Can Cats Have Tea?

Tea has several health benefits for humans, and the beverage has been a popular one for centuries. 

And, it helps beat the cold during wintertime. So, many cat owners look to see if they can give their feline friends some tea to help them out in the cold weather. 

As you may already know, human foods aren’t safe for cats to consume as some can end up being toxic and cause your furry friend to have an aversive reaction. That’s why I feel it is a good idea to look up common food items before feeding it to your kitty. 

So, it tea safe for your cat to consume? 

In this blog post, I will answer the question, “Can cats have tea?” and help you figure out everything there is to know. 

Let’s begin.

Can Cats Have Tea? Yes or No

Generally, cats can have tea occasionally without facing any long-term side effects. But, tea contains caffeine which is the only reason why giving it to your cat can be a little on the risky side. 

However, your furry friend would need to drink at least five cups a day every day to reach the toxicity level.  

While some teas are completely safe for your cat to have, others aren’t. So, you should know what’s safe and what’s unsafe. In my opinion, you should give your cat warm water instead of tea is a better idea to keep him warm and hydrated during the winters. 

Caffeinated Tea and Cats: The Harmful Effects

Several teas such as chamomile and peppermint tea are completely safe for cats to have as they are herbal and contain a high amount of antioxidants. They also act as gentle astringents and help in treating inflammation, reducing skin irritations, and relaxing the muscles.

In fact, chamomile tea is a good choice for treating anxiety and insomnia in cats and can even be used as a mild sleeping-aid for hyperactive pets and cats that have problems with sleeping. 

However, it is best to keep your cat as far away from caffeinated tea as possible. So, all black teas are a complete no-no. You should avoid giving your furry friend orange teas as well. 

One cup of tea can have as much as 70 milligrams of caffeine. While this isn’t too much, but, small amounts of caffeine can even cause cats to have serious illnesses as it is toxic to them. 

Too much caffeine can lead to a fatal condition called caffeine poisoning in cats.

Tea Bags are Harmful for Your Furry Friend

As I mentioned earlier, chamomile tea is safe for cats to consume. However, you should never give your cat tea with the tea bag still in as it is a choking hazard.

Keep tea bags, coffee, and all other caffeinated beverages on a shelf in your kitchen or pantry that your cat can’t possibly reach.

If you like having a cup of caffeinated tea, make it a habit of throwing the tea bag in the main bin so that your cat never gets his paws on it. Tea bags contain a significant amount of caffeine in them which can even be fatal for smaller cats.

So, keep the tea bags away from your cat! 

After all, it’s better to be safe than sorry. 

What to Do If Your Cat Accidentally Has Tea

If you suspect that your furry friend got his paws on some caffeinated tea or tea bags, you should look for the following symptoms of caffeine poisoning:

• Restlessness and hyperactivity 
• Vomiting
• Abnormal or increased heart rate
• Increase in the blood pressure
• Tremors
• Increase in the body temperature
• Seizures
• Collapse

It is always a good idea to call your vet and ask for their opinion as to what you should do. If you see any of the symptoms that I’ve mentioned above, call your vet immediately and seek emergency medical help for your feline. 

Time is of the essence in such cases. 

Final Words: Can Cats Have Tea? 

Yes, cats can have some teas as an occasional treat but, filtered water is still the best source of hydration for your furry friend. 

Tea can be comforting and soothing during winter times but, it contains caffeine which isn’t good for your feline friend’s body. However, about five cups per day are what you’ll need to give to your cat for it to reach the toxic level. 

But, it is safe to give your cat only non-caffeinated tea as long as you remove the tea bag as it’s a choking hazard for your furry friend.

After all, it is your responsibility to keep your furry friend happy and healthy!

I hope this post answered all your questions. Still, have any questions or concerns? Let me know in the comments, and I will get back to you as soon as I can!