they only got a little. Always consult with your vet for next steps, even if your think your cat will be fine on their own.