If you’ve ever found your cat sniffing your Red Bull, Monster, or any other energy drink, you might have wondered: “Can cats drink energy drinks?”
The short and urgent answer is no — cats should NEVER drink energy drinks.
Even a few drops can be dangerous due to caffeine, sugar, artificial sweeteners, taurine (in synthetic amounts), and other stimulant ingredients.
This article explains why energy drinks are harmful, the symptoms to watch for, what to do if your cat ingests even a tiny amount, and safer alternatives if you’re looking for a hydration boost for your feline
Can Cats Drink Energy Drinks?
No, cats cannot drink energy drinks — not even a sip. Energy drinks are among the most toxic human beverages for cats because they contain:
- High caffeine content
- Artificial sweeteners like xylitol (deadly for cats)
- Excess sugar
- Herbal stimulants
- Synthetic taurine in unnaturally high doses
- Carbonation
- Chemical additives and preservatives
Cats are extremely sensitive to stimulants, and their livers cannot process many of the chemicals commonly found in energy drinks.
If your cat consumes energy drinks, even by accident (like licking a spill), it should be treated as an emergency.
Why Energy Drinks Are Toxic to Cats?
Energy drinks contain multiple harmful ingredients. Let’s break them down one by one.
1. Caffeine Toxicity
Caffeine is one of the most dangerous substances for cats.
Even small amounts can cause:
- Rapid heartbeat
- Tremors
- Restlessness
- Seizures
- Collapse
Many energy drinks contain 2–3 cups worth of coffee in a single can — far more than a cat’s body can handle.
Cats can experience caffeine poisoning at just 9–12 mg per pound of body weight.
Most energy drinks have 80–300 mg of caffeine, making even a tiny spill dangerous.
2. Xylitol (Artificial Sweetener)
Some energy drinks contain xylitol, an artificial sweetener that causes:
- Liver failure
- Vomiting
- Seizures
- Sudden drop in blood sugar
- Death within hours if untreated
Xylitol poisoning happens fast — and cats are even more sensitive than dogs.
3. Excess Sugar
Sugar can cause:
- Obesity
- Diabetes
- Tooth decay
- Severe stomach upset
- Pancreatitis
Cats’ digestive systems are not built for sugary drinks.
4. Additives and Herbal Stimulants
Ingredients like guarana, ginseng, yerba mate, and taurine extracts add an additional stimulant load, which can:
- Raise blood pressure
- Cause hyperactivity
- Trigger seizures
- Overwhelm the nervous system
Cats cannot metabolize these complex plant stimulants efficiently.
5. Carbonation
Carbonated drinks can cause:
- Gas
- Stomach bloating
- Discomfort
- Acid reflux
Cats should not drink carbonated or fizzy beverages of any kind.
Symptoms of Energy Drink Poisoning in Cats
Symptoms can appear within 30 minutes and may worsen quickly.
Watch for:
- Rapid breathing
- Hyperactivity
- Racing heart
- Dilated pupils
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Tremors
- Seizures
- Disorientation
- Collapse
- Coma
If you notice any of these signs, contact a veterinarian immediately.
What to Do If Your Cat Drinks an Energy Drink?
Here’s what you should do, step-by-step:
1. Do NOT wait for symptoms
Caffeine and xylitol act fast. Immediate action is essential.
2. Remove access
Wipe spills immediately and move the can out of reach.
3. Call your veterinarian
Explain:
- What brand the cat drink
- Approximate amount
- When it happened
- Symptoms observed
4. Contact an emergency clinic if after hours
Energy drink poisoning is a true emergency.
5. Never try home remedies
Do NOT:
- Make your cat vomit yourself
- Give milk
- Give water, hoping to dilute the toxin
These can worsen the situation.
How Vets Treat Energy Drink Poisoning?
Treatment depends on how much was consumed and how quickly you rushed in.
Possible treatments include:
- Induced vomiting (if early)
- Activated charcoal binds the toxin
- IV fluids
- Anti-seizure medication
- Heart rhythm stabilizers
- Blood sugar monitoring
- Oxygen support
Cats who receive prompt treatment have a much higher chance of survival.
Why Cats Should Never Have Human Drinks?
Many cat owners assume “a small sip won’t hurt,” but cats metabolize chemicals differently than humans.
In general, cats should avoid:
- Coffee
- Tea
- Juice
- Soda
- Sparkling water
- Energy drinks
- Chocolate-based drinks
- Milk alternatives like almond or soy milk
- Dairy milk (most cats are lactose intolerant)
👉 Related: Can cats drink coffee?
👉 Related: Can cats drink milk or lactose-free milk?
👉 Related: Can cats drink juice?
These links help Google connect your topical relevance and improve rankings.
Safe Alternatives to Energy Drinks for Cats
If your cat needs hydration or extra nutrition, choose vet-approved options:
1. Fresh water
Always the safest and most important.
2. Cat-safe chicken broth
Homemade, unsalted broth is hydrating and delicious.
(Internal link idea: Can cats drink chicken broth?)
3. Wet cat food
85% moisture, helps hydration naturally.
4. Cat-friendly electrolyte solutions
Like CatHydrate, used under vet guidance.
5. Tuna water
Water from unsalted tuna cans — not brine or oil.
Preventing Accidental Exposure
To protect your cat:
- Do not leave energy drink cans open
- Clean spills immediately
- Never let your cat lick cups or straws
- Store drinks in a closed cabinet
- Don’t leave energy drinks on desks or bedside tables overnight
Many accidental poisonings happen because owners leave drinks unattended.
Frequently Asked Questions
No. Both contain high caffeine and sugar, making them extremely toxic.
Yes — even a few licks can cause symptoms in sensitive cats.
Synthetic taurine in high amounts can stress a cat’s heart and nervous system.
Still treat it as urgent and call your vet.
Final Verdict: Can Cats Drink Energy Drinks?
No — cats must never drink energy drinks under any circumstances.
Caffeine, sugar, artificial sweeteners, and stimulants make these beverages extremely dangerous for cats, even in small amounts.
If your cat does ingest any energy drink, treat it as an emergency and contact a veterinarian immediately.
Stick to water, hydrating wet food, and cat-safe broths — and keep energy drinks far away from curious paws.