If your cat will even drink soda you have to consider whether it’s something you should be giving your cat in the first place. Most of us know that it’s not healthy to drink soda, but do so anyway because we enjoy the taste, or as a fizzy treat once in awhile. We know we’re not going to die from drinking soda, but is it toxic for a cat?
The overwhelming answer from owners and vets alike is that you shouldn’t give your cat soda to drink, even if they’re really thirsty and there’s no water available. Accidental ingestion is unlikely because cats tend to steer away from it, but if you’re sure they did drink some you should observe their behavior over the next several hours. This is especially true if it’s a caffeinated cola since caffeine has been known to cause seizures in cats.
If your cat seems to be more lethargic and doesn’t have as much energy as you remember them having, and you think they need a pick me up, giving them a drink with caffeine in it is not the way to go. Instead, consider upgrading their cat food with a brand that has a better formulation of ingredients better suited to their natural diet. You’ll be surprised at how their energy levels increase, and they just look healthier overall.
Can I Give My Cat Soda? Answer: Not Recommended
There’s no pressing reason to give your cat soda, whether it has caffeine in it or not. It’s still going to have large amounts of sugar, unless it’s a diet soda, in which case you wouldn’t want to give it to your cat because of all of the artificial sweeteners. It’s well documented that cutting out the soda in a human diet leads to weight loss in most, and the damage it does to teeth is often the subject of children’s science fair projects.
With all of the research into how unhealthy soda is, there’s little room to justify giving it to your cat, as it will not benefit them in any way, and can lead to potentially serious side effects.
Caffeine Concerns
Cats definitely don’t need caffeine in their diet at all. What do they need to stay awake for? Caffeine is lethal to cats in large enough doses, which should tell you something about whether it belongs in their system in any amount.
Sugar Concerns
The sugar that’s in soda is another big concern, and many cats display an indifference towards sweet foods and drinks. They have blood sugar levels that need to be stabilized, just like we do. You shouldn’t give them soda because it likely contains High Fructose Corn Syrup. This is something that cats definitely wouldn’t be eating if humans weren’t in the picture, because it’s something we invented to add to foods since sugar wasn’t sweet enough. There are plenty of reports that show how bad it is for humans, so imagine how bad it would be for a cat.
Acid Concerns
Many sodas contain citric acid, phosphoric acid, or both in them, and aside from eating away at tooth enamel, these acids also end up in the digestive system, and can cause short term stomach upset and long term problems if given to a cat on a regular basis.
Water Only
A cat only needs water to survive and be healthy. You’re actually working to dehydrate them by giving them anything but water. If you consider a member from the cat family out in the water it’s clear that they would only be drinking water to quench their thirst and for survival. By keeping their water dish full and keeping other beverages away from them, you’re doing your best to help them live as close to nature as possible.
Your cat is relying on you to take care of them and to keep things like soda out of the picture. You’re basically the gatekeeper on what goes into your cat’s mouth, and unless they somehow got into some soda and you’re worried about what’s going to happen, you should put it on the list of things not to give your cat.
Was doing some research because I was drinking my soda (Dr. Pepper) and I was surprised that my cat was sniffing around my face and trying to lick the rim of the bottle. Out of curiosity, I poured a capful (2 liter bottle cap) and my cat started lapping it up… and my cat is extremely finicky as to the types of food or things she will taste and her diet is a healthy one. Although I’m not ignorant enough to continue giving my cat sugar water, I think I’ll give her a bit of seltzer water (no salt) from time to time because I believe she gets a kick out of the carbonation. I read cats can’t taste sweet things so its definitely not the sugar. I’m tickled that there’s something she seems to enjoy that I can give her from time to time.
The same thing happened to me. I was drinking Dr. Pepper and my cat seemed really interested. I unintentionally spilled a couple drops on my kitchen floor and she started drinking it. It wasn’t that much but I’m hoping she’ll be okay.
Sometimes, after finishing a soda from a fast food joint, I pour ice in the water bowl. My cat likes to chew on ice for some reason, and there is always a small amount of soda that comes out with the ice.
My cat was pawing at the bottle laying on my bed and he would keep going to wherever I put the bottle. So, I finally ended up giving him a bit in his bowl to drink. He probably lapped at it for around 45 seconds or so. I wouldn’t think that much would harm him and I stopped him once I found out how bad it is, and then I gave him water. I hope he’ll be okay.
My cat just drank a can a coke and now he shaking rapidly. What should I do?
Take your cat to the veterinarian immediately. If you did already, I hope he’s okay now.