Alcohol Poisoning in Cats - Causes, Treatment and Associated Conditions

Key takeaways

Alcohol poisoning occurs when a cat ingests, inhales, or absorbs a sufficient quantity of alcohol.

Symptoms include sleepiness, incoordination, vomiting, disorientation, and increased urination
Sources of alcohol include alcoholic beverages, household products, health and beauty products, automotive products, uncooked yeast bread dough, and pet grooming products
Due to their small body weight, even small amounts of alcohol are dangerous or even fatal to cats
Cats who have been observed ingesting alcohol, or have symptoms of alcohol poisoning, require emergency veterinary attention
Diagnostic tools include physical examination, blood work, urinalysis, and diagnostic imaging
There is no antidote for alcohol poisoning; reatment involves supportive care
Prognosis is good unless complications arise

Are you concerned?

Connect with a vet to get more information about your pet’s health.

Book an online vet

A closer look: Alcohol Poisoning in Cats

The three main types of alcohol found in commercial products which have the potential to poison cats are ethanol, menthol, and isopropanol. Ethanol, the alcohol found in alcoholic beverages, is less potent than methanol and isopropanol. Cats who ingest methanol and isopropanol usually have more severe symptoms and are at greater risk of death.

Cats are particularly susceptible to the ill effects of alcohol poisoning because of their low body weight. A cat who has been observed ingesting, inhaling, or absorbing alcohol, or shows symptoms of alcohol poisoning requires emergency veterinary attention, particularly if they are having difficulty walking or staying awake.

Risk factors

Alcohol poisoning is rare in cats. The severity of alcohol poisoning depends on the type of alcohol, the amount of alcohol in the system, and the size of the cat. In small amounts, alcohol changes the behavior of a cat and makes it feel ill. In large quantities, alcohol is lethal.

Cats who roam outside are at greater risk of all toxicoses, including alcohol poisoning.

Cats in homes where products containing alcohol are accessible are at greater risk.

Kittens and small cats are particularly at risk because of their small body weight.

Alcohol poisoning from ingesting uncooked yeast bread dough is complicated because the dough continues to rise in the warm environment of the stomach. This can result in gastric distention, volvulus (where the stomach twists), and respiratory difficulty.

Symptoms of a twist in the stomach are a life-threatening emergency requiring immediate medical attention.

Possible causes

Alcohol poisoning is caused by ingestion, inhalation, or absorption of ethanol, isopropanol, or methanol. Isopropanol and methanol are more potent than ethanol, making them particularly dangerous to cats.

Products that contain ethanol include:

Alcoholic beverages
Fermented fruits
Sourdough starter
Uncooked yeast bread dough
Mouthwash
Liquid medications
Hand sanitizer
Natural stress relief pet products

Products that contain methanol include:

Windshield wiper fluid
Paint removers
Canned fuels

Products that contain isopropanol include:

Rubbing alcohol
Perfume
Parasite control sprays
Pet grooming products
Glass cleaner
Antifreeze
Detergents

Consumption of alcohol inhibits the function of the central nervous system, leading to the characteristic symptoms of drunkenness. Cats are especially sensitive to alcohol poisoning because of their small bodies, which means that even a small amount of alcohol can affect a cat’s behavior.

Main symptoms

The main symptoms of alcohol poisoning in cats are similar to the symptoms of drunkenness in humans.

Testing and diagnosis

If alcohol exposure was observed directly, diagnostic tests are primarily used to identify any potential organ damage or underlying conditions. Cats with an unknown history of exposure undergo diagnostics which may include:

Physical examination
Bloodwork
Urinalysis
Diagnostic imaging such as ultrasound
Blood alcohol tests where available

Steps to Recovery

There is no antidote to alcohol poisoning. Due to the rapid absorption of alcohol into the body, inducing vomiting or decontamination of the stomach are often ineffective. Treatment is primarily supportive while the body metabolizes the alcohol itself. Supportive measures include:

IV fluids
Mechanical ventilation
Supplemental oxygen
Anti-nausea medication
Anti-seizure medication
IV dextrose, in the case of low blood sugar
Hospitalization to monitor heart function and neurological conditions

In the case of ingestion of uncooked yeast bread dough, additional treatments may include:

Introducing cold water into the stomach
Induction of vomiting
In extreme cases, surgery to remove the dough Note: induction of vomiting should only be performed by a veterinarian. There is no safe way to induce vomiting at home.

The prognosis with treatment is good. Recovery usually takes 8 to 12 hours. In cases of severe intoxication or with exposure to isopropanol, recovery takes longer. Full return to health is expected within 24 hours. In cases where severe side effects occur, or in cases left untreated, the prognosis is more guarded.

Prevention

Prevention requires that all products that contain alcohol be stored out of reach of cats. Cats should not be fed alcohol nor raw bread dough. Pet medications containing alcohol should be used as instructed on the packaging. Careful disposal of products containing alcohol is recommended.